Mechanical Music Digest Gallery |
You Are Not Logged In | Login/Get New Account |
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles. |
MMD Gallery Auctions Chartres0612 0612En |
France - Chartres - Galerie de Chartres
Important auction
Ca 250 lots : Many fine automatas by Gaston Decamps (a cambodgian female dancer),
Me Jean-Pierre Lelièvre - Pascal Maiche - Alain Paris
IMPORTANT : The auction will take place as usual in the
old gothic "Chapel",
- VIEWING : Friday December 1st : 15 to 17 h and 20 h30 to 22
h
- ADMINISTRATION, ENQUIRIES AND CATALOGUES
Technical consultant for mechanical music instruments :
* Do not dial the first (0) if you are outside France. IMPORTANT NOTICES : Estimates are given in Euros. The price mentioned in the estimates is the price expected at the hammer, in Euros. For the buyer, add a total premium of 15 % (taxes included) on the hammer price. Next specialized auction : May 2007. Entries till end of March 2007. If you are interested in dolls, there is a large specialized auction (and a special catalogue in French) on Saturday December 2d, with several hundred lots. This English translation is given only for the convenience of English speaking clients, and tries to be as reliable as possible. Nevertheless, only the French text of the catalogue (with the occasional corrections given during the auction) is conclusive. (Please read the general conditions of the auction on the back of the cover of the French catalogue). If you have any doubts or questions about an item, please ask the auction house before the auction. A reference is sometimes made to the following book : Q. D. Bowers "Encyclopaedia of Automatic Musical Instruments", (Vestal Press, USA, 1972, and many subsequent reprints). Chartres is a beautiful old city, about 1 hour from Paris with a car or by train. You may visit one of the finest XIIIth century cathedrals in France, with wonderful deep blue stained glass windows ("le bleu de Chartres"). It has been for centuries a well known pilgrimage. For any information or to get a printed catalog (only in French), just write or fax to the above mentioned address, or send an e-mail to : chartres@galeriedechartres.com This catalogue is also visible at the following web address :
Nº 601: Bowers, Encyclopaedia of mechanical music instruments.
1972-73.
In excellent condition. With a stamp of the MMM in Copenhagen, and a written
dedication from the author. It is the "Bible" in our field.
Nº 602: A very fine and rare 1888 calendar, with barrel
organ player and a couple of young performers on stilts. 25 x 20 cm. Fine
coloured chromo print with gold underlining. Excellent condition.
Nº 603: Two old coloured prints about barrel organs Glass
protected, one by Granville
Nº 604: 6 old postcards related to barrel organs Photo type
(including la joueuse des Petits métiers Parisiens) or artist interpretations,
very good condition.
Nº 605: Two small plastic notebooks with ca 60 small old
chromo prints on the barrel organ. Excellent condition.
Nº 606: Three old prints about barrel organs Two framed
prints (one about the 1892 competition in Paris), and a 1892 song "la Joie
triste" (Xanrof-Yvette Guilbert).
Nº 607: Two illustrated old journals about the barrel organ
"The heirdom of a barrel organ player" (in Londres, Petit Parisien 12 février
1899). Very good condition. We add the famous "Bal des Alpins" (Petit journal
24 octobre 1897).
Nº 608: 6 humoristic old postcards related to barrel organs
or phonograph. Chicken, angels, cats, and ... "Le concert classique de
Monte Carlo". In very good condition.
Nº 609: A set of the Journal "Perforons la musique" 1992-1999.
We add various archives (Collectionneur Français, documents on phonographs
...).
Nº 610: A musical tile (one tune), Longwy faïence decoration
of birds
Nº 611: An alarm clock with a singing bird In a gilt metal
case imitating marble, incorporating a small cage with a bird inside. Width
19 cm, Height 11 cm. German, mid XXth c. Good general condition, but needs
attention (bellows).
Nº 612: A 2 tunes musical photo album Beige leather
imitating crocodile skin. Ca 1900. Good condition.
Nº 613: A small manivelle musical box, featuring a barrel organ.
Wooden rectangular case with strap. Transfer decoration (some wear). 2
good tunes with tune sheet. Ca 1900.
Nº 614: A 6 tunes musical box Simple case with transfer
decoration (some wear) 37 cm. Under the case, a round label : "Marque de
fabrique AM Paris". 9 cm nickel plated cylinder, with tune indicator. Needs
cleaning and straightening of the handle, otherwise good playing condition
and good sound. Ca 1900.
Nº 615: An excellent small 4 Christmas tunes musical box,
playing "Minuit Chrétien, Adeste Fideles, Venez Divin Messie, Gloria
in Excelsis", according to the tune sheet with initials JC (probably John
Cuendet). Simple case with mother of pearl escutcheon, length 13,5 cm.
Very good 7 cm cylinder movement, keywound under the case. Beginning of
the XXth c. Excellent presentation and playing condition.
Nº 616: A 4 tunes Thorens musical box Simple box 17 cm.
End of XXth c. Excellent condition.
Nº 617: A musical alarm clock with top. Henri II sculpture
style (ca 1900), in working order, two tunes. H 34 cm
Nº 618: A 2 tunes musical tile with flowers. Beginning of
the XXth c. Good condition.
Nº 619: A fine small brass musical alarm clock The base
houses a musical movement. Total height : 9 cm. First half of the XXth
c. Good condition.
Nº 620: A musical tile Depicting ships. 2 tunes. Needs attention.
Nº 621: Ariston, a 24 keys organette Black case, 40 cm.
Ca 1900, with 15 discs. Good general condition (some wear, needs attention).
Nº 622: Baker Troll, Geneva, A small 3 tunes mandoline musical
box Boxwood case with escutcheon on top. 15 x 9 x 6.5 cm. Fine handwritten
tune sheet (Faust, Martha). 7,3 cm cylinder. Fine playing and musicality
(a few dampers noises). Good condition. Ca 1900.
Nº 623: A good 6 tunes musical box Case with decoration
of boxwood stringing and flower inlay on the lid 51 x 21 x 16 cm. Partly
red inside. Lever wound (No 192, also inscribed under the box). 27 cm comb
(103 teeth). Piccolo effect on 4 tunes. Good condition. Ca 1875.
Very fine playing, notation and sound.
Nº 624: A fine small 6 tunes musical box Boxwood case with
inlay stringing decoration, slightly domed lid, 18 x 10 x 6 cm. Handwritten
tune sheet (Mme Angot, Faust, La Somnambule, etc.). 9 cm cylinder.
Fine condition, good playing, notation and sound. Ca 1870/80.
Nº 625: Thibouville, a 24 keys organette Black case 53 cm.
Ca 1900. It works correctly (excepted one blocked reed). Bellows remade.
With 4 amateur made books (Notation René Lemaire).
Nº 626: A fine serinette 28 cm walnut case (small accidents).
C shaped handle. 8 tunes, with handwritten tune sheet : En passant par
la Syrie, Bataille de Solférino, etc.. 10 metal pipes. 3d quarter
of the XIXth c. Bellows remade, but needs further attention. Otherwise
good general condition.
Nº 627: A fine Dumont et Clément 19 keys, 3 stops parlour
cylinder organ Fine walnut piece of furniture with half columns decoration.
59 x 97 x 41 cm (a split filled on the lid). Fine C shaped handle. Fine
program inscribed on a fine handwritten tune sheet for nine 44 cm cylinders
(No 4 missing). 6 are " à vis sans fin" and 3 "à crans",
in their cases. Label "Dumont et Clément à Mirecourt Dep.
des Vosges", and another label : "Pillet Bersonville Saumur". Metal pipes,
excepted two wooden bass pipes under. 1st half of the XIXth c. Good restorations
(bellows included). Excellent presentation and rare playing condition.
Nº 628: Stella, A good table musical box for 44 cm flat discs
Fair varnished wooden case, with inlay of flowers 72 x 55 x 30 cm. A drawer
under the movement houses 15 pinless flat discs (V. Bowers p 118). Two
opposite combs (3 visible teeth are replaced). End of the XIXth c. Excellent
condition of presentation, playing and sound.
Nº 629: A fine and original 15 keys 3 stops well painted perroquette
Case with reclining lid 52 x 27 x 38 cm, decorated with fine popular allegoric
paintings (flowers, doves, a lute player). 3 stops of metal pipes
(2 open, and one stopped). 40 cm 12 tunes cylinder. 2d half of the XIXth
c. Complete, bellows remade, but restoration needs to be completed. With
two other cylinders in a modern case.
Nº 630: A good keywind 8 tunes musical box Probably by l'Epée,
ca 1855/60. Simple case with boxwood stringing decoration. 52 x 18 x 15
cm. 3 stops and flap on the left side. Reseller label "Jean" Rennes. Fine
handwritten tune sheet with No 11304 (also on the bedplate). 33 cm cylinder.
1 broken tooth. Good playing and sound, but turns too slowly (governor
needs adjusting).
Nº 631: Polyphon, a good wall musical box with 40 cm discs,
without motor Fine 111 cm case with top. 2 opposite combs. Lacking
back panel and motor. With 12 discs. End of XIXth c.
Nº 632: A fine musical clock picture with repetition and angelus.
Gilt frame 91x74 cm. Landscape with a church, a river, many characters.
Square bedplate movements. On the hour, the clock starts the various mechanisms.
6 tunes musical movement, on a 27 cm cylinder, with Wurtel label. Ca 1870/80.
Good sound. Very good general condition.
Nº 633: "At the Barber's shop" A very fine and amusing musical
picture clock, with good animation of three silhouetted monkeys in a hairdresser's
shop. Beautiful sculpted and gilt frame 75x58 cm. Clockwork : a small round
"Paris" movement with striking on a bell. A clockwork label and the tune
sheet of the 6 tunes of the musical movement are inscribed Wurtel Piefort.
Valse, polka, etc. by Boeldieu, Rossini, etc. 26 cm cylinder. Fine musical
movement apparently complete and in good condition, with independent start,
but blocked (a winding problem). Another round clockwork movement for the
6 movements of the automata. Ca 1860/70.
Nº 634: A very fine miniature grand piano as a small organ
Epoque Napoléon III (3d quarter of the XIXth c), by the famous organ
maker Alexandre. Magnificent upholstery with inlay of flowers on a rosewood
background. With bronze ornamentation. Scale of 2 and 1/2 octaves, 3 stops
: Hautbois, Flûtes, Celeste. The internal bellows is set in
motion through the brass lyre. In a beautiful carrying case, the feet may
be unscrewed. Sheathed inside. A revision of the bellows and the mechanism
is necessary. H. 32 cm, 65x63 cm.
Nº 635: "An acrobat", A fine toy using quicksilver. Mid
XIXth c. (L. 12 cm) in its original case, featuring a stairs (L. 26 cm).
In very good condition.
Nº 636: A bisque head attributed to Jumeau Closed mouth,
straight neck, taille 1, for an automaton or a mechanical toy. H. 6 cm.
Nº 637: Germany, a "bass player bear" A musical and manivelle
automaton. 3 movements. Fine original condition. End of the XIXth c. Height
27 cm - 20x14 cm.
Nº 638: "An animated harbour under a glass dome" A three-masted
ship pitches along a fortified wall, on top of which a soldier walks. The
wheel of a mill turns. A regiment walks on a wall. A clock in the tower.
Fine condition of conservation, pulling mechanism with 2 tunes musical
movement (with label), and pulleys (blocked). Painted globe, blackened
wood base. Ca 1860/70. Height 58 cm - Width 48 cm.
Nº 639: BONTEMS A fine cage with two singing birds On a
square gilt wooden base. The two birds sing and answer each other. Movements
of the head, the beak and the tail. Fine condition, good singing. Height
51 cm.
Nº 640: ROULLET DECAMPS "A bear as a sentry" A little scene with two characters : a soldier shows its head by pushing the roof of its sentry box. The seated bear rises up while turning its head towards the soldier who is afraid and turns his head aside, shows his tongue and disappear under the roof of the sentry box. The bear comes down to its four legs, turns its head and opens its mouth. The musical movement plays a military music tune. In very good working condition. This automaton comes from the collection of the Atelier Decamps. Some
attention is needed : soldier's cam, decoration of the base, some screws
and the pulling system, some patina, flowers, the bear needs a new skin.
Mechanical musical automaton R.D. N° 159 from the catalogue of Jean
Roullet ca 1880. Height 47 cm - Width 40 x 28 cm
Nº 641: Gustave VICHY "Japanese shoulders" This Japanese
character smokes its pipe with his right hand and drinks his tea with his
left hand (the missing cup is replaced by a big blue jewel). Fine plaster
and cardboard head, rich original costume, movements of the head, the eyelids,
the mouth and the two arms (some movements need adjustment). Japanese decorated
lacquer base. 2 tunes musical movement, ref. 488 of the catalogue
of the Maison Vichy. End of the XIXth c. Inscribed with a plate from the
"Magasin des enfants Passage de l'Opéra". Height 61 cm.
Nº 642: Gaston DECAMPS "A Cambodgian female dancer" A magnificent
automaton, beautifully sculpted by Gaston Decamps with the same inspiration
and quality of exoticism than for the "charmeuse de serpent" (The snake
charmer). Only two copies of this automaton are known to-day. This
one is coin operated, with a perfect condition of conservation. Very rich
costume. The female dancer lowers slightly her head and her shoulders,
with gracious movements of her hands and her eyelids. Mechanical movement
with 2 tunes music. An adjustment of some movements may be advisable. Ca
1900/1910. Height 95 cm - Base 40 x 40 cm.
Nº 643: Gustave VICHY "A clown playing with a diabolo game"
This rare and beautiful automaton is a good example of the genius of the
French automata makers at the end of the XIXth c., to which is added the
spirit of feast and circus. Exceptionally well sculptured head in staff
and cardboard, which has kept its original colour (a few bumps and chips).
An ingenious mechanism rotates the body so that the arms may play the diabolo.
Thin composition hands (some usual chips), movements of the eyes which
follow the diabolo (missing), original clothes. The whole is as found.
With musical movement. Pulling cord missing. End of the XIXth c. Height
94 cm - 25x27 cm.
Nº 644: Alexandre THEROUDE. A rare and fine "conjurer with thimbles"
Under a canopy with wooden columns imitating marble, this conjurer stands
behind his table where he makes appear or disappear successively dice,
dolls, balls ... (16 tricks). Fine wooden sculpted head with movements
of the eyes, the mouth and the head. In front of him stands a table on
which various conjurer's artifacts are displayed : playing cards rotate
on their stand, and some air is blown in a cone to allow a ball to move.
Fine original magician's clothing. The red velvet of the canopy was changed.
Rosewood base. Height 68 cm. 40,5x40,5 cm.
Nº 645: LAMBERT "A Baby selling strawberries". This automaton
is displayed under the No 29 in the catalogue of the Maison Lambert.
Jumeau head, taille 4 closed mouth, stamped in red, blue paperweight eyes.
The young lady holds in front of her a basket of strawberries. After two
movements of the head, she lifts the lid and makes appear a small dancing
doll. A movement of the right hand offers a strawberry to the passer by.
Original silk and green satin clothes (some usual wear). One tune musical
movement. Key "LB", original wig, bisque hands (one is repaired). Height
49 cm.
Nº 646: LAMBERT " A young Russian woman offering drinks"
Fine closed mouth bisque Jumeau head, blue paperweight eyes, bisque hands.
Four movements. Fine clothes (restorations). Red velvet base with musical
movement. Ca 1880. Height 50 cm.
Nº 647: A musical "Marotte" Bone handle incorporating a
whistle, narrow waist, German bisque shoulders and head, open mouth, fixed
blue eyes. Old style clothes, composition hands. 30 cm
Nº 648: A musical "Marotte" German bisque head, black glass
eyes, ivory handle, original silk clothes. 32 cm
Nº 649: Allemagne, "A barrel organ player" A rare fitting
to a damp machine, in lithographed flat iron, depicting a man turning the
handle of a street organ, with a small music. Rare in this condition. H.
13 cm.
Nº 650: A fine musical metal toy depicting a cathedral.
Transfer decoration. 10 x 17 x 16 cm. By turning a handle, a few long seraphic
chords are played on reeds. Beginning of the XXth c. Good condition.
Nº 651: A rare and fine metal German toy featuring a barrel
piano or organ player with a monkey. The instrument on two wheels.
Height 22 cm. Fine transfer decoration. The spring motor makes the whole
toy run forward, moves the arms of the player, while the monkey rotates
and goes up and down. Beginning of the XXth c. Fine condition (some small
wear).
Nº 652: A fine musical picture clock in a gilt sculpted
frame 102x87 cm. Fine painting 80x65 cm depicting a castle with a park,
a river, characters. Some old restorations. Good clockwork movement (square
bedplate, later pendulum) striking the hours and half hours on gongs, and
starting the small 2 tunes snuffbox like movement. Mid XIXth c. Needs cleaning
and adjusting. Good condition.
Nº 653: A very fine musical dressing case on stand Precious
rosewood case, art deco style, on an elegant and thin four legs base. Total
height : 83 cm, the case : 35x30 cm. By opening the lid, a drawer appears
and a good 3 tunes music starts. With a lateral slide. Many scent bottles
and luxurious dressing accessories (only one tweezers missing). 1st half
of the XXth c.
Nº 654: Henriot à Genève. A good keywind 8 tunes
musical box. Simple revarnished case, with flap on the left 49 x 17
x 14 cm. Brass bedplate stamped with the name of the maker, and No 14677.
31 cm, 8 airs cylinder. Very good condition (one tooth well repaired. Instant
stop lever lacking. Ca 1860. Fine playing, notation and sound.
Nº 655: Gasparini, a good 52 keys "orgue orchestre", using books
of music Fine restored and partly repainted front with 5 old sculpted
characters (2 men and 2 women ; the conductor may come from another organ).
Paintings of flowers, horses and horns. Long 253 cm (of which two removable
drum elements of 61 cm each), Height 1,75 Depth ca 80 cm. 160 pipes in
5 or 6 stops, bass drum, snare drum, cymbals. An electric motor (unverified).
A large lot of books. Beginning of the XXth c. In very good condition,
because regularly maintained and restored recently by a good specialist.
Nº 656: A fine and rare musical clock featuring a hurdy gurdy
player Clock signed "C. Detouche" in gilt cheap bronze, with hour striking
on a bell which starts the music in the wooden oval base, decorated with
inlay 51x22 cm. Good 3 tunes musical movement, on 15 cm cylinder, winding
and commands on the side of the base. The base and the musical movement
date from mid XIXth c., and the clock from the last third of the XIXth
c. Under added glass dome (crack). Total height : ca 50 cm. Very
good presentation, playing and sound condition. A very decorative clock
indeed.
Nº 657: A fine carillon standing clock. Case in sculpted
oak depicting several characters (of which an angel) in the style of Liège
(Belgium). Total height : 2,67 m. Base 55 x 30 cm. 48 cm embossed and gilt
brass dial, with indication of the hours, minutes and calendar. Typical
from the tradition of the Black Forest weight driven movement. Carillon
with a wooden 22 cm cylinder, playing 6 tunes on 11 bells. Ca 1900. Good
general condition.
Nº 658: Alibert, a fine snuffbox type 2 tunes movement, in an
oval clock base with boxwood stringing decoration 40 x 19 x 7 cm. Two
external stops, and pull winding. Under the base are labels from : "Maison
Ponchon Godbillon Hornung Successeur, Reims". On the bedplate are stamped
: "12479" and "CMM". The handwritten name Alibert appears on the governor's
cock. Some levers allowed the clock (missing) to start the mechanism. 6,4
cm cylinder playing on 71 teeth grouped by 5 (13x5 + 1x6). Excellent playing
and sound, piccolo effect. Ca 1840.
Nº 659: A nice small mandoline 4 tunes musical box Boxwood
case with inlay stringing decoration, slightly domed lid, 15 x 9 x 6 cm.
Handwritten tune sheet (Martha, Bellini, Trovatore ...). 9 cm cylinder,
very fine and thin notation, partly mandoline effect. Good condition (some
damper noises). End of the XIXth c.
Nº 660: Billon-Haller, a very fine 7 cylinders interchangeable
musical box Boxwood veneered box with boxwood stringing decoration.
Bronze handles. 72 x 44 x 34 cm. The base houses six four tunes 28 cm cylinders,
added to the cylinder ready to play inside the box. Coloured but empty
tune sheet, the names of the tunes being written on each cylinder. Lever
wound, double spring barrel, zither, starting operation original to this
maker with a screw knob, speed regulation, tune changing at will. End of
the XIXth c. 3 replaced teeth. Fine playing, good sound, excellent general
condition. See description of a similar box by Ord-Hume, in "The Musical
Box" 1995, p 162 and passim.
Nº 661: G. Quetron, a 31 keys busker organ, on a 4 wheel cart.
Dimensions of the organ : width : 80 cm (122 with the shelves to put the
books), Height 110, depth 45 cm. The front is sculpted and painted, with
25 stopped pipes (on two ranks) and 6 bass pipes under the organ. Ca 1980.
Good general working condition and presentation. With ca 80 recent or modern
books of music.
Nº 662: A large coin operated cabinet shaped French barrel piano
Front nicely decorated with stringing, flowers and an (added ?) tapestry.
133 x 193 x 66 cm. Top lacking. 10 tunes tune sheet with the mention "Armand
Nallino". Metal frame. 39 piano keys, 8 tubular bells keys, and bass drum,
snare drum, cymbal, woodblock, jingle bells. 105 cm cylinder, with very
small splits. Restorations. Good presentation and working condition.
Nº 663: Poirot à Mirecourt. An important mahogany parlour
organ, with 15 brass trumpets, three ranks of metal pipes and 15 wooden
pipes, plus 2 bass pipes under the case. 50 keys, 3 stops, with a brass
plate on the keyframe stamped "D. Poirot Paris" with notation inscribed.
With three good "vis sans fin" cylinders Long 88 cm of which 68 cm for
the notation. Drum accessories missing. In original condition, needs overhauling.
H 1,30m - Width 87 - Depht 56 cm.
Nº 664: Regina, a large table musical box for 52,5 cm (20-3/4
inches) discs, Oak case with domed and openworked lid (for the sound)
73 x 60 x 35 cm. 2 opposite combs. End of the XIXth c. In good presentation
and working condition. With 12 discs.
Nº 665: Ch. Ullmann, A good 6 tunes musical box Simple case
with boxwood stringing and transfer decoration (some wear) 37 cm. Ullmann
medal inside "Qualité Excelsior Sonorité extra puissante
Harmonie". Fine tune sheet. Lever wound. 9 cm nickel plated cylinder with
tune indicator. Very good condition and sound. End of the XIXth c.
Nº 666: A good Swiss 6 tunes musical box, rosewood
style wooden case. With original tune sheet. N° 7029. 21 cm cylinder.
Zither. (45 x 20 cm).
Nº 667: Gustave VICHY "A farmer and his pig" With the "Snake
charmer", this famous automaton was the highlight of the Jacques Courtois
collection. The one presented here is exceptional for its fine original
condition (excepted some usual dust and chips to the lower lip of the farmer).
The farmer gives his pig a piece of bread to eat. The pig seems to refuse,
the farmer shrugs its shoulders, with movements of his head, his lip and
his eyelids, movements of the right arm holding the bread, of the right
foot tapping on the chair, and of the head and the tongue of the pig. Five
cams mechanism with musical movement. End of the XIXth c. Height 80 cm.
Nº 668: ROULLET DECAMPS "A cake-walk dancer" A young black
man is taking some rest, slightly leaning on a coconut tree, with his legs
slightly folded. When he starts dancing, he raises each leg in turn, tapping
the ground alternatively with his toes and with his heel, in a tap dance
movement. At the same time, his body swings laterally on the right and
on the left, and with his two arms he marks the rhythm of his dance by
raising and lowering a cane in his right hand and a piece of cake with
his left hand. Smiling head, yet more smiling when he opens his mouth and
blinks with his eyelids. Mechanism inside the body. Eight movements, which
is rare in a musical mechanical automaton. Costume remade with old fabrics.
The tree was partly remade. Beginning of the XXth c. Height 85 cm.
Nº 669: Alexandre THEROUDE "A mandolin player" Exceptional
pressed bisque character head with straight neck, blue paperweight eyes,
painted metal hands. Mechanism inside the body, two movements of the head
and the right arm, rich silk original clothes. "Napoleon the IIId" period
(3d quarter of XIXth c). Height 58 cm.
Nº 670: Gustave VICHY A fine "violin player" with mechanism
inside the body, fine pressed bisque head attributed to Barrois, painted
metal hands. Fine clothes partly remade, not original violin, fine movements.
End of the XIXth c. Height 53 cm.
Nº 671: ROULLET DECAMPS "a clown sitting on a picture frame"
A very rare musical automaton : the clown is seated on the sculptured wooden
frame, plays his mandoline, turns and bows his head. Thanks to strips of
paper gliding on each other, the picture shows in succession three different
pictures. Such an extremely delicate realization is unique in the history
of making of automatas. Bisque head and hands, head Simon & Halbig
n° 6 moule 1300, dark chestnut eyes, open mouth. Ca 1890. This automaton
was in the special collection of the ateliers Decamps and has been completely
overhauled (screws, pullings). The costume was remade based on documents
of the period about silks and laces. N° 357 of the catalogue
ca 1890. The rarity of this item and its perfect working condition make
it a real collector's piece. Height 85 cm - Base 31x21 cm.
Nº 672: ROULLET DECAMPS "a drinking Chinese" A musical mechanical
automaton. The standing character pours real liquid (tea ?) from his metal
teapot into a thimble, then acts as if he were drinking by throwing back
his head. He lowers then his two arms, looks at his thimble, and do the
same game again. Movement of the mouth when he drinks, lowers and raises
his eyelids. The very typical head is very well sculpted. Period decoration
of his head and his hands, period cap and pigtail, costume remade with
old satin and natural silk, wooden base covered with period velvet. Height
62 cm - Ca 1885/1890. Head and body are similar to those in N° 330
of the catalogue.
Nº 673: LAMBERT "The little girl and her toys" She is seated
on the ground, and holds in her right hand the whip for its top, and shows
a toy with her left hand, while she taps the time with her right foot.
Movements of the head and the eyes, German bisque head "Simon & Halbig
1039", bisque hands, remade clothes and wig, Jumeau period shoes. Base
with a one tune musical movement "Mlle Nitouche", label Lambert and key
"L.B.". Ca 1900. Height 38 cm - 33 x 33 cm.
Nº 674: LAMBERT "A smart lady in front of her dressing table"
An automaton with German bisque head Simon & Halbig moule 1300, original
wig, two movements of her head and of each arm, one holds a mirror, the
other her powder puff. Restored clothes, two tunes musical movement. Ca
1900. Height 53 cm - 32 x 22 cm.
Nº 675: ROULLET DECAMPS "A smart lady in front of her mirror"
An automaton with a closed mouth Jumeau head stamped in red taille 4, blue
paperweight eyes, bisque arms and hands (some fingers of the right hand
missing), period rose silk clothes (some wear), two movements of the head
and each arm. Base with one tune musical movement. Height 50 cm.
Nº 676: Gaston DECAMPS. "A couple of Spanish performers"
A Spanish lady shakes her tambourine with her right arm and turns her head.
Open mouth Jumeau head n° 1, enameled black eyes, fine Andalusian costume.
And a Spanish man plays his mandoline with his right arm, and turns his
head. Open mouth Jumeau head N° 1, blue enamelled eyes, Spanish costume
in the style of Figaro or the XVIIIth c. Fine mandoline with a long varnished
wooden neck. For these two automata : Ca 1920 (the open mouth heads are
older), bases covered with more recent pale yellow velvet, clothes restored
or remade. in very good working condition. Roullet Decamps keys.
Height 38 cm - Base 21x21 cm.
Nº 677: LAMBERT "A baby with a bird-cage" A charming automaton
with four usual movements : two for the head, one for each arm. The right
hand offers cherries to the bird in a cage hold by the left hand. This
item is rare, with a smiling character molded bisque Jumeau head, moule
"203" overstamped in red "Déposé Tête Jumeau Bvté
SGDG Paris 4", original (?) composition hands. Fine silk clothes. Base
with a musical movement. Key "L B". N° 40 of the catalogue
of the Maison Lambert. End of the XIXth c. Height 50 cm.
Nº 678: LAMBERT "A Russian tea servant" A classical closed
mouth Jumeau head automaton, blue paperweight eyes, bisque hands, four
movements. Entirely original (excepted the wig), with dust and usual wear
to the clothes. Key "L.B", One tune musical movement playing the "Marche
lorraine". Height 50 cm.
Nº 679: Gaston DECAMPS "A cat as a cook" An electrical automaton
of a life size cat seated in front of a large chestnut type frying pan.
It mimics the tossing of the pan it holds with its two front paws, and
wagging its head. Covered with natural red rabbit fur with a white cap
and a cook's apron, on a wooden board. In very good working condition.
Ca 1950. Height 36 cm.
Nº 680: DECAMPS "A clown with a bottle" A rare small automaton
with a staff-made head, movement inside the body. He stands in equilibrium
on one foot and rocks his body maintaining the bottle on his other foot.
Movement of the right hand which plucks a mandoline. Composition hands,
clothes remade. Ca 1930. Height 41 cm.
Nº 681: DECAMPS "A small trotting along pig" with cries
and movement of its head, glass eyes. Very realistic appearance and movement,
covered with tainted skin. Rose dye made more vivid according to the original
processing. L. 30 cm.
Nº 682: ROULLET DECAMPS "A smart lady with a fan" A charming
automaton with red silk original clothes, closed mouth Jumeau head taille
2, blue paperweight eyes, bisque hands (a chip to a finger), two movements
: her right arm, and her head. As found, needs cleaning, noisy motor. Base
with a musical movement. Height 43 cm.
Nº 683: DECAMPS "A child coming out of a rose" It rotates
on himself, hides inside the rose and comes out again, and so on on 360°.
With a musical movement. (Restoration to the bisque Steiner head, with
accident to the closed mouth, restored hands). Height 27 cm.
Nº 684: DECAMPS "A young girl with soap bubbles" She holds
a bowl in front of her, and draws some liquid with her right hand, and
then blows causing bubbles to appear. German open mouth bisque head, composition
hands. Original underwear, replaced clothes and wig. Red base with musical
movement. Beginning of the XXth c. Height 50 cm.
Nº 685: DECAMPS "A walking elephant" A fine item with original
silk harnessing. L. 38 cm.
Nº 686: DECAMPS " A peacock" A rare item. Unhappily, only
the movement of the rotating tail is working. Head mechanism needs attention,
and the walking legs mechanism has been blocked. Height 28 cm - Width 64
cm - Base 16 cm.
Nº 687: DECAMPS "The female dancer" She rotates, with movements
of her arms which holds a garland of flowers, and swinging of a leg. On
a base with musical movement. Clothes and the velvet of the base have been
restored. Bisque open mouth and arms. End of XIXth c. (later head). Height
43 cm.
Nº 688: ROULLET DECAMPS "A boy jumping on a stick" Fine
German bisque head, blue and white silk sailor clothes, fine condition.
Beginning of the XXth c. Height 27 cm.
Nº 689: Gustave VICHY "An Ethiopian girl playing a harp"
Fine shoulders on a black wooden base, staff and cardboard made head, movements
of the head, the eyelids and gracious movements of the right hand. With
musical movement. End of the XIXth c. (old restorations to the clothes).
Height 50 cm.
Nº 690: BONTEMS A large porcelain flower pot with a singing
bird. Movement signed Bontems à Paris, a crack to the pot, movements
of the head, the beak and the tail. Fabric or not original artificial flowers.
The singing and the movements of the bird need attention. Beginning of
the XXth c. Height 54 cm.
Nº 691: Gustave VICHY "The comic clowns" While seated on
a tree stump, a clown strikes several times. A door opens and another clown's
head appears. With musical movement. This automaton has been very well
restored : clothes, and patina. It works perfectly (a missing reed has
been replaced). See a similar item in "The Golden Age of Automata", by
Chr. Bailly, page 92. End of the XIXth c. Height 58 cm.
Nº 692: Gustave VICHY "A drinker" An interesting automaton
with mechanism inside the body, with pressed cardboard head and body. Movements
of the head and the mouth. He raises his right arm holding a tankard, and
rubs his belly with satisfaction with his left hand. With a musical movement.
Fine condition. End of the XIXth c. Height 43 cm.
Nº 693: BONTEMS A singing bird cage The bird moves its head,
its beak and its tail. Octagonal re-gilt wooden base. Beginning of the
XXth c. Height 53 cm.
Nº 694: "An animated landscape with a ship" Pull winding
mechanism with musical movement, causing five movements : a ship, a fountain,
the wings of a mill, a watching soldier on a tower, and the passage of
a small train. If conventional from a technical point of view, the quite
rare scenery is a good work of popular handicraft : large painted ceramic
(bisque ?) rock work and sculpted plaster, a house, a tower and various
artifacts in cut and painted cardboard. A clockwork movement in the middle
of the base. The whole is inside a window case. 2d half of the XIXth c.
(the sea needs restoration). Height 37 cm - Width 40 cm.
Nº 695: LAMBERT "A female mandolin player" She is seated
with crossed legs on a stool, and plays her instrument, with beautiful
movements of her bisque arms and hands. Movements of the closed mouth (Jumeau
?) bisque head, blue paperweight eyes. From time to time, she leans backward
with movements of her right leg. Fine original underwear (the dress was
remade in the 1950's). 2 tunes musical movement with tune sheet, playing
"La Paimpolaise" and "La valse bleue", and rare red label "L. Lambert -
Jouets automatiques, articles riches - 13 rue Porte ?? Paris". Height 55
cm - 20x28 cm.
Nº 696: A small singing bird cage Round metal base. Mid
XXth c. Height 24 cm.
Nº 697: DECAMPS. A charming mechanical toy of a young boy
named "Alexandre" who draws a hay cart. Key mechanism inside the body to
make it go forth, Unis France bisque head, with a small bisque head doll
inside the cart. Ca 1930. Height 31 cm - L 40 cm.
Nº 698 a: DECAMPS. A mechanical waddling doll. Feet with
lead soles, Limoges bisque head, blue paperweight eyes, clothes later as
a pulcinella H. 38 cm. It holds in its hand a small bisque-headed "marotte".
Nº 698 b: DECAMPS "a jumping pig" A mechanical toy covered
with kid leather. Good condition. 23 cm.
Nº 698 c: A rare mechanical tortoise Shell in wood and cardboard
(Decamps ?), it walks and turns its head. L. 16 cm
Nº 698 d: LAMBERT : "A young girl with a bird" An automaton
with closed mouth Jumeau head, stamped in red taille 5. Chestnut paperweight
eyes. As found. Clothes and pannier original, but restored : unfixed pannier,
jerky movements. One tune musical movement with tune sheet. 50 cm.
Nº 698 e: A mechanical character for an automaton toy. Moulded
cardboard body, François Gaultier bisque head, bisque hands. Height
26 cm. (Perhaps for a flower girl)
Nº 698 f: A musical "marotte" bisque shoulders and head,
stamped in hollow "3200 A M 9/ Dp", open mouth, fixed blue eyes, original
clothes with a hat, wig, wooden handle. 36 cm.
Nº 699: A fine musical 2 tunes photo album Green velvet
cover. Ca 1900. Good condition.
Nº 700: A musical round presentation ceramic plate on foot
Est. 24 cm in diameter. Fine old 2 tunes musical movement. Beginning of
the XXth c.
Nº 701: A small 8 tunes musical box Simple case with transfer
decoration (a little worm damage) 37 cm. With labels "Au Louvre Paris"
under the case. Fine tune sheet. 9 cm cylinder with tune indicator. End
of the XIXth c. In good condition and plays well.
Nº 702: A pleasant small 4 tunes Spanish barrel piano by Verbena
on its hand cart with wooden spoke wheels, length 87 cm. Piano width 38,
height 39, depth 20 cm. Transfer decorations and label of "instrucciones"
on the rear panel. 26 cm plastic cylinder playing on 15 gong notes, 2 castanets,
2 bells and a sleigh bell. 3d quarter of the XXth c. Fine general condition,
seems complete, but needs cleaning and a revision.
Nº 703: Ariston organette Case in lacquered black wood,
40x40 cm, complete with nine new cardboard discs diam. 34 cm.
Nº 703 b: A large "voix célestes" 8 tunes musical box.
Fine
burr wood case with boxwood stringing decoration. 58 x 32 x 35 cm. Tune
sheet. Leverwound. 27,5 cm cylinder playing on two combs of 23 and 24 teeth,
with between them a 16 notes voix célestes comb (4 tips missing).
Ca 1880. In good working order. Needs cleaning and some revision.
Nº 704: Lilliput Jazz, a small cabinet shaped French coin operated
barrel piano. Art deco front with fabric and mirror decoration. Back
panel lacking. 100 x 180 x 65 cm. With a label "Maison Desmuriez-Hourdiaux
à Solesmes Nord". 72 cm fat cylinder. 36 piano keys, and snare drum,
cymbals, woodblock, jingle bells. 1st third of the XXth c. Good condition,
but needs attention.
Nº 705: Regina, a table musical box for 39,5 discs Fine
sculpted wooden case 57 x 52 x 35 cm. 2 opposite combs. Some attention
is needed (unwanted noises), otherwise good presentation and working condition.
End of the XIXth c. With 11 discs.
Nº 706: Polyphon, a table musical box for 28 cm discs Case
with an inlay of flowers. 40 cm. 2 opposite combs. End of the XIXth c.
With 5 discs. Good condition.
Nº 707: A fine small 19 keys 3 stops parlour organ, by Lété
Fine walnut case 92 x 60 x 39. Fine C shaped handle. Handwritten tune sheet
for the 3 cylinders. Metal pipes, with two wooden bass pipes under the
organ. Ca 1845/50. With 3 "à crans" cylinders, 10 tunes each. One
need repinning (all the pins are in a small box !), with labels "N. A.
Lété à Mirecourt". Completely restored, in excellent
condition.
Nº 708: A very fine musical clock picture with repetition and
angelus. Sculpted and gilt wooden frame. 84x73 cm. Country scenery
with a church, a lake, a river, various characters, etc. On the hour, the
clock starts the various mechanisms. 6 tunes musical movement with a good
sound, on a 26,5 cm cylinder (9 replaced teeth). Ca 1875/80. A few restorations,
in excellent presentation and working condition.
Nº 709: A fine musical picture clock (Re-gilt) frame 86x102
cm. Country scenery (restoration) signed (rare) AB Desfontaines fils :
characters, a church, houses, a brook, mountains ... Square bedplate clockwork
movements, with striking and angelus. Good 21 cylinder 6 tunes musical
movement with rather rare tunes (polka, valse, etc.) and label "Musique
de Genève". Good notation and sound (5th tune a little feeble),
very good general condition. Ca 1870/80.
Nº 710: A small 19 keys 3 stops parlour cylinder organ Nice
simple walnut piece of furniture 92 x 61 x 38 cm. Instructions are printed
on the back of a front panel. 44 cm cylinder. Metal pipes, and two wooden
bass pipes under. Ca 1880. Restorations, including a metal endless screw
shaft and bellows. Stops need to be unblocked. Good general condition and
playing.
Nº 711: "A writer" A fine electrical automaton created by Madame Rosane BRUSSAUX, ca 1965, for an exhibition held in 1968 in Goussonville (near Mantes la Jolie, west of Paris), for the presentation of some of the automata which animated the window cases of the shops of ROGER et GALLET (perfumes, toilet accessories) ca 1950/1960, rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré. Madame BRUSSAUX was herself the decorator and creator of these window cases for the maison ROGER et GALLET. She conceived, created and realised all these automata with her partner Monsieur Joseph MIGOTTO. The mechanism of these automata was realised with the help of the specialists of the Maison JAF (successors to the Maison Vichy et Triboulet). The JAF workshops were managed by Monsieur ACCURSIS (These automata are exhibited to-day in the Musée des Gets, in Haute Savoie, Alps). This automaton depicts a writer, clothed as in the beginning of the
XIXth century fashion, seated at his table and really writing with his
pen the name of the village of Goussonville. Seated sideways, his legs
are crossed, he moves his head up and down, thinks, and turns his head
and eyes to the left, bows his head, and begins to write, while his head
and eyes follow the writing. At times, a swinging movement of a leg. Once
the word Goussonville is written, he stops and the sheet of paper may be
given to the admiring spectator. This automaton is protected with a Plexiglas
cage, on a wooden base housing the mechanism. Total height 1m 40.
Nº 712: Gaston DECAMPS "A clown playing an accordion" An
electrical automata, the character is standing on an oak base. The clown
moves his two arms, imitating the diversified playing of an accordion player.
He turns and bows his head. His staff made head is the same as the one
of the clown with masks, and the movement is similar : wrinkling of his
nose which causes the upper lip to rise, as if he was smiling, movements
of the eyelids which move down when the clown bows his head. Very natural
and supple movements. This is a unique model created just before the war
(1940). Old natural silk costume in the style of the "Auguste" clowns.
In very good working condition, the cams are in perfect condition. Height
of the character 80 cm - H. of the base 40 cm. In its transportation crate.
Nº 713: JAF (a successor to Vichy) "A female negro with trays"
An electrical automaton with the plate "Maison JAF : "Publicité
animée 10 Bld Pereire à Paris". A small base houses the electric
motor (H. 14 cm). Fine character (H 62 cm) in very good original condition,
with raised and spread out arms, holding two trays to show various products
for sale. Movements of the hips and the head. 110 volts - Almost as new
condition. Ca 1930/40. Height 78 cm.
Nº 714: DECAMPS "The treasure of the Pirate" An electrical
automaton. A pirate is kneeling in front of a richly decorated tin
trunk. He leans down and lifts the lid while lifting up his body. His left
hand dives into the trunk to take some jewels, and he closes the trunk.
The whole thing stands on an irregular shaped burr wood elm piece of wood
featuring a rocky platform. A molded cardboard rock hides the motor and
the mechanism, of easy access. In very good working order. It was made
for a jewellers window case ca 1960. Height 50 cm - Width 58 cm.
Nº 715: An electrical automaton depicting the moving of
a piano in a horse cart, with two characters in XVIIIth c. clothes (Mozart
?), fine composition head, probably for the animation of a shop window
case (DECAMPS ?). Height 69 - Width 54 cm. Ca 1950.
Nº 715 b: A carrousel A fine mechanical carrousel with 4
gondolas and 4 bisque head dolls. The central mast with canted corners
covered with mirrors. The base houses the mechanism and the musical movement.
Mid XXth c.
Nº 716: A curious electrical automaton "A Parisian scene"
with an accordion player under a gaslight. Needs restoration. H 22 cm,
width 15 x 11 cm. A fine amateur realization.
Nº 717: FARKAS "A tympanon player" Clothed in the XVIIIth
c. fashion, with movements of her head and her hands, with musical movement.
Height 38 cm.
Nº 718: "A female Sultan" A contemporary automaton by LATIL-PERNOT
ca 1980/90, bisque head. tête porcelaine : The Sultan charms her
parrot, movement of her head and her arm, she breathes, a servant looks
at her. Independent Reuge musical movement. Under glass dome. Height 50
cm - 20x35 cm.
Nº 719: "A goldsmith" An electrical automaton created ca
1980 by the English creator David SECRETT. Head and hands are in natural
wood, which gives this automaton its special originality. Height 42 cm
- 36x22 cm.
Nº 720 to 725, Nico BERTCHINGER automatas. Six mechanical automata created ca 1990 by this Spanish creator. They are scenes with one or more characters (bisque heads), in very sophisticated decorative surroundings. The mechanism works through a 2 tunes pull winding musical movement. Under a protection cage in plexiglas. € Nº 720: "The painter" : In front of the easel, a young ballerina
dances. Height 47 cm.
Nº 721: "Levitation" On a stage, the magician and a young
woman perform. Height 47 cm.
Nº 722: "The disappearing head conjurer" His head disappears
to reappear into a large dice in front of him, whereas the moon dances.
Height 47 cm.
Nº 723: "The magician" He makes various items appear on
a small table in front of him. Height 38 cm.
Nº 724: "Hercules practising weight lifting and dumb bell exercises"
In a public garden. Height 47 cm.
Nº 725: "The foot jugglers" A famous circus attraction.
Height 47 cm.
Nº 726: "A drinking hunter", A contemporary automaton, with
musical movement. H. 33 cm.
Nº 727: A ventriloquist puppet From the famous "Omer"
which belonged to Jacques Courtois. Movements of the eyes, the mouth and
the eyelids. Height 1 m.
Nº 728: An electrical window case automaton depicting a
clown playing an accordion. H. 80 cm.
Nº 731: Nicole Frères, an 8 tunes musical box, N°
40415 (ca 1865). 52 cm case with boxwood stringing and stylised inlay
on the lid. Handwritten tune sheet. Leverwound (internal divider missing).
3 levers. 33 cm cylinder, one broken tooth, many bent pins. Fine condition
of presentation, it works but needs restoration.
Nº 732: Organina Thibouville 24 keys A good contemporary
make with a few old parts (pressure bar), 52 cm black case. Very good condition,
but a small revision is necessary. With 5 books of music by Pierre Charial.
Nº 733: Amorette, a 16 notes organette with 22,5 cm metal
discs. 35 cm black case. Ca 1900. Needs a revision. With 19 discs.
Nº 734: Melodion, a cylinder German organette 6 tunes, 27
keys, named "orgue de mendiant" (beggar's organ). Case with wood
imitation painting 56 cm. 42 cm cylinder. End of the XIXth c. Good condition,
it works but needs some adjustments.
Nº 735: A 24 keys Ariston organette, with 4 books of music.
End of the XIXth c. It works but needs attention.
Nº 736: A good 12 tunes musical box Case with transfer decoration,
54 cm. Fine tune sheet (Ploermel, Carmen, Faust, etc.) stamped LJM Paris.
Leverwound, tune indicator, 28 cm cylinder. Good condition, end of the
XIXth c.
Nº 737: A rare and fine perroquette in need of restoration.
Very end of the XVIIIth c or very beginning of the XIXth c. Fine case (a
few elements missing) painted with imitation of stringing and speckling.
On the lid, in a round medallion, a marine scene in the style of the painter
Vernet. On the front, in another medallion, a dove. Fine tune sheet of
the 12 tunes of the 3 original cylinders (missing) and the 10 tunes of
the (perhaps later) present cylinder, with a label of J. Noël à
Mirecourt. 15 keys, 3 stops. All the pipes and the handle are missing.
This instrument would deserve a fine completion and restoration.
Nº 738: A 2 tunes musical tile Sepia tile depicting a stag
and a hind. Beginning of the XXth c. Good condition.
Nº 739: A musical alarm clock Wooden case, height 27 cm.
In good condition.
Nº 740: Polyphon, a 21 cm disc table musical box Wooden
box (wear) 26 x 25 x 20 cm. End of the XIXth c. Complete, good playing,
with one disc.
Nº 741: A musical tile Depicting a man and a woman playing
a lute. A split under the base, otherwise good condition. One tune. Beginning
of the XXth c.
Nº 742: A coin operated French barrel piano by A. Dupuy Albi
Case 115 x 140 x 55 cm (a little worm damage). Art nouveau front with a
painted modern canvas depicting boats. Tune sheet of the 10 tunes (valses,
mazurkas, etc.). Half metal frame. 38 piano keys, and a metallophone with
7 tubular bells (one missing). "Mandoline" and "batterie" effects at will.
90 cm cylinder (split). Beginning of the XXth c. It works, but needs restoration.
Nº 743: 16 discs for an Ariston organette, most in good
condition
Nº 744: A 16 keys Thibouville organette, in bad condition
Nº 745: 20 Duo Art rolls for a pneumatic piano. Classical
and light music, good condition.
Nº 746: Ca 169 88 notes pianola paper rolls Many are marked
"Pleyela". As a whole, in good condition. Both classical and a few light
music.
Nº 747: Five books of music for 35 keys Limonaire, various
makers
Nº 748: A lot of 40 cardboard discs for an Ariston organette
Nº 749: A lot of 40 cardboard discs for an Ariston organette
Sorry, there is no English translation for the lots about phonos and arcade machines. Please see the French version of the catalog for these items (text and photos). End of this auction : ca 18 h (6 p.m.).
Dolls : large specialized auction on Saturday May 20, ask for the special catalogue. Our next specialized auction of mechanical music, dolls, automata, etc.
will take place in December 2007.
21 November 2006 |
|
|
|
|
CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz. Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site. Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website. |
|
||||||
|