Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
Description:
Little Boy in Dunce's Cap Automaton, Gustav Vichy, Paris, France, c. 1900, the brown-eyed child dunce sitting on a bench with his lunch basket, wearing his dunce cap, silk shirt, velvet vest, striped pants and socks, and tattered black shoes, holding a handkerchief in his right hand and a mathematics book in his left, when wound and activated, the single tune begins and the boy nods and moves his head back and forth, swinging his outstretched leg and moving his bisque hand and handkerchief to his mouth as if prompting a sneeze, ht. 19 1/2 in.
Note: For a closely related example, please see Christian Bailly, Automata, The Golden Age, 1848-1914, p. 104.
Estimate $8,000-12,000
Math book is fragile, some wear on clothing, propellers on the sides of his cap are not spinning, movement functions but could use lubrication.
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Gustav Vichy, Christian Bailly, France, ParisJonathan Dowling
Director, Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
508-970-3131
Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
From early timekeeping devices to precision regulators, the Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments department covers centuries of invention and function with trusted appraisals and world-competitive auctions.