This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2020
The Turk and the Bell. Flein: Rüdiger Deutsch, ca. 2000. Hand-carved wooden automaton figure representing a Turkish man in traditional garb, with a bell in one hand and a striker in the other. In response to the performer, the figure looks about, nods his head, and rings the bell in answer to questions, or to reveal numbers, the identities of cards, or other information. Finely finished in bright colors. Height 20”. Piston operated. Good working condition. The only model made by Deutsch.Modeled on a nineteenth century false automaton held in a museum in the Dutch city of Haarlem, this diminutive figure can interact with the audience and magician as if sentient. With the cooperation of museum curators, Deutsch produced a faithful recreation of what is truly a rare and unusual object.