Automata
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PLEASE CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO ENLARGE THEM  

Singerie is a French term which translates to "Monkey Trick". A popular trend among French artists in the early eighteenth century, the term is mostly reserved for a type of decorative painting which includes monkeys – fashionably attired and often acting in human behaviors.
Obviously, the popularity of singerie continued well into the nineteenth century, and was also translated into mechanical art in the example of this amazing automaton, a creation of Jean Marie Phalibois, circa 1880.
Gaze upon this elegant and colorful tableau and one will see – the somewhat shocking at first – scene of two monkeys, a lady and a gentleman wearing expensive, silken finery, enjoying an elegant, open air repast – gaily chatting, eating and drinking. The gentleman seems to be concentrating solely on the drink, while his companion slices away at her entree with the knife she holds in her hand.
Accompanied by beautiful music, two tunes to be exact, the intricate movements include those of the lady monkey who slices her entree, raises the morsel in her fork toward her mouth, while her jaw moves in a chewing (or chatting) motion, her head turns from side to side – at times briskly, and her eyes flutter.
The gentleman monkey lifts the wine bottle in his left hand, turns his head toward it, as if to read the label. In his left hand he holds a goblet which he lifts toward his moving jaw to take a drink, then lowers it back to the table, all the while his eyes blink.
Note also, how beautifully appointed their table is, with its gilded service and delicacies upon dinner plates – even napkins are placed in their laps!
We cannot emphasize the visual impact this extremely rare piece has on one's senses...."seeing is believing".

Please click here to view the "Party Animals" in Action

$48,000.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


"Kitty in the Cream Can"
from
Roullet & Decamps

The Roullet & Decamps firm of Paris, France, made several varieties of automata which feature this basic movement, but could any them be cuter that this Kitten? Wind the key – pull the stop – delicate music begins and before your eyes a furry, glass-eyed kitten rises out of the shiny nickel cream can. Said kitty repeatedly licks "cream" from the side of the can and then – vanishes quickly back down into the can! Rest assured, she'll soon return for even more wonderful cream.
The music is pleasant and the mechanism strong...but then, you can see that for yourself!

Please click here to view the Kitty in Action

Measures: 8" tall, 9 1/2" with the Kitten popped up.

$1895.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This very charming and incredibly artful French automaton features a half-timbered "Moulin" upon a craggy hilltop. Of sculpted papier mache, the rugged landscape is created by a realistic paint finish, with moss, dried flowers and grasses acting as underbrush, but also note the path up to the windmill is accented by a split-rail fence.
When the mechanism is wound and the stop is pulled, music plays, the windmill spins, and two delightful bisque children, with fabulous costumes and wooden legs, dance to their heart's content. In all-original condition, circa 1885, this wonderful and quite rare piece measures 14 1⁄2” tall.

Please click here to see the action

$4800.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An exotic French Pull Toy, in a very grand scale, is this Sheik of Araby riding upon a Camel – probably in search of the next desert oasis. Pull the toy along, and the Sheik turns his head from side to side and waves his staff, probably in order to keep his camel friend on the move. In addition, a bellows-type squeaker emits a very un-camel-like sound!
Features include a handsome Jumeau head with an open mouth and blue glass paperweight eyes, plus he retains his original presentation, including a cape with lovely bullion trimmings. The wonderfully realistic camel features glass eyes and personality, plus!
A fantasy of a pull toy!

Please click here to view the Action

Measures: 25 1/2" tall to top of stick, and 21" long.

SOLD
Thank you, A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
We have offered several "Growlers" from this family of Bulldogs in the past, but this fellow predates them all. He is of molded papier-mache with inset glass eyes, a ruff collar, roller feet and a menacing mouth and bark that is activated with a jerk of his chain leash. English, circa 1890-1900.
Measures: 11" T x 17" L.

SOLD
Thank you, C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


"Girl with Bubble Pipe"
from
Roullet & Decamps

One of the most magical automatons we've handled, must be this "Girl with Bubble Pipe" – a fine piece from Roullet & Decamps, of Paris, France. Wind the mechanism – fill the bowl with bubble soap – pull the stop, and watch the fun begin. As music plays, the child, beautifully dressed in pretty pink, dips her pipe into the soap, raises it toward her open mouth and before your eyes – a bubble grows! Sometimes the bubble floats free, and sometimes not, but this little girl is so enthusiastic, she does not always give it a chance before she dips her pipe again!
Details include a perfect bisque head from the Jumeau firm, with a necessary open-mouth, of course, beautiful blue paperweight eyes, and a darling original curly wig.
A seldom-found automaton in lovely working order.

Please click here to view the Bubble Blower in Action

Measures: 19 1/2" in total height.
Doll stands 14 1/2" tall.

SOLD
Thank you, B.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
German Clown Pull Toy with brilliant color, an original costume and charming movement. His facial paint is fired on and his wig is a riot!
Pull this toy along and he beats his drum and crashes his cymbals. A very nice "shelf piece".
Measures: 13" T. x 8" L.

$1695.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At first glance, this Marotte-child looks a little forlorn – but look closely and you will see the definite smile on her face. And, when you watch her in action, you'll be smiling, too. Details of this extremely rare musical toy include a bisque shoulderhead with pretty painted features, and long bisque arms!
The two-tone silk costume is decorated with bells, silver lace, silver and gold bullion, and features lace accents.
Spin the toy by the carved ivory handle and a tune plays.
One of the most unusual Marottes one will add to their collection!

Please click here to view the marotte spin

Measures: 18" in total height.

SOLD
Thank you, J.

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