Automaton Toys
19th Century French Automaton
Located in San Francisco, CA
Fabulous rare 19th century automaton. Most likely made in France at the end of the 19th century
Category
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Toys and Dolls
Materials
Porcelain
Rare 19th Century Automaton Theater
Located in Madrid, ES
This important and rare automaton theater dates from the late 19th century and features both its
Category
Antique 1890s Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fruitwood
Unusual Continental Bisque Porcelain Automaton Figure
Located in London, GB
Unusual bisque porcelain automaton figure
Continental, circa 1900
Measures: Height 57cm, width
Category
Antique Early 1900s European Toys and Dolls
Materials
Porcelain, Fabric
Beautiful Vintage Schuco Mohair Monkey Metal Face Toy Germany 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
monkey, made in Germany circa 1950s - 1960s by the renowned Schuco Toy Company. This delightful figure
Category
Mid-20th Century German Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
$280
H 4.75 in W 2.75 in D 1.38 in
Vintage Schuco Miniature Mohair Monkey Metal Face Toy Germany 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
monkey, made in Germany circa 1950s - 1960s by the renowned Schuco Toy Company. This delightful figure
Category
Mid-20th Century German Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Vintage Schuco Miniature Mohair Monkey Metal Face Doll Toy Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
fine example of pre-war German toy design and an excellent addition to any vintage toy, automaton, or
Category
Vintage 1930s German Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Recent Sales
1940s Lobster Playing Banjo Automaton
Located in Mount Penn, PA
This charismatic lobster is handmade using papier mâché, with a small toy banjo that when plugged
Category
Vintage 1940s American Folk Art Toys
19th c German Musical Automaton Toy by Zinner & Sohne Co. British Raj Theme
Located in Savannah, GA
The German manufacturer Gottlieb Zinner & Sohn produced sensational mechanical dolls and toys from
Category
Antique 1890s German British Colonial Toys and Dolls
Materials
Porcelain, Fabric, Wood
H 17 in W 15.75 in D 8.25 in
Mid-20th Century Automaton Folk-art Childs Toy
Located in London, GB
automaton toy. In its simplest form this toy is very sculptural and has lots of ages character including its
Category
Vintage 1950s British Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood
Pair of Hand Made German Automaton Doll Figures
Located in Culver City, CA
Pair of Automaton figures, metal and paper mache with glass eyes and carved teeth.
Category
Antique 19th Century German Toys
Materials
Metal
19th Century Roullet et Decamps French Rare Oversized Automaton Cow
Located in London, GB
workshop in Paris, where he made mechanical toys. One inventor offered him the drawings of an automaton of
Category
Antique 1880s French Victorian Toys
Materials
Faux Fur, Wood, Paper
19th Century Napoleonic Prisoner of War Carved 'Spinning Jenny' Automaton.
Located in London, GB
19th Century Napoleonic Prisoner of War Carved 'Spinning Jenny' Automaton.
A rare early 19th
Category
Antique 1820s Unknown Folk Art Toys
Materials
Bone
French Walking Peacock Automaton
By Roullet & Decamps
Located in New Orleans, LA
This absolutely spellbinding peacock automaton is attributed to the French toy-making company
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Other Toys and Dolls
Materials
Paper, Feathers
French Walking Peacock Automaton
Located in New Orleans, LA
This spellbinding peacock automaton is attributed to the French toy-making company Roullet et
Category
Antique 19th Century French Other Toys and Dolls
Materials
Feathers
Unusual Automaton Music Box Ballerina
Located in Culver City, CA
Unusual automaton music box ballerina, working mechanics, articulated side to side and glowing
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood, Plaster
Creepy clockwork musical automaton figure
Located in London, GB
Creepy clockwork musical automaton figure
Creepy comes to mind when you turn the clockwork
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Early Victorian Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Mid-20th Century Karl Griesbaum Automaton
By Karl Griesbaum
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid-20th century Automaton signing bird in cage music box by Karl Griesbaum. Made in Germany
Category
Mid-20th Century German Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
19th Century French Violinist automaton with dome
Located in London, GB
19th Century French Violinist automaton with dome
This original and well-aged late 19th Century
Category
Antique 1870s French Victorian Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Vintage Singing Bird in a Gilded Cage Automaton C.1930s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage singing bird in a gilded cage automaton C.1930s
This charming little red bid sings when
Category
Early 20th Century American Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Lambert & Jumeau French Doll Automaton "Marquesita", music and 3 movements
By Lambert et Fils
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind and amazing French automaton from the prestigious house of Lambert (1858-1935) and
Category
Antique 1890s French Napoleon III Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
H 16.15 in W 7.09 in D 5.91 in
19th Century French Porcelain Musical Automaton Jumeau Doll with Basket
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a true treasure for seasoned doll collectors! This 19th century doll by Jumeau was crafted in France circa 1870. The doll's head and right arm are in motion when the music is...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fabric, Porcelain
ANTiQUE FRENCH HAND MADE MUSICAL AUTOMATON JESTER CLOWN THAT PLAYS MUSIC & MOVES
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
musical and moving Automaton Jester clown
A very good looking and well made piece, the hand moves to put
Category
20th Century French Edwardian Toys and Dolls
Materials
Velvet
H 15.95 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
Adorable and Therapeutic Musical Clown Automaton Figure/Toy
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality therapeutic musical automaton clown toy in wonderful vintage condition.
Features
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
19th Century Articulated Automaton Doll
Located in London, GB
19th century articulated automaton doll
We are proud to offer a highly collectable and rare
Category
Antique 1880s British Folk Art Toys
Materials
Pine
“Ethiopian Flutist” French Musical Automaton by Gustave Vichy, circa 1870s
By Gustave Vichy
Located in Incline Village, NV
One of the more rare Automaton pieces, “Ethiopian Flutist” was manufactured circa 1870 and was a
Category
Antique 1870s French Folk Art Toys
Materials
Composition
Antique German Toy Automaton Music Box with Girls Dancing Around the Maypole
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique mechanical toy music box shows no maker's signature, but is presumed to have been made
Category
Early 20th Century German Bohemian Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
H 11.25 in W 11.75 in D 9.5 in
Antique Smoking Turkish Automaton
Located in Madrid, ES
Antique Smoking Turkish Automaton
A fascinating 20th-century automaton depicting a seated Turkish
Category
Vintage 1940s Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fruitwood
19th Century "Classroom" Automaton G.A. Schwarz, PA, circa 1880
Located in San Francisco, CA
19th century "Classroom" Automaton G.A. Schwarz, PA, circa 1880
Measures: 17" wide x 11" deep x
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Tall 19th Century French Porcelain Musical Automaton Jumeau Doll
Located in Dallas, TX
Here is a treasure for doll collector! This 19th century doll by Jumeau was crafted in France, circa 1870; the doll's head and right arm are in motion when the music is been played b...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fabric, Porcelain
Lithographed Tinplate Automaton 'The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace'
Located in London, GB
A small and unusual lithographed tinplate automaton - 'The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham
Category
Vintage 1930s German Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
H 4 in W 8 in D 4 in
Vintage Schuco Miniature Mohair Bunny Rabbit Toy Doll Accessory Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
excellent addition to any vintage toy, automaton, or Schuco collection.
Details:
Manufacturer: Schuco
Category
Vintage 1930s German Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Automaton Texas Cowboy Doll Playing Drum, 1960s
Located in Retie, BE
1960s vintage automaton of a Texas cowboy doll playing drum.
Mechanical cowboy doll, moving doll
Category
Mid-20th Century European Toys and Dolls
Materials
Textile, Felt, Plastic
Vintage Sand Toy and Music Box Automaton Featuring High Wire Aerialists
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a sand-powered acrobatic automaton.
When the box is rotated and set down, the sand turns a
Category
Vintage 1950s Toys and Dolls
Materials
Glass, Cardboard
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Venezia Mestre Set of 2 Bookends by Morici
By Morici
Located in Milan, IT
A splendid way of adorning both a clean and minimalist or traditional bookcase, this pair of bookends is a veritable objet d'art entirely crafted and veneered by hand. Fashioned of w...
Category
2010s Italian Desk Sets
Materials
Wood
Victorian Mermaid Garden Fountain
Located in Sheffield, MA
The Victorian garden fountain is of a mermaid sitting on shore-line rocks. The arm stretches upward as she holds a conch shell which is the base for the fountain. Water flows from th...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century American Victorian Fountains
Materials
Concrete
19th Century French Grand Tour Iron Model of the Arc de Triomphe
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century French grand tour iron model of the Arc de Triomphe, in two parts, the fine cast iron model of the Arc de Triomphe with a mirrored top. Raised on a oval ebonized wood an...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Grand Tour Architectural Models
Materials
Metal, Iron
$1,160 Sale Price / set
20% Off
H 12 in W 14 in D 11 in
Hermanos Calavera Conquistador in Oiled Walnut by Miguel & Ilse Silva for Wooda
By Wooda, Miguel Silva, Ilse Silva
Located in Omro, WI
These handsome but quirky brothers designed by Miguel and Ilse Silva for Wooda are the result of an engaging mix of personality, love, fun and mischievousness. Los Hermanos Calavera(...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood, Maple, Oak, Walnut
$670 / item
H 10 in W 8.5 in D 4.5 in
Regal Splendor: Indian Blue Peacock Taxidermy Masterpiece
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Indian blue peacock taxidermy mount showcasing its signature iridescent blue and green plumage, this piece is a testament to nature's artistry. The vibrant metallic hues o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Anglo-Indian Taxidermy
Materials
Wood, Feathers
LATE 19th CENTURY PORCELAIN SCULPTURE GROUP "MUSIC SCENE"
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant sculpture group in polychrome porcelain, blue and white, with gold finishes, representing a musician and a noblewoman intent on attending the concert. The musician, sitting o...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Monumental Silvered and Gilt-Bronze Glass Centerpiece of "Poseidon"
Located in Queens, NY
A Monumental French Silvered and Gilt-Bronze and Glass Centerpiece of "Poseidon", Paris, circa 1895.
A very good quality centerpiece depicting "Poseidon and his seahorses", of mon...
Category
Early 20th Century French Classical Greek Centerpieces
Materials
Bronze
$37,500 Sale Price
50% Off
H 30 in W 20 in D 18 in
Great Architecture of the World Hardcover Book
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Great Architecture of the World.
This book is an illustrated history from Stonehenge to the Twentieth Century.
The book is edited by John Julius Norwich. It was first published in 19...
Category
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Books
Materials
Paper
Zenith Console Radio Model 9-S-262
By Radiobar Corp. and Philco
Located in Fulton, CA
A Philco Model 9-S-262 console radio with multiple band dial. Circa. 1938. All electrical components and speaker intact. Beautiful dial, grill cloth and finish. Radio turns on, dial ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Musical Instruments
Materials
Walnut
19th Century French Counter
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
French 19th Century shop counter in original paint.
With one drawer.
Category
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Sideboards
Materials
Pine
Kids Tricycle Bike Model "Sky King", 1930s
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Vintage tricycle in good condition model sky-king airflow.
Category
Vintage 1930s American Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
French 19th Century Vernis Martin Cabinet with Ormolu Mounts
Located in London, GB
A Vernis Martin cabinet in the Louis XVI manner
Constructed in mahogany, with extensive ormolu mounts; the square rectangular tapering legs, dressed with brass mounts frame the th...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Cabinets
Materials
Ormolu
Antique English 19th Century Sheraton Revival Mahogany Display Cabinet on Stand
Located in London, GB
Antique English 19th century Sheraton revival mahogany display cabinet on stand.
A 19th century mahogany display cabinet on stand, the upper section with astragal glazed doors on ...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Sheraton Vitrines
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
$5,402 Sale Price
20% Off
H 74.81 in W 30.32 in D 19.3 in
Rococo Style Parcel-Gilt and Painted Three-Fold Screen
Located in London, GB
Painted to the front and rear with outdoor scenes of nature, with courting couples and winged cherubs, in the typical Rococo style.
Category
Antique 19th Century French Rococo Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Giltwood
Antique English safe
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Antique English safe with a drawer on the inside in good and completely original condition. Working and with original keys. also for the drawer on the inside. Quite special that both...
Category
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Italian 19th Century Lit De Presentation, Presentation Bed
Located in Round Top, TX
A charming later 19th century Lit De Presentation - Presentation Bed from Venice, Italy. Such a wonderful piece was used to formally "present" the infant at his baptism. This bed wil...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
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Automaton Toys For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are several options of automaton toys available for sale. Each of these unique automaton toys was constructed with extraordinary care, often using fabric, ceramic and porcelain. Automaton toys have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Automaton toys made by Folk Art designers — as well as those associated with Mid-Century Modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made automaton toys over the years, but those made by Roullet & Decamps are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
Finding the Right Toys-dolls for You
Antique, new and vintage toys and dolls of years past — handmade folk-art toys such as wooden train sets, dolls, rocking horses and more — can be enjoyed by the young and old alike.
Children as well as nostalgic grown-ups are still finding pleasure in toys and objects designed specifically for playtime that are, in comparison to today’s digital device-oriented distractions, far more modest in nature. In contemporary interiors, gently aging toys are wonderfully uncomplicated decorative objects primed for display in a cabinet or other case piece.
With their romantic appeal and frequent incorporation of natural materials, some vintage toys and folk-art toys are treasured collectibles, showcasing the beauty of handmade craftsmanship. Alongside other works characterized as folk art — in this case, visual art, typically reflective of a community’s culture and usually handmade by craftspeople working within a popular tradition — handcrafted vintage toys are historical works of art worthy of any collector’s mantel. These are toys that tell a story of the time in which they were produced and the people who produced them.
Like any artifact, toys provide a window into the past. The ornamental dolls of the Victorian era, for example, produced in Germany and England, made of ceramics such as porcelain and dressed in textured fabrics, speak to the fashion of the era and will add a pop of color and a decorative flourish to the neutral corners of your home.
Mid-century modern toys and dolls are as sophisticated as the widely cherished furniture of the era. As much as they thought good design for the home should be available for all, iconic American design duo Charles and Ray Eames believed in making durable and interesting products for kids too. Today, their Eames Elephant is available from Vitra and Herman Miller, and it doesn’t even require a digital screen.
Explore a unique collection of antique, new and vintage toys and dolls as well as folk-art toys on 1stDibs.
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