Rare and All-Original Mechanical "Lady in Velocipede Carriage"

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9" (23 cm.) Seated in a three-wheeled wicker carriage is a bisque-head lady with blue glass paperweight eyes, painted lashes, brushstroked brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth, blonde mohair wig over pate, carton torso and legs, wire upper arms, bisque forearms, wearing original rose silk and lace dress with matching bonnet. Comments: the rare mechanical auto toy was inspired by the "velocipede carriage" popular during the 1880s era, an off-shoot of the bicycle craze. When wound, the carriage moves briskly forward and in circles, while the woman appears to toot the horn she holds in her left hand. Value Points: very rare early mechanical auto toy in well-preserved condition.