Passed
Click image to enlarge
Description
31" (79 cm.) Standing upon a beveled-edge wooden platform is a paper-mache figure depicting a man with rich ebony black complexion,brown glass eyes,articulated eye lids,hinged jaw with painted teeth,black fleecy hair,unusually thick cartonnage body,and carved wooden hands with original ebony complexion to match the face. He is wearing a blue flannel regimental uniform with black shoes and buttoned white spats,matching blue cap,and holding two black drumsticks and a large brass drum that is supported by a neck cord. Movements. Moving his head in a rolling nodding manner,he blinks his eyelids and opens and closes his mouth as though calling marching orders. He drum rolls rat-a-tat-tat with both hands. Maker unknown,probably French,circa 1890. The heavy clockwork mechanism was originally triggered into action by a compression-pad (now absent) that was located in the mid-chest area. Once tapped,the mechanism would start,with the "drumming time" controlled by an iron cam that surrounds the mainspring barrel. The original mechanism,excepting the compression pad,is still intact and operating now by means of winding key. The figure was likely designed as window-attraction piece or as arcade amusement.