$8,610
Tableau Automaton of a French Village, 19th/early 20th century, the lower scene depicting a double track canal with models of paddleboats, sailboats, cargo ships, and a water mill, above the molded rock formation lies a street scene with horse-drawn carriages, covered wagons, citizens of the village, and a clock tower with a Roman numeral dial and time and strike mechanism, a four-car passenger train with tender rides into a tunnel, all on individual belt-driven tracks that run on five different clockwork mechanisms, housed in a giltwood and glazed case, inside case stamped Chapeau , ht. 34 x wd. 55 x dp. 16 1/2 in. Overall restoration needed. All mechanisms present but need adjustment, as well as belts, and drive strings/cables. Train mechanism needs key. Tower clock has time and strike mechanism that needs cleaning and adjusting, paper-mache people, boats, trains, wagons, ect. need some re-glueing/repair. At present time the street scene belt is running. Gilt frame needs restoration.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2012-12-01
