A wooden framed box with colorfully lithographed decorative papers including the theatre curtain, is shaped to appear as a toy theatre, with open stage at the upper half. The back wall of the stage has early wallpaper and "framed" engraving, and posed upon the stage are three wooden dancing dolls, attached by means of a very narrow metal rod to the stage floor; included is Pierrot and two ladies in cloth skirts. When the side handle is turned, the three dolls dance briskly about, and music plays.
Historical References: The early manivelle with music and dancing dolls reflects the French 19th century interest in toy theatres that grew to a crescendo by the end of the century. However, few of the theatres were made with mechanical devices, this one having all wooden works visible from the underside, and a small brass comb music box that works in conjunction with the dancing performance. Circa 1840.