SKINNER presents a Gallery Walk

207 with detail
72 additional information and photos at www.skinnerinc.com
207.
“St. Dennistoun Mortuary” Coin-Operated Automaton, attributed
to Leonard Lee, c. 1900, the mahogany cabinet and glazed viewing
area displays a Greek Revival mortuary building with double doors
and grieving mourners out front, when a coin is inserted, doors open
and the room is lighted revealing four morticians and four poor souls
on embalming tables, the morticians move as if busily at work on their
grisly task and mourners standing outside bob their heads as if sobbing
in grief, ht. 30 1/2, wd. 24, dp. 17 1/4 in.
$4,000-6,000
208.
Singing Bird Automaton, probably France, c. 1900, the brass case
with repoussé decoration, single bird with aqua, gray, and black
plumage on a limb with ceramic flowers, clockwork mechanism
activates tail, head, and beak while singing a birdsong, ht. 21 in.
$500-700
208A.
Three German Carved Whistlers, c. 1925, including a “Sailor,” a
“Drunk on a Lamppost,” and an old man, clockwork mechanism and
bellows which move the head while whistling a tune, ht. 18 in.
$500-700
209.
Two Singing Bird Automaton, France, c. 1900, the brass cage with
repoussé decoration in the base and wire cage with two birds in colorful
plumage which when activated by the clockwork mechanism sing and
move heads, tails, and beaks, ht. 20 in.
$600-800
209A.
Three German Carved Whistlers, including two best friends with
hands in pockets, ht. 15; a “Clock Peddler,” ht. 14; and a smartly
dressed gentleman with a bowler hat, ht. 13 1/4 in.; all with clockwork
mechanisms and bellows to provide head motion while whistling a tune.
$300-500
210.
Three Singing Bird Automaton, France, c. 1890-1900, brass cage
mounted on a wooden base with gilded applied carving, three birds in
colorful plumage which when activated by the clockwork mechanism
move tails, heads, and beaks while singing a vigorous birdsong, ht. 22
in.
$1,000-1,500
210A.
Four German Carved Whistlers, c. 1930-50, including a Scottish
bagpiper, ht. 13 1/2, “prosperous” drinker and a lady hobo by Karl
Griesbaum, both ht. 9 1/2, and a “Drunk on a Lamppost,” ht. 18 in.
$500-700
211.
Two Small Bird Automata, Germany, both in brass cages with base
mounted clockwork mechanisms which activate bird motions and
songs, the first, a single bird with yellow and black plumage, the last,
two birds with yellow, red, and black plumage, ht. 11 in.
$600-800