$32,000
Sold
sold
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Description
15" (38 cm.) excluding trunk. 15"h. including dolls. The paper
mache elephant with hide cover has amber glass eyes,hinged
legs,wooden tusks,accordion-styled trunk,original burgundy velvet
blankets,viewing seats and elephant cap decorated with gold braid
and metallic fringe. A metal-framed double-sided seat is attached
to the back of the elephant,upon which are seated four bisque head
dolls with glass eyes,closed mouths,painted features,block torsos
with wooden limbs,wearing original silk costumes. When wound,the
elephant lumbers forward,his four legs moving realistically,while
periodically he lifts his trunk high into the air and then lowers
it. Condition: generally excellent,mechanism functions well.
Comments: Roullet et Decamps,circa 1890,the model appeared in an
early catalog of the firm as #56,identified as "Elephant
acclimatation",referencing the famous Parisian zoological park
"Jardin d'Acclimation" whose elephants and elephant rides were
popular attractions during the latter 1800s. Value Points: rare
automaton with delightful theme and wonderful actions is
wonderfully-preserved.