Rare and All-Original French Musical Automaton "Fruit Seller with Surprises" by Vichy

Live Auction

25" (64 cm.) Standing upon velvet-covered base is a black-complexioned paper mache man with brown glass eyes,leather eyelids,fleeced brows,open mouth with two rows of teeth,dark fleeced mohair wig,carton torso and legs with bare feet,defined toes,wire upper arms,paper mache hands,wearing original elaborate silk and brocade costume. He appears to be holding a large woven ormolu-edged tray that contains three paper mache fruit,although the tray is actually attached to the mechanism in his torso. When wound,he turns and nods his head in a realistic manner as though calling out to passers-by,while his eyes blink open and closed. Then,in sequence,each of the fruits opens,revealing,one by one,three surprises:,a paper mache monkey with blinking glass eyes and chattering mouth,bisque girl and boy who dance and twirl about,and a paper mache mouse which runs in circles over and over again. Two tunes play. Condition: generally excellent,music and mechanism function well. Comments: Gustave Vichy,circa 1885. Value Points: an outstanding example of the intricate automaton with 11 different animations and perfectly-preserved original finish and costume,delightful surprises.