$6,750
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sold
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Description
20" (51 cm.) A black wooden plinth displays a
paper-mache bust of a brown-complexioned man with
handsome features,high cheek bones and
well-defined strong throat,brown glass eyes with
articulated leather eyelids,open mouth,wiry black
hair,carton torso,paper mache hands,wearing a fine
silk costume,black derby hat and holding a
four-string banjo. When wound,he turns his head
from side-to-side,blinks his eyes,teasingly sticks
out his tongue just to the tip of his lips,and
peacefully strums the banjo; then as though to
signal a "grand finale",he raises his strumming
hand high in an elegant sweep and sticks out his
full tongue in a saucy manner. Two tunes play and
are synchronized to the finale movement.
Condition: generally excellent,movement and music
function well.Marks: G.V. (initial on key).
Comments: Gustav Vichy,circa 1890,bust automata
were popular salon decoration in Paris at this
time,most often depicting persons of exotic
cultures such as Morocco or Japan. Value Points:
rare automata with delightful actions and
music,superb original patina of complexion.