$34,000
Sold
sold
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Description
27"(70 cm.) automaton. 55"h. with pedestal. Having a paper
mache head with original leather outer layer,rich black
complexion,brown glass eyes,original black fleecy hair,carton
torso and legs,paper mache hands. The handsome man is posed
upon a richly grained fruitwood pedestal with inlay designs and
sculpted rams heads at the corners,and is wearing a rich silk and
velvet Moorish costume,holding a wooden string instrument of
unusual design (identical to that owned by "Mexicain" ,lot #85 of
this catalog). The two-air musical movement and clockwork
mechanism is entirely concealed within its torso with winding
key and stop/start lever at the side. Condition: generally
excellent,mechanism and music function well. Comments:
Roullet et Decamps,Paris,model 4 in the company's catalog,circa
1870. There are two musical airs,and four animations: turning
the head in a circular motion,nodding to salute
"spectators",eyelids blinking and right arm moving to "strum"the
mandolin. Value Points: rare early model with beautifully
appointed costume and accessories,on fine early display
pedestal.