$2,250
H 12 in W 12 in D 7 in
Automaton German Zinner & Sohn Musical Toy w Children & Organ Grinder Monkey
Located in Savannah, GA
sensational mechanical dolls and toys from 1845-1926. They worked in mostly bisque and wood and were a world
Porcelain, Fabric, Wood
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
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
Fruitwood
Unusual Continental Bisque Porcelain Automaton Figure
Located in London, GB
Unusual bisque porcelain automaton figure Continental, circa 1900 Measures: Height 57cm, width
Porcelain, Fabric
$725
H 13.5 in W 5.88 in D 5.75 in
Vintage French Musical Automaton Clown Doll, Porcelain Head & Hands, 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Automaton Clown Toy, Porcelain Head, Therapeutic Vintage Mechanical Figure A charming and finely crafted
Porcelain, Textile
$280
H 4.75 in W 2.75 in D 1.38 in
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
Metal
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
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
Metal
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
Sold
H 17 in W 15.75 in D 8.25 in
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
Porcelain, Fabric, Wood
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Feathers
Unusual Automaton Music Box Ballerina
Located in Culver City, CA
Unusual automaton music box ballerina, working mechanics, articulated side to side and glowing
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
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
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
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
Metal
Sold
H 16.15 in W 7.09 in D 5.91 in
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
Iron
Sold
H 18.5 in W 10 in D 10 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...
Fabric, Porcelain
Sold
H 15.95 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
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
Velvet
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
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
Pine
Sold
H 32 in W 10 in D 9 in
“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
Composition
Sold
H 11.25 in W 11.75 in D 9.5 in
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
Metal
Antique Smoking Turkish Automaton
Located in Madrid, ES
Antique Smoking Turkish Automaton A fascinating 20th-century automaton depicting a seated Turkish
Fruitwood
Antique French Automaton Singing Bird In Brass Cage c1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique French Automaton Singing Bird In Brass Cage C1900 Measures - 11 3/8" x 6" x 6"
Brass
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
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...
Fabric, Porcelain
Sold
H 4 in W 8 in D 4 in
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
Tin
Sold
H 4.38 in W 2 in D 1.25 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
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
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
Glass, Cardboard
Austrian Bentwood Queen Sized Bed by Jacob & Josef Kohn, 1900
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by J & J Kohn, this mahogany stained bentwood bed features curved head and footboards swelling with decorative scroll form tendrils. J & J Kohn, No. 876, 1900 Catalog. He...
Bentwood
Japanese Carved and Lacquered Shibayama Cabinet, Meiji Period
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elaborate and finely detailed carved wood, and gold lacquered Shibayama cabinet (Chigaidansu). Having beautifully applied semi-precious stone and mother of pearl decoration of flo...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Japanese Export Carved Dragon Chair
Located in New York, NY
Eye catching highly carved sculptural dragon armchair. Japanese dragon motif carried throughout arms and chair with fantastic detailed hand carvings. Victorian era cabriole legs fini...
Wood
A 1930s Art Deco Hand-Carved Oak French Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a 1930s French Art Deco hand-carved oak box, showcasing a unique blend of craftsmanship and geometric flair characteristic of the Art Deco period. Solid oak wood, noted for i...
Oak
Antique Japanese Koto Wakizashi Sword
Located in Dallas, TX
Japanese Koto Wakizashi Sword Japan Ca. 1400-1600s Length: 24.25” Blade Total Length: 27.25 Nagasa: 18.5” Koto wakizashi, with wild midare (Soshu?) hamon, including wild boshi. Ha...
Steel
Model of a Greenhouse, France, 1900
Located in Milan, IT
Model of a greenhouse in glass and iron. The greenhouse has an iron base, rectangular in shape, with cut corners. The body of the greenhouse, made of iron and glass, is welded to the...
Iron
$6,500 / set
H 14.75 in W 6.75 in D 6.75 in
Fine 19th Century French Neo-Gothic Gilt Metal Cathedral Church Reliquary Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning pair of very fine quality French Neo-Gothic gilt metal church reliquaries. circa 1860s Most impressive objets d’art, born in France in the second half of the 19th century...
Brass, Bronze
$1,120 / set
H 1.25 in W 12.25 in D 9.75 in
Shepherd & Wooly Sheep Putz Toy Set Antique German Christmas 1900s, original Box
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of eleven Putz stick-legged sheep with a shepherd boy and his dog. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene figures. As they are all old, mo...
Composition
$1,506,794
H 34.65 in W 39.57 in D 21.26 in
17th Century Japanese Export Lacquer Cabinet with Depiction the Dutch Tradepost
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A highly important Japanese export lacquer cabinet with depiction of the Dutch East India Company tradepost Deshima and the annual Dutch delegation on its way to the Shogun in Edo ...
Copper, Gold
$46,850
H 75 in W 56 in D 28 in
A Fine French 19th Century Empire Style Mahogany and Ormolu Mounted Crib Cradle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine French or Russian 19th Century Empire Style Mahogany, Ormolu Mounted and Parcel-Gildwood Carved Crib & Bedding. The egg-shaped oblong rocking cradle supported at each...
Bronze, Ormolu
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 ...
Walnut
French Victorian Walnut Bird cage
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian style (19/20th Cent) walnut large birdcage with 3 red dome tops having ebonized finials and trimmed with filigree tracery carving. Some decorations broken/missing
Walnut, Wood
$343,816
H 100.6 in W 66.93 in D 24.81 in
Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim & Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire
By Guggenheim Museum, Pauly et Cie
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare one of a kind Pauly CIE Et stamped hand carved walnut armoire made by the genius that was Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim 1837-1910 W...
Walnut
$16,500
H 74.5 in W 48 in D 14.5 in
Antique Japanese Lacquer Inlaid Hardwood Meiji Period Shibayama Shodana Cabinet
Located in Portland, OR
An exquisite antique Japanese Meiji period Shibayama Shodana cabinet, circa 1880. One of the finest antique Shibayama cabinets one will see, the cabinet is finely inlaid and overlaid...
Gold
Antique Venetian Carved Grotto Rocking Chair, ca. 1890
Located in Berghuelen, DE
An antique handcarved Venetian rocking chair in grotto design. Seat and backrest in the shape of sea shells, backrest supported by a sea horse. The base features fish heads and sea s...
Wood
$1,363
H 1.58 in W 2.37 in D 0.6 in
Early 20th Century Breloque Pinfire Prostitutes Pistol by Franz Pfannl
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A wonderful hand made pinfire pistol by Franz Pfannl, housed in its original Moroccan red leather case with its arsenic velvet interior. The gun would have originally had a small nic...
Leather, Velvet
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.
Produced in 1843, the well-preserved volume is evidence of the author's exacting specifications.
New or old, the coverlets add old-time charm to any space.
Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.
French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.
Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.
Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.