11-03-200511-03-2005
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBolton MA
2314
November 3, 2005 10:00 AMCalender
329

Roullet et Decamps Automaton of a Girl Throwing Kisses

Sell one like this
 
Auction: Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments - 2314Location: BoltonDate / Time: November 03, 2005 10:00AM

Description:

Roullet et Decamps Automaton of a Girl Throwing Kisses, circa 1910, with bisque head impressed S.F.B.J. Paris, 24, France, open mouth, fixed blue glass eyes with painted lower lashes and mohair upper lashes, pierced ears with earrings and original blonde mohair wig, the left arm holding a fur muff, the right arm articulated at the elbow and shoulder, on velvet-covered base with going-barrel movement playing one air and causing the figure to turn her head, move her hands apart, slowly raise her right arm to throw kisses (in two simultaneous movements),then return her hand to the muff and shrug her shoulders repeatedly, in the original fur-edged velvet winter coat, matching hat and high side-buttoned white kid boots, ht. 25 in., with Decamps stop/start and crank-key.

Note: Although a later production model from Decamps, the automaton has an unusually long cycle of movements driven by a going-barrel (rather than open-spring) motor. The shrugging movement is effective and unusual, particularly on a piece of this size.
Estimate $4,000-6,000

Keywords

France, bisque head , S.F.B.J. Paris