A fine dancing lesson automaton by Rzebitschek

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A fine dancing lesson automaton by Rzebitschek
the papier-mâché dancing master in white wig, faun satin tailcoat and yellow breeches, the pianist with bisque bonnet-shoulder-head, moulded black hair and hat with pink lustre feather, in cream skirt and blue silk overdress trimmed with black lace, on wood base with piano painted on all sides with polychrome floral sprays in gilt borders, the key-wind Rzebitschek cylinder movement no. 3621 46759 (bass teeth to the right) with pullstring stop/start playing two airs and causing the dancing master to nod his head, direct the music with a baton in his right hand while tapping his foot, the pianist to move both hands over the keyboard and the Sonnenberg-type papier-mâché child to twirl in a circle - 13in. (33cm) wide, the cylinder 4in. (10cm.), the comb stamped Gustav Rebicek Musikwerk, Fabrik in Prag, circa 1860; with tune sheet, in a later glass case.

Provenance

The collection of the late Grace Thompson.

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

Lot Essay

The movements are driven from a geared shaft attached to the governor wheel, terminating in a star wheel (for the pianist's right hand) and a crank (for her left). The crank simultaneously drives two strips of mahogany in see-saw formation which animate the conductor and the dancing doll. Unlike most 19th Century French automata, the wire linkages for the figures are not attached directly to the movement, making the base removable without damaging the mechanism. The construction is also different from comparable French automata of the same date in that the animation for the figures is powered by the musical movement.

The serial numbers indicate manufacture between 1870-1871.

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