Automata
[1] [2]
PLEASE CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO ENLARGE THEM  


We have all seen an assortment of versions of this charming French mechanical from the Roullet & Decamps firm, but we believe this one is especially charming. It is unique as it features a beautifully constructed wooden cart, two dolls, a passenger and an "engine" and both are perfect, and adorable, Simon & Halbig children.
Wind the mechanism, and the young gentleman takes off with his beautifully dressed companion, she with a "stopwatch" in hand, plus a whip if she decides she needs to use it! As he scurries along, she does raise and lower the whip in a threatening manner!
Details include beautiful costumes, including stylish summer hats.
A marvelous mechanical toy that will enhance any doll cabinet, or vignette.`

Measures: 14” tall (overall) x 14” long

$3995.00
SALE PENDING for M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A true rarity is this German Musician who has mastered his accordion. Featuring a perfect bisque head from an unknown maker, features include an open mouth with teeth, and set blue glass eyes. Placed upon a softly stuffed body with carved wood and composition limbs, this fellow retains an all original presentation in good condition.
Repeatedly press the lever on his back while holding his tummy with your thumb, and his arms work his lovely squeeze box with its Dresden paper trimmings, his head lolls around and nods as if he is enjoying his playing and a real musical tune can be heard.
A charmer to be sure – the ladies love him!

Please click here to view the Action

Measures: 15" tall, overall.

$1995.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

SOLD
Thank you, S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A precious Squeaker in all original presentation! This shoulderhead model, most likely a pretty blue-eyed Armand Marseille, wears wonderful clothing and emits a festive squeak when shaken to and fro – now you (or a very large bebe) can be the life of the party!

Please click here to view the Action

Measures: 14-1/4" tall.

$1250.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Here Kitty – Kitty!

In beyond beautiful condition, this adorable key-wind, walking French Kitty by Roullet & Decamps features brilliantly clean fur complete with delicately shaded pink ears, green glass eyes and a cute pink nose of molded composition. When the original metal key is wound, her (or his!) ferocious mouth opens and closes, she sharply meows like a young kitten and....walks! Adorable!
Measures: 9 1⁄2” tall and 20” to end of outstretched tail which bobs on a spring when she is off in search of mice.

Please click here to see the action

$2450.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you know what is most rare about this colorful fellow? Yes, that's right, he wears a molded clown hat that was molded as part of his head! Additional features include a squeaker ( now inoperable) and when you hold the turned wood handle and spin him, a simple tune tinkles as he rotates around on the ball, while the bells he holds in his hands jingle merrily.
A fabulous toy that is in all original condition – a joy to behold.

Measures: 12" tall, overall

$1295.00
PLEASE REMEMBER TO USE OUR CUSTOM LAYAWAY PLANS.
Since we all know time flies, you will have your doll at home in your arms in no time at all!

[1] [2]
Return to Top