Automata: Life & Other Illusions

Lot #42:

Clown Magician Automaton.

Clown Magician Automaton. Switzerland: Michel Bertrand, ca. 1993. The magician stands behind his green velvet-draped table, a wand in one hand, and a large red cone in the other. As the mechanism operates, the cone is lifted and lowered by the clown, and as a concealed music box plays, the objects on the table change six times. The clown also nods his head, opens his mouth, and blinks his eyes. On a fabric-draped wooden base concealing an eight cam clockwork mechanism. Key wound. Composition head and eyes, with finely finished costume in yellow, red, and black fabrics framing a white shirt. Height 38”. Inspired by a Vichy design. Very good. Built to the order of Jerry and Bunny Steinbaum, and inspired by the Vichy/Triboulet automaton titled “Clown aux boules Mysterieuses” Michel Bertrand is acknowledged as the successor to the famous firms of Vichy/Triboulet/JAF, and incorporated many original Vichy parts in his automata.

Bidding Current Bidding Minimum Bid: $10,000.00 Final prices include buyers premium: $11,400.00 Estimate: $20,000.00 - $30,000.00 Number Bids: 7
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