232: Snake Basket. Freeport, W.J. Arenholz, ca. 1940

Snake Basket. Freeport, W.J. Arenholz, ca. 1940. A card is chosen, noted and returned to the deck, which is thrown into a woven wicker basket along with an imitation snake. Miraculously, the serpent rises from the basket (lifting its lid in the process) clutching the selected card in its mouth. An intricate if somewhat Rube-Goldberg mechanism drives the snakes action, partially composed of a gramophone motor. Complete with winding crank, cords, brass rods, two snakes (one somewhat faded), and P&L table base on which the mechanical tabletop sits. Good condition. Uncommon.