A Black Forest automaton barrel organ,
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A Black Forest automaton barrel organ,

Details
A Black Forest automaton barrel organ,
the 32-note action with five stops, eight-air barrel, rear-mounted crank and six carved, gilt and polychrome painted automaton figures in front compartment with hinged cover, mirror back and sides and embossed gold-paper borders, in walnut and rosewood case with chequer stringing and marquetry inlay of musical trophies, two small simulated organ-pipe panels below automata and brass-bound plinth -- 26½in. (67cm.) wide
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis This lot is subject to Collection and Storage charges

Lot Essay

The figures (with about twenty-two movements, articulated arms, one with moving eyes and three with moving eyes and jaws) comprise a king drinking from a bottle and glass, a female saint with a bird emerging from a basket, a housewife berating (or removing a tooth from) her kneeling husband, a woman operating a water-pump and another collecting donations. In apparently original condition, several small parts (including the pump lever) are missing, and the organ will require overhaul.

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