Standing upon a velvet-covered base is a bisque-head man with portrait like regal and serene expression, pleasing pale complexion, brown glass paperweight eyes, closed mouth, brunette human hair, carton torso and legs, metal hands. He stands aside a wooden harp with gracefully carved frame and gold leaf trim. The man is wearing an elaborate costume of patterned short pants, rose silk vest with matching capelet each trimmed with gold soutache and gold and red balls, aqua shirt with black velvet trim, matching aqua silk cap with feathered detail, a long ruffled-edge cape, and wonderful knee-high laced leather bots. The doll is marked Depose Tete Jumeau Bte SGDG 10.
Movements: He moves his head in a series of complicated and very realistic nods and turns as though in tune with the actual music. His hands, independently of each other, move up and down the strings. Music plays.
Historical References: The automaton, named Pfifferari, appeared as number 191, in the early Roullet catalog. It was priced in the luxury class at 125 francs. The portrait face, very detailed costume and accessory pieces, and its large size were further indications of its upscale status and its rarity. This automaton was exhibited at Bagatelle in Paris, in 1993. Circa 1895.