$4,000
Sold
sold
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Description
11"(28 cm.) x 8"base,11"h. A wooden platform is richly decorated with lithographed papers of
faux-wood with decoupage decorations and colorful flower design,with painted red border.
Arranged on the platform are two carved wooden performing seals with well-painted
bodies,hinged flappers,loosely attached hats,each posed with a musical instrument. Standing
between them is the ringleader having a rare bisque head with black sculpted hair,beard and
moustache,and holding a baton in his hand. When handwound with porcelain tipped knob,the
ringleader turns side to side and waves his baton,the seals play the violin or pluck the harp
while their hats amusingly twirl about on their head. Condition: generally excellent.
Comments: attributed to Zinner and Sohne,circa 1880. Value Points: very rare early mechanical
toy with wonderful scene and activities,rare sculpted hat bisque man,perfectly preserved.