Passed
Description
40" (102 cm.) h. x 28"w. x 17"d. A box-shaped wooden case with painted and stencilled designs has double front door designed to pop open when the center "target" pin is struck; a fold-down door at the bottom gives access to the mechanical and musical works. Inside,is a fanciful scene with painted walls and curtains centered by a large seated Polichinelle with violin surrounded by three dancing couples (six dolls). Polichinelle has well-sculpted paper-mache head with blue glass eyes,articulated eyelids,artfully painted features,mohair periwig,carton torso and legs,paper-mache hands,and is wearing superb silk costume,striped stockings,upturned-toe slippers,and lavish bicorn hat. The dolls have bisque heads with glass eyes,closed mouth,mohair wigs,original silk costumes. Movements and Music. When the metal bullseye target on the door is struck,the doors release simultaneously,rather like the opening of a stage curtain,and the action begins. Polichinelle both nods and turns his head side-to-side,blinks both eyelids,and plays his violin with bow arm moving both up-and-down and to-and-fro in a most realistic manner. The couples twirl about as though dancing. The interior clockwork motor,of heavy iron and brass construct with main drive shaft carrying a large wooden pulley (which animates all the dancers as well as music) and six wooden cams that control all of Polichinelle's movements,is wound at the front. Music plays.Maker unknown,circa 1885. the animated "surprise" display,possibly early traveling carnival amusement is very rare,especially as it retains original painted decorations,inside and out,and imaginative presentation of figures.