$4,700
Early Scene Mecanique Automaton Quartet, probably by Phalibois or Theroude , of four parian-headed musicians, three seated, one standing, playing (from left to right) the triangle, harp, violin and piano, all with painted eyes and molded hair falling in waves from centre partings, the pianist with molded brown hair held in a net by ribbons, in well-preserved original polychrome silk costumes trimmed with tassels, lace and gold Dresden paper, the two men in country tunics, capes and hats, the pianist in a long cape, under floral bower supported by painted brick pillars, on ebonized base with tune-sheet, four-air pull-string cylinder movement and going-barrel movement driving ten pinned wheels with runners and causing the figures to move their heads and hands, under glass dome, ht. 20 1/2 in.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2005-11-03
