19thc German Zinner&Sohn Musical Automaton Toy w Children & Organ Grinder Monkey

Part of the Masonic emblem is the triangle shape compass which represents the measurement of the ability to undertake actions within certain constraints. This very unusual solid golden oak tri-corner Masonic Lodge table...

A ring of stunning cobalt blue frames the center of the courting scenes on this lovely eight piece set of painted porcelain plates. The reticulated basketweave edges are highlighted with gilt touches throughout, as well as additional gilt around the cobalt rings...

This Victorian cast metal bench would be suitable for a bench in the garden or in front of a fireplace. It could also be used as a riser for potted plants in a solarium or outdoors. ...

19th Century American Aesthetic Movement mantle mirror of exceptional proportions. Beautiful detail featurng three- dimensional layers of intricate designs of vines, bell flowers, le...

The Classical style is the last traditionally collected by Americana collectors, and flourished from 1820 to 1840. Works from the period were typically greater in size, with makers f...

This elegant Jacobean Revival English oak armchair features hand carved acanthus leaves on the upper and lower sloping arms. The front legs and stretchers are also expertly hand carv...

A fine quality therapeutic musical automaton clown toy in wonderful vintage condition. Features porcelain head, hands and feet. Made in France during the 195...

A fine quality therapeutic musical automaton clown toy in wonderful vintage condition. Features porcelain head, hands and feet. Made in France during the ...

A fine quality therapeutic musical automaton clown toy in wonderful vintage working condition. Features porcelain head, hands and feet. Made in France circa...

This fine, antique mantel clock is constructed in ebonised wood by the renowned Parisian maker of automata, Xavier Tharin (French, active mid 19th Century). The clock face is set onto a curled, stylized pediment atop the clock case. The face is of white enamel, featuring black Roman numerals and signed 'Tharin a Paris', and is bordered in beaded ormolu. The pediment in which the face is set is decorated with ormolu mounts of stylized acanthus leaf form. The pediment is set onto a rectangular frame of ebonised wood, inside which is set a musical automaton...

One of the most amazing timepieces we have ever acquired that offers far more than meets the eye, this incredible work of art blends the beauty of a painting with the mechanical complexities of both a cylinder music box and an automaton. While it is clear to see the integrated clock residing within the arched giltwood and gesso frame, 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 this fantastical "moving pictures", especially this particular farrier scene. His process mixed oil painting and hand-colored lithograph images that were layered starting from the back, 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 must 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...

Late 19th century automaton of a monkey in 18th century style dress. Likely to be French, this piece shows all the hallmarks of J. Phalibois, one of the foremost makers of clockwork toys...