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Lot Essay
Possibly intended for the French market.
Details
Mutoscope
International Mutoscope and Biograph Co., London; the cast-iron body finished in gold and brown, with coin-operated hand-cranked mechanism, electric light, two viewing lenses, and Charlie Chaplin reel, the coin-drawer with hinged door cast with IMBC monogram, the sides decorated with cast Art Noveau-style mask surrounded by a scrolling lily design, on a fluted pedestal base with stylised leaf decoration - 135cm. (53in.) high, (extensively restored with replacement parts)
International Mutoscope and Biograph Co., London; the cast-iron body finished in gold and brown, with coin-operated hand-cranked mechanism, electric light, two viewing lenses, and Charlie Chaplin reel, the coin-drawer with hinged door cast with IMBC monogram, the sides decorated with cast Art Noveau-style mask surrounded by a scrolling lily design, on a fluted pedestal base with stylised leaf decoration - 135cm. (53in.) high, (extensively restored with replacement parts)
Literature
Nic Costa (1988), Automatic Pleasures, The History of the Coin Machine, p. 194.
Although the pedestal base is unusual for a mutoscope, Nic Costa illustrates a similar style of base in an 1898 advert for The British Mutoscope & Bioscope Company retailed by The Coin Operating Comapny of Birmingham:
This machine is the latest pattern throughout. It is designed for use in Hotels, Billiard Rooms, Arcades, Exhibitions, Stores, &c; also very suitable for Piers and Promenades, being specially constructed to stand out of doors.
Finished in Ornamental Colours to suit Customer's requirements. As a money Earner, this machine is one of the best on the market.
Although the pedestal base is unusual for a mutoscope, Nic Costa illustrates a similar style of base in an 1898 advert for The British Mutoscope & Bioscope Company retailed by The Coin Operating Comapny of Birmingham:
This machine is the latest pattern throughout. It is designed for use in Hotels, Billiard Rooms, Arcades, Exhibitions, Stores, &c; also very suitable for Piers and Promenades, being specially constructed to stand out of doors.
Finished in Ornamental Colours to suit Customer's requirements. As a money Earner, this machine is one of the best on the market.
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.