Very Rare Early Carved Wooden Mechanical Harlequin

Live Auction

14" x 11" box. 16" figure (40 cm). A wooden box with rich velvet cover, gilded ormulu edging and brass handles hinges open to reveal an interior with carved wooden harlequin that is attached by the box edge. The harlequin has amber brown enamel inset eyes, painted black half-mask that extends to the lips, black carved and painted hair, paint-smudged beard, carton body, flat- metal rod arms, iron hands and feet, and wears original silk costume with lace collar and cap. When activated the doll should "perform", in a series of tumbling and head turning actions. Condition: box and figure excellent, the operation of the mechanical system is unknown and may not be complete. Comments: early 19th century. Value Points: rare automaton with superb carving and preserved costume.