Standing upon a tall wooden platform is a handsome black man with bisque head, leaning against a paper mache tree stump, a moss-covered wall at his back. The man has glass inset eyes, ebony complexion, very fine sculpting of facial features, carton torso and legs in a stylized pose, one arm resting on the tree stump and holding a cigarette and holder to his lips. The movement features 4 wooden cams, one of which is blank and has never had a profile. The automaton is unsigned and has never had music.
Movements: He lifts his arm towards his head, leans toward the cigarette, and inhales. Then he leans back, and the smoke exhales from his mouth, traveling along the rubber tube smoking system.
Historical References: The automaton is undocumented, and may be from Phalibois as the wooden cams were typically used by that firm. Although the shape of the base suggests there once was a glass dome top, it seems unlikely as this would not allow the smoking action to be instigated. The facial model is attributed to Leon Casimir Bru, identical to documented models by that firm; see The Bru Book by Theimer and Theriault, page 46. The various mysteries surrounding this interesting and aesthetically pleasing automaton suggest its original custom production to serve a particular client's needs. The use of the Bru bisque head is especially intriguing. Circa 1890.