In response to Angela Frucci's 'brief' history of automata query,
I would sum it up as man's never-ceasing fascination of life, including
the imitation and/or re-creation of same.

Very early on it was thought to be an evil art or witchery for which
the accused could be put to death.  As time passed, eventually the
science and art of mechanisms enjoyed a wider, yet still magical,
understanding and thus appreciation by those that could afford such
extreme luxuries.  I would recommend that you search out these titles
for a more detailed history of Automata:

 - Automata, by A. Chapuis & E. Droz (Editions du Griffon, 1958)

 - Automata & Mechanical Toys, by Mary Hillier (Jupiter Books, 1976)

 - The Wonderland of Music Boxes & Automata, (Les Editions Cochet, 1989)

 - Automata, The Golden Age, 1848-1914, by C. Bailly (Sotheby's
   Publications, 1987)

For the most part, coin-operated orchestrions, nickelodeons and
animated arcade machines enjoyed the popular period of the 20th
century, whereas the classic French automata makers enjoyed their
strongest popularity during the latter half of the 19th century.

As one returns to the 18th century you will find that automata and
horological automata were the domain of relatively few expert
watchmaker-technicians who created sometimes quite complicated pieces
for either private collectors and  patrons of the arts or for their own
use as income producing, traveling public displays.

Once you get into the 17th century, these were most literally the
rarest of the rare mechanical music instruments and automata, nearly all
having been made by craftsman and artists who were before their time.
If not appreciated or understood these talented mechanicians returned
to a more common trade of the day, but the few who were noticed and
supported by the aristocracy made some truly amazing instruments for
their day

A handful of 17th century instruments and automata are still extant
in the world.  One such instrument, an Augsburg compound musical
automaton clock, dating from about 1620, is currently going through
the de-accession process and will be sold at public auction come mid
June, here in New York City.

It was made by the combined efforts of Veit Llangenbucher and Samuel
Bidderman, and consists of not only a timepiece within, but also five
dancing automata figures atop, and it features the rendering of late
period renaissance music provided by a set of open flute pipes as well
as an exquisite quill plucked virginal within its ebony cabinet.  Wow!

We were lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to closely
investigate this particular instrument some nine years ago while in
its previous museum collection and again just two weeks past for minor
adjustment, condition reporting and photographic documentation.

Sad to say, instruments as historically important as this is to our
field of mechanical music are not widely appreciated, glitzy or fancy,
and we will likely watch this unique instrument leave our shores for
another more appreciative land.  In the end, that may actually be of
greater benefit to the instrument itself, as long as it is allowed to
play periodically and tell its life story.

We should all grow to be 380+ years of age, still being able and willing
to musically give the same performance, note for note, that was rendered
at the time of manufacture!  Now that's lasting power -- without paper,
floppy disk or CD's.

As to restorer's for future generations of museum displays and
collectors: having been brought-up within this specialized field
of interest, we've constantly seen a wide range of international
specialist restorers within the field.  Some stay, the best usually
do; many do not advertise or promote themselves because they don't
have to.  Those in need will normally take some time, and ask and
search out the best for the work required.

I am not well into the coin-op arcade field, but I would presume it's
somewhat the same there as well.  You will not likely open your local
telephone directory and see a listing for nickelodeon or arcade
machine restorers, but if you join a few of the specialized collectors
organizations such as MBSI, MBSGB, AMICA, AAIMM and start receiving
their in-house publications, a whole new world of mechanical music will
start to reveal itself to you.

Sorry for rambling on, but best of luck in your research for the
article.  Please be sure to post a copy when completed.

Regards,

Jere Ryder
Jere & Steve Ryder - AutaMusique, Ltd.
(Mechanical Music Specialists)
Summit, NJ. 07901   USA