This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/25/2023
DEDRICK, Zadoc P. CDV of the Steam Man or Rickshaw Man. Newark, NJ: Bedford’s Park Gallery, ca. 1868. CDV photograph of the American inventor’s “steam man,” an early human-like robot designed to pull a cart. This profile view depicts the complicated mechanics that powered the automaton. Original studio mount, lower left corner clipped. 4 x 2 ½”. Dedrick patented his invention – a proto-robot in many ways – in 1868. The Steam Man was attached to a carriage and could be steered by the operator from behind; the articulated legs were powered by a boiler system mounted to the back of the figure and were used to power the machine. The Newark Advertiser reported on the invention on January 23, 1868: “In order to prevent the “giant” from frightening horses by its wonderful appearance Mr. Dedrick intends to clothe it and give it as nearly as possible a likeness to the rest of humanity. The boiler, and such parts as are necessarily heated, will be encased in felt and woolen undergarments. Pantaloons, coat and vest, of the latest styles, are provided. Whenever the fire needs coaling, which is every two or three hours, the driver stops the machine, descends from his seat, unbuttons “Daniel’s” vest, opens a door, shovels in the fuel, buttons up the vest and drives on.”