There are 4773 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribeAn Italian sterling silver model of a sailing boat - stamped 'Italy 925', with moving rudder, anchor on chain and separate blue flock covered stand, the boat 10cm high, weight 42g; together with a Napoleonic bone prisoner of war model Spinning Jenny automaton, 10.5cm high (losses, requiring restoration). (2)
A clockwork Automaton singing bird in a cage, late 19th or early 20th Century, square section wirework cage with a black and white plumed bird perched on a foliage entwined branch, green velvet base, raised on a gilt gesso plinth floral decorative mouldings and acanthus border base, on peg feet, 48cm high, 25cm wide, 25cm deep, (key)Provenance: From the collection of Anne Parsons, Countess of Rosse, (nee Messel, of Nymans, Sussex, previously Armstrong-Jones) 1902-1992, mother of Lord Snowdon and mother-in-law to HRH Princess Margaret, late resident of Womersley Hall estate, Yorkshire
A late 19thC Tete Jumeau musical automaton, possibly designed by Leopold Lambert, modelled as a boy standing wearing black velvet breaches and jacket with lace trim, and a cloak trimmed with lace around the collar, and a tricorn hat, playing a guitar, raised on a rectangular base, with wooden stand and glass dome, with key, doll 45cm high, dome 43cm high.
A COMMEMORATIVE AUTOMATON WATCH FOR THE BATTLE OF THE NILE, 1801the gilt brass verge movement signed John Marley, Chatham and numbered '1897', 1¾in. dial inscribed NELSONS VICTORY with polychrome depiction of a naval battle scene with Bequire Castle to the left, with oval aperture for viewing a rotating parade of three ships-of-the-line, contained within a silver pair case with London hallmarks for 1801 and in full working order -- 2in. (5cm.) diameter; together with associated key
A Bontems style clockwork singing bird automaton 20th century, French,the chirping feathered bird modelled with articulated head and tails, set among naturalistic metal foliage in a domed wirework birdcage with hanging loop27cm highCondition Reportevidence of dust and oxidization. The clockwork action works, with both birds moving and a 'song bird' sound emitting. Please see video on our Instagram @swordershomesandinteriors
Reuge Music - a vintage mid century Swiss 1960s automaton music box clown toy. The music box depicting a Pierrot clown juggling on a blue & red stage, painted moon and star deco behind. Reuge Music maker's mark to verso with Reuge label Tarara Boom de Ay. Sold as untested, not currently in working order.Measures approx. 15.5cm tall.
A fine quality 19th century Swiss tortoiseshell bird automaton, gold and silver marquetry inlaid top, with hinged opening compartment at the back, 10cm x 6.5cmDamage to the hinge on the opening compartment on the back of the box, 2 chips on the tortoiseshell underside 1 of which is still present, bird operates but no sound
An 18th century and later carved oak cased longcase clock, the twelve inch arched silvered dial with an automaton ship, inscribed Royal George, signed William Draper, Maldon, having an eight day movement striking on a bell. According to the family this clock once belonged to the family of Edward Bright (1721-1750) the so called Fat Man of Maldon, who at the time of his death is said to have weighed over forty seven stone, making him the fattest person in England at the time. He is still remembered in the town of Maldon by a sculpture, which captures the moment nine men fitted into his jacket, following a wager in 1751 at the Kings Head Inn in Maldon high street.Although we have no written provenance, the information is provided by the family of the estate of a well known historian and author. He owned the clock and purchased it sometime in the circa 1970's.
A French Musical Automaton, Late 19th Century, in the form of a white rabbit emerging from a cabbage or lettuce, 7ins high, and key for samePlease note this automaton has not been tested for functionality. Key is present. The foliage surrounding the rabbit is slightly worn/discoloured in places. The rabbit has slight loss of fur notably around the nose, the mechanism does not appear to be fully functioning when tested.
A Continental Bird in a Cage Automaton, Early 20th Century, with domed brass wirework cage and musical mechanism to base, 11ins highThe cage and birds - these appear to be in good general condition with no obvious damage/loss/restoration. When wound both birds appear to sing with beaks and tails moving, however only the red bird's head rotates.
A 14ct Gold Swiss Full Hunting Cased Quarter Repeating Automaton Pocket Watch, Serial Number 32026, 58mm diameter 14ct gold case engraved with monogram HAR, with 14ct gold dust cover, enamelled dial with animated automaton knight figures which strike the hour and the quarter, subsidiary seconds dial, the mechanism is covered by a later (in our opinion) acrylic clear cover, total gross weight 136.3g, in fitted wooden box for sameThe item presents in good overall condition showing only slight rub marks to the exterior, which should easily buff out. There are no obvious signs of any dents apart from one extremely small dent at the 9 o'clock position to the rear case, the case itself is inscribed with what appears to be H I W, the acrylic crystal is free from any serious scratches or chips or damage. The dial's guilloche panels are intact with no obvious sign of damage or previous repair, likewise the gilded figures are in good condition. The internal dust cover is heavily inscribed with details from the manufacturer and states 'spiral Breguet double platteau' and 28 rubies, the serial number is 37076. There is a clear acrylic cover inside the dust cover, protecting the movement which is clean and bright, shows no obvious sign of any damage or repair. The watch winds, runs, sets and chimes but should be regarded as untested. The case closes evenly and crisply. Prospective buyers are advised to study all condition report images carefully prior to bidding as this forms part of the condition report. The case may or may not be original but the watch does fit and the case closes and the latch functions correctly.
A Continental Silver and Silver Gilt Enamel "Singing Bird" Automaton Box, Late 19th/Early 20th Century possibly by Karl Griesbaum, case stamped 925 and EB, underside with trademark of bird perched on mound with letters KG on either side, the movement with feathered bird, lid applied with two winged cherubs, the case engraved with leaf scroll and engine turned ornament on bracket feet, 4.75ins x 3.5ins x 2ins highWhen wound and played the lid opens and the bird appears, rotates, flaps its wings (although this does not appear to be to maximum position), the bird also chirps, possibly one bellow is not fully functioning and so sound is diminished
Three wooden walking sticks. Comprising one topped with an automaton modelled as a couple exchanging a kiss, L137cm, a turned mahogany example featuring a snake, the handle mounted with a white metal star, L108cm and one having a handle carved as a monkey seated beneath a tree, white metal collar and twist stem, L103.5cm
A Tete Jumeau bisque head automaton doll, c.1880, brown glass fixed eyes, closed mouth, pierced ears, bisque lower arms, composition body stood on metal base, back of head with blue and red Jumeau markings, 18 1/4" tall including stand, musical mechanism with arm and head movement enacting drinking tea together with a miniature china tea cup (Est. plus 24% buyer's premium inc. VAT)Condition Report: Generally good, mechanism appears to be in working order. No visible damage to head.
A Fine Gilt Metal and Enamel 'Singing Bird' Automaton Musical Box attributed to Karl Griesbaum A Fine Gilt Metal and Enamel 'Singing Bird' Automaton Musical Box attributed to Karl Griesbaum, circa early-mid 20th century, the sides and cover decorated with figures in bucolic garden setting and picturesque landscapes, the push-action revealing the bird and pierced gilt grille, stamped EB within oval and Metal to base.10.3cm wide, 6.6cm deep, 4.5cm highNot currently functional, push-action opens cover and reveals bird but without other motion or sound, mechanism will require attention; enamel is good, some minute indents around the screws and some natural light surface pitting but no other issues, no dents to note, frame good other than slight tarnish.
A twentieth-century silver-colour plated metal bird automaton musical box, of shaped rectangular form, the body decorated with fancy birds and foliate scrolls, the hinged cover opens to reveal a moving, flapping and singing bird, with internal clockwork mechanism, the underside marked, 'EB' 'METALL', length 9.6cm approx
SUNLEY; a vintage automaton singing bird in cage, on musical stand, with factory sticker to underside, height 24cm, two Stuart Akroyd art glass perfume bottles, one of oval form with flat bottom, with pink blue and green swirl to the inside, with stopper, 17 x 21cm, the other with frosted and dot pattern to the widest end, with amethyst-coloured interior drop, length 31cm, and an Ensign Midget pocket camera (4).Condition Report: Automaton not working.
Clown Automaton. A clown band automaton comprising a large drum, HxD 122x151cm, with a brass barley twist pole supporting a sunshade. The clowns stand atop the drum and move as the music plays. Overall height is approx. 365cm and the clowns are approx.100cm tall. It is in damaged condition with some loose and broken clown feet and in need of reassembly.the rotating mechanism is electric , appears incomplete although simple it will require a full overhaul
The Gallery Gus Honeybun Gus Honeybun an original automaton puppet with internal mechanism together with some original clothing , mounted photographs, birthday cards, a collection.Gus is 35cm high This model aired on TV and we believe the pneumatic mechanicals are original but no longer functioning. Gus is very presentable from the front. From behind there is some loose fur. The clothing is generally in good clean condition.witj appropriate care and engineering skills he could be returned to working order.
Outside Aliens Two fibreglass and painted automaton alien figures H100 cmboth untested and disconnected from mains, one alien has his back pack detatched , each holds a gun one had damage to plastic orange ring the other lacks the gun barrelboth will require some paintwork and upgrading but they are quite impressive looking figures
AN INCOMPLETE FRENCH SILVERED AND GILT BRASS NOVELTY AUTOMATON WINDMILL TIMEPIECE ATTRIBUTED TO ANDRE ROMAIN GUILMET, LATE 19th CENTURYThe eight-day single train circular timepiece movement with platform cylinder escapement regulated by monometallic balance vertically planted on the backplate next to stamped serial number 2693, the 2.25 inch circular silvered brass Roman numeral dial with recessed gilt centre behind hinged bevel-glazed bezel, positioned beneath a BAROMETRE ANEROIDE with conforming gilt centre and silvered scale calibrated in millimetres of mercury and with the usual observations in French set behind conforming bevelled glass incorporating a recording pointer, the case modelled as a windmill tower with the slightly flared cylindrical upright rendered with bonded blocks and applied FAHRENHEIT opposing CENTIGRADE and REAUMUR thermometer scales to the sides, the circular plinth base with foliate pierced brass gallery over hinged miniature door enclosing the winding square for the spring-driven windmill sail automata movement contained within flanked by dummy windows, with moulded brass skirt set on a circular black marble plinth, (sail assembly and one thermometer tube lacking, automaton pully system incomplete).The tower 41cm (16.25ins) high, 47cm (18.5ins) high overall, 17cm (6.75ins) diameter at the base. Andre Romain Guilmet was born on the 10th of December 1827 in La Ferte-Gaucher, France. He was a credited as a watchmaker and inventor who specialised in producing novelty and mystery clocks for which he applied for a number of patents for designs. Amongst his other Patents was that for a bicycle where the driving chain was set below the seat. He is best known for his 'mysterieuse' figural clock with glass pendulum, this takes the form of a woman holding pendulum in her outstretched hand and arm over a marble base containing the clock below. The pendulum is impulsed by the mechanism underneath her that moves the figure imperceptibly from side to side (see following lot). Guilmet's industrial series of clocks, which includes the current lot, features automated clocks in the form of windmills, lighthouses, automobiles, boats, steam hammers, boilers, etc.; another 'windmill' automaton timepiece from this series is illustrated in Roberts, Derek Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks figure 22-28.
AN IMPRESSIVE GEORGE III GILT METAL MOUNTED MUSICAL AUTOMATON CENTRE SECONDS CALENDAR TABLE CLOCK UNSIGNED, LONDON, CIRCA 1790The substantial six pillar triple fusee bell-striking movement with plates measuring 8.75 by 7.25 inches and verge escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum incorporating unusual vertical rack slide regulation to suspension, the musical train playing a choice of six tunes on eleven bells with eleven hammers, via a 3.5 inch long 2.5 inch diameter pinned cylinder transversely positioned to the upper left of the backplate, every three hours after the sounding of the hour bell, the backplate engraved with a delicate arrangement of symmetrical rococo scrollwork around a central small basket of flowers within a scribed-line outer border, the 8 inch arched dial with circular fired white enamel Roman numeral chapter disc with Arabic five minutes beyond the outer minute track, with pierced brass hands and blued steel arrow sweep centre-seconds hand set within a moulded bezel surround, the spandrel areas with four fired enamel subsidiary dials, FASTER/SLOWER opposing selection for six tunes HORNPIPE/SANDY OF THE LEE/HELEN MACHREE/ROBIN GRAY/MINUET/HORNPIPE to the upper quadrants, over date-of-the-month opposing STRIKE/SILENT to the lower, within polychrome floral spray decorated verdigris painted infill, beneath arch composed with a realistically painted pair of red-brick townhouses flanking an aperture revealing ten parading figures modelled as actors, musicians and acrobats passing back and forth in front of three panels of glass spinning rod 'waterfall' automata, incorporating curved niche profile to the central bay of the backdrop and set within naturalistic leafy surrounds, the apex of the arch also bordered with painted representation of gathered drapery, the gilt brass mounted ebonised case with large fire-gilt figural surmount cast and chased as Mars wearing a feather-plumed helmet, armour and a cape, stood with the three-headed Cerberus on an oval plinth flanked by two further smaller figures of Classical maidens, over repeating leaf draped capping to the bell-top superstructure applied with rams-head adorned martial trophy decorated festoon mounts and lions masks at the angles to the concave sections, raised over a repeating rosette decorated gilt brass diamond lattice sound fret frieze flanked by further figural finials cast as Mars opposing a king applied to the corners above the ogee over concave top mouldings, the opening front with leaf cast fillet moulding bordering the glazed dial aperture surmounted by mask-centred husk swag decoration and applied with a generous martial trophy mount to lower rail, flanked by lions masks issuing further pendant husks and martial trophy motifs over stags head mounts to the canted angles, the sides with generous hinged carrying handles over rosette decorated gilt diamond lattice pierced arched sound frets and martial trophy mounts to lower margins, the rear matching the front, on cavetto moulded skirt base with generous acanthus scroll cast and chased supports.88cm (34.5ins) high, 35.5cm (14ins) wide, 28cm (11ins) deep. Although unsigned, the present lot does exhibit strong similarities with examples from the workshop of Francis Perigal who is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as gaining his freedom of the Clockmakers' Company on 1781, serving as Master in 1806 and dying 1824. Most notable amongst these features are the layout of the music work (transverse barrel set to the upper left of the backplate), use of fired enamel (both for the chapter disc and the subsidiaries), provision of sweep centre seconds set between the hour and minutes hands, and extensive use of glass-rod 'waterfall' automaton. Indeed, all of these elements can be seen in an example by Perigal sold at Christies, King Street, London sale of Magnificent Clocks 15th September 2004 (lot 16). The 'vine engraving' on the backplate can be also be closely compared to that on a table clock by George Margetts illustrated in Dzik, Sunny ENGRAVING ON ENGLISH TABLE CLOCKS, Art on a Canvas of Brass 1660-1800 on page 371 (Figure 20.4). Amongst the tunes is 'Auld Robin Gray' which is a Scottish ballad written by Lady Anne Lindsay in 1772; 'Sandy o'er the Lee' is also noted as 'Mr Baird's Favourite Reel' in Niel Gow's A Second Collection of Strathspey Reels of 1788. The extensive use of Martial motifs within the mounts of the present clock would suggest that it was originally supplied to a client with strong military connections; possibly for a regimental institutional or perhaps a wealthy member of the military class. Condition Report: CONDITION REPORT AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE DEPARTMENTCondition Report Disclaimer
A FRENCH OXIDISED AND GILT BRASS NOVELTY AUTOMATON WINDMILL TIMEPIECE ATTRIBUTED TO ANDRE ROMAIN GUILMET, LATE 19th CENTURYThe eight-day single train circular timepiece movement with platform cylinder escapement regulated by monometallic balance vertically planted on the backplate next to stamped serial number 1776, the 2.25 inch circular silvered brass Roman numeral dial with recessed gilt centre and blued steel hands set behind hinged bevel-glazed bezel, positioned beneath an aneroid barometer with conforming gilt centre and silvered scale calibrated in barometric inches and with the usual observations set behind conforming bevelled glass incorporating a recording pointer, the case modelled as a windmill tower with conical roof over arrangement of four revolving sails powered by a spring-barrel driven movement positioned within the base of the structure, the slightly flared cylindrical upright rendered with bonded blocks and applied with mercury tube FAHRENHEIT opposing incomplete CENTIGRADE and REAUMUR scale thermometers to the sides, the circular plinth base with foliate pierced brass gallery over hinged miniature door enclosing the winding square for the windmill sail movement flanked by dummy windows, with moulded brass skirt set on a circular black marble plinth, (one thermometer tube lacking).The tower 41cm (16.25ins) high, 47cm (18.5ins) high overall, 17cm (6.75ins) diameter at the base. Andre Romain Guilmet was born on the 10th of December 1827 in La Ferte-Gaucher, France. He was a credited as a watchmaker and inventor who specialised in producing novelty and mystery clocks for which he applied for a number of patents for designs. Amongst his other Patents was that for a bicycle where the driving chain was set below the seat. He is best known for his 'mysterieuse' figural clock with glass pendulum, this takes the form of a woman holding pendulum in her outstretched hand and arm over a marble base containing the clock below. The pendulum is impulsed by the mechanism underneath her that moves the figure imperceptibly from side to side (see following lot). Guilmet's industrial series of clocks, which includes the current lot, features automated clocks in the form of windmills, lighthouses, automobiles, boats, steam hammers, boilers, etc.; another 'windmill' automaton timepiece from this series is illustrated in Roberts, Derek Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks figure 22-28. Condition Report: The timepiece movement is in relatively clean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or replacements. The windmill-sail motor is also in working condition however both this and the timepiece movement would probably benefit from a gentle clean/service. We have been unable to 'bag test' the barometer as one of the screws that hold it in place will not withdraw when turned hence cannot be easily removed form the case. However the reading appears not to have moved whilst it has been with us and reading is on the low side - hence we suspect that the aneroid chamber is compromised and will need calibration at the very least. The right-hand thermometer tube is intact and filled with mercury; the left hand is missing. The case is lacking its finial and there is some bending/delamination to the structure of the sails. The marble plinth has a few slight edge chips otherwise the case is in sound unrestored condition but with historic rubbing and heavy oxidation to the finish throughout.Timepiece has two winding keys. Condition Report Disclaimer
German 'singing bird' automaton, perhaps by Karl Greisbaum, with tortoiseshell effect celluloid case, brass lid which opens to reveal the singing bird automaton with coloured plumage, moving perch, wings and beak all set on a pierced brass stage, hinged back for key storage (key missing), 10x6cm.Condition report:The mechanism appears to be working, and the bird sings, although no guarantees are given
An early 19th century mahogany long case clock with ship automaton. The painted arch dial inscribed William Clark, Lowestoft, Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds dial and date aperture, painted spandrals and oval aperture with moving galleon undersail. 8 day mechanism striking to a bell. Back plate to the mechanism engraved 'OWEN'. (A/F). H207cm x W49cm x D25cm. Condition Report: Lots of damage to the case, several bits still present, with key (for mechanism) and pendulm (broken at the end) present. A crack in the glass top right hand corner of the hood. Veneer is lifting on the plinth. No weights. Please see photos for more details
AN EARLY 20TH CENTURY GERMAN SILVER SINGING BIRD BOX probably by Karl Griesbaum, crescent and halberd mark and 800, the hinged oval lid decorated with scrolling mask decoration, opening to reveal a feathered singing bird automaton, with a bird-shaped release, the casket form body cast with images of pairs of birds, masks and dolphins amongst scrollwork, supported by four outswept caryatid feet, the base with an image of a bird amongst scrollwork, 10 x 6.5 x 5.5cm Condition Report:"The lid does not sit flush and is askew - the openwork grille to the right is also not flush to the rim. There is a strange film over some of the openwork (both sections around the bird and below) I am unsure what this is. It does not appear to affect performance. It could be some type of glue as you can pierce through it. The bird is mostly intact, a few sections are more sparse / eyes a bit fuzzy. Areas of tarnish like the front and lid etcYou can view the bird's song via the Youtube link in the description"
Two Late 19th Century German Simon & Halbig bisque headed automaton clockwork wind-up swimming dolls, one with head and other headless example, with blue fixed eyes and painted facial features, all articulated limbs freely moving, with wooden bodies and clockwork mechanism, both within light blue and frilly outfit
An 18th Century Dutch long case clock, the eight day movement with sun and moon phase, the silvered chapter ring with Roman and Arabic numerals enclosing a subsidiary second's dial, day and month apertures and moon phase, date dial, over an automaton as a sailing ship in choppy seas, the silvered border inscribed "Johann Van Geulen Rotterdam", housed in a later walnut and marquetry inlaid case decorated with birds and vases of blossoming flowers, 46 cm wide x 23.5 cm deep x approx 235 cm high CONDITION REPORTS The case is walnut with marquetry inlay. Probably 19th Century with 20th Century repairs/embellishments. The movement appears to have some elements of 18th Century construction but again with some later repair and possibly alterations. The bell appears slightly newer. Cogs and bars may, in some cases, be later. The arched dial itself appears to have age. The maker's name of Johann Van Geulen of Rotterdam is quite clear but no records can be found of this maker. It may be that he was a retailer or that the inscription should be Van Ceulen, a known maker. There are many signs of wear and tear conducive with age and use throughout both the dial, movement and case. There is a particularly large vertical crack to the base of the trunk, some horizontal splits along the grain either side of the top of the door. The hinges appear to have been over opened, broken and repaired at some point. Various other signs of cracking to the veneers throughout. Door lock is certainly later - see images for further detail
Shop Display - A vintage cobblers shop window display automaton called Norman, probably made by J.H. Animations but there is no label visible to confirm this. He is in need of some repairs with a detached hand. Measures approximately 78 x 46 x 38 cm, untested. (This does not constitute a guarantee) [ba]
A fine Swiss singing bird automaton music box by Reuge Music - No. 390, the rectangular burr thuya wood box with an oval gilt metal flip-up cover, revealing a small singing and dancing bird on a filigree gilt metal grille, with moving wings, wagging tail and opening and closing beak, the signed, gilt brass base with folding winding handle, 11.8 x 7.25 x 4.3cm, in the original black and gilt lettered faux-leather box with outer card box and instruction leaflet.
A Vintage late 20th century possibly German brass caged singing bird automaton, with key wind mechanical movement, two birds within cage amongst foliage and when tested at time both sing and tails move, overall approx. 25.5cm high. Further details: working at time of cataloguing; some loss to feathers on birds with glue visible; wear commensurate with usage.
Four mid 19th century wooden Hussar bandsmen, painted red, white and blue uniforms with white fur trim to jackets, large shako with white plume, two brass instruments, a triangle and a drum major mace, arms jointed and operated by wires through legs, a similar clapping clown with articulated jaw and two columns —6 ½in. (16.5cm.) height of soldier (one hand and mace replaced), possibly from an automaton clock or small organ
A mid 19th century Perry & Co’s jigging Automaton Dancers to restore, with two composition head dancers, jointed wooden body, black paper covered wooden box with keywind mechanism, the inside lid of the box with white paper label for ‘Perry & Co’s Patent Automaton Dancers. Sold by Dealers in Fancy Gods. Wholesale 37, Red Lion Square, & 3 Cheapdside, London’ and Direction label to inside box —10in. (25.5cm.) high (mechanism loose and inoperative, wear to box, missing key)
Loading...
