This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/26/2024
[AUTOMATON]. French Arcade Automaton Theater. (Ten Vignettes). Circa 1900s. Wood, metal, oil paint, fabric, wiring. 24 x 202 x 8”. This working automaton was probably from an arcade around the turn of the century. The French are revered for this tradition of beautifully constructed kinetic sculptures. There are 10 vignettes each measuring 15 x 13 ¾”. Between each stage set is a faux painted Corinthian column and above are stylized ornaments of a floral nature. There is a wood knob above each scene and below there is a horizontal red velvet curtain. The vignette descriptions follow left to right. Cobbler, sparse shop in background. Firemen pumping water, burning buildings in background. Husband pulling on donkey ears while wife pulls on tail, landscape background. Farmer grabbing pig, farm outbuilding background. Loggers sawing in tandem, forest background. Clown ringing bell, plain background. Carpenters hammering and band-sawing, house interior background. Blacksmith forging and operating bellows, buildings background. Fiddler playing, four figures dancing in open forest background. Townsperson giving dead hare to constable as gift (or bribe!), estate scene background. This automaton has its overall feel and the visuals intact. Tested with mechanics working. Surface dirt overall. Multiple areas of splits in wood, with and without paint loss. Connected and reinforced at the back with structural connections. Cosmetic wear consistent with age. At some point someone refitted each bottom stage edge with twinkly white Christmas tree lights. These are currently not working. Third party shipping required.