The Music Never Dies

19th Century French Violinist automaton with dome

This original and well-aged late 19th Century French automaton has most certainly seen better days. Dated to the 1870 – 1880s, this clockwork musical antique figure still holds a tune if somewhat aged and slow, this slow and fragile movement is also reflected in how she plays the violin turning head from side to side and move her right arm holding the bow up and down. Still in its original 19th Century glass dome with ebonised base. French pressed bisque flange head with brown stationary glass eyes, finely painted brows and lashes, closed mouth, and blonde human hair wig (will be supplied but not photographed) with cork pate on a seated metal carton body with integral legs, articulated mechanical right arm with bow, and stationary left arm holding a painted papier-Mache and wood violin. She would have originally worn an all-original silk costume with metal brocaded trim and matching cape. She does come with her original human hair wig however not photographed (we will provide this).

Size in inches: H 13 x W 10” x D 9”
Origin: Paris (France)
Date: 19th Century
Condition: Aged/Worn

A naturally aged item that has stood the test of time, in all fairness its seen better days when fully clothed and working with a proper musical tune. It can still be fully wound up using its original key, and when the brass click is pulled a musical sound does play for about 15 to 30 seconds. The hand and moving head do move if somewhat slowly. The clothing you see is what would have been underneath the original silk clothing once worn. This item is untouched and has not been messed or restored in anyway. Could be a project for a specialist.

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For multiple years we have sold antique items globally, please review our client feedback as a testament to our products and services. Expect our items to show relevant age and natural wear, we only restore due to breaks and major loss, and we always stipulate this in our condition report if this has been down before or after we have obtained them.