Vintage Automation Musical Cigarette Holder

Secessionist sterling silver cigarette / match holder, desk accessory, attributed to Josef Hoffmann, Stunning design, superior quality, hand executed, stamped sterling, also retains ...

This incredible work of art blends the beauty of a painting with the mechanical complexities of both a cylinder music box and an automaton. A clock is integrated within the arched giltwood and gesso frame, and, when activated, this painting quite literally comes alive. As the cylinder mechanism within plays its lovely tune, every character in the farrier's shop becomes animated – from the group of farrier's toiling away at the forge and anvil forming the horseshoes, to the wagging of the charming terrier's tale. This musical automaton picture clock is attributed to Xavier Tharin of Paris who was the preeminent creator of these fantastical "moving pictures", especially this particular scene. His process mixed oil painting and hand-colored lithograph images that were layered starting from the back and into the middle and foreground to craft the complex series of movements throughout the painting. A look inside this particular work reveals the complex mechanism (with the three gongs, pendulum and cylinder components immediately visible) which run the timepiece, the cylinder musical component, plus the multitude of moving elements in the painting -- a truly incredible feat considering the technical prowess to create just one of these devices. Musical picture clocks...

Wonderful combo of Ashtray and Cigarette Holder designed by Aldo Londi and produced by Bitossi for the retailer/importer Raymor.  The hand painted and decorated portion of the pieces...

ABOUT An original mid-century brass cigarette holder mounted on a solid marble base. The lid slides open on the globe's axis to reveal a metal...

Brass figural globe cigarette holder and ashtray caddy, circa 1950s. Would make a great office desk accessory. Wonderful midcentury design. Nic...

ABOUT An original mid-century brass cigarette holder and ashtray or coin dish. The lid slides open on the globe's axis to reveal a metal interi...