$10,000
Sold
sold
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Description
25" (63 cm). A paper-mache headed man with
ebony black complexion is standing upon a
flat velvet-covered base, a wooden harp
clasped in his metal hands. The man has
glass movable eyes, leather eyelids, painted
lashes, open mouth with row of tiny teeth,
black fleeced hair, swivel neck, carton torso
containing clockwork mechanism, wire arms,
metal hands. When wound he moves his
head in a series of elaborate movements,
blinks his eyelids, and strums the harp by
rolling his fingers across the strings, all the
while music plays. Condition: very good,
mechanism functions well, some wear to
original costume. Comments: Vichy, circa
1870, the automaton was featured in the firm's
catalog as "Harpiste Ethiopienne". Value
Points: rare early automaton, the man with
expressive portrait like features retaining
original finish, original silk satin costume with
metallic passamenterie trim, compelling
movements and music.