Back

Lot 38

A FRENCH MUSICAL AUTOMATON, SCOTTISH BOY WITH DRUMS
By Leopold Lambert, circa 1890

The bisque-head doll with blue glass eyes, brunette mohair wig, carton torso and legs, wire upper arms, bisque lower arms, wearing velvet and silk Scottish costume and tam, and holding wooden horn and baton in his hands; a drum is attached to metal rods from torso, standing upon a red velvet-covered plinth, when wound, the doll turns its head side to side and nods, eyes blink, brings the horn up as though to play, and beats drum, while music plays, with original tune label on bottom listing two tunes
53cm high, the plinth 13.5cm wide, 13.5cm deep

Estimate $1,800 - $2,400

Sold for $2,800

Doll in overall good condition
Losses to dolls hair visible
Ears pierced, however no earrings present
Garments appear to be original, however showing signs of age and wear with some losses
Appears to function well, however the hand holding the baton doesn't move- probably requires maintenance.


The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.


Theriaults, Soiree: Antique dolls and automata, Florida, May 15, 2016, lot 112

Decorative Arts

AUCTION
Sale: LJ8805
4:00pm - 30 March 2026
Hawthorn

VIEWING
Fri 27 - Sun 29 March, 11am - 5pm
2 Oxley Rd, Hawthorn, VIC

CONTACT
Chiara Curcio
decorativearts@leonardjoel.com.au


SIMILAR ITEMS

Lot 257

Alexander MACDONALD (1847–?) A Classical female figure, probably Diana, accompanied by a hound with a hare beneath its paw Marble 14...

Estimate: $25,000-35,000

Lot 165

AN EXTREMELY RARE AND IMPORTANT PAIR OF DONALD BRADMANS 1948 ASHES TEST MATCH BATTING GLOVES Worn by Bradman as captain of The Inv...

Estimate: $15,000-25,000

Lot 256

Richard MacDONALD (b. 1946) Doves (Half-Life) Patinated bronze, on a stepped circular marble base 106cm high (including the base),...

Estimate: $14,000-18,000

Lot 101

AN AUSTRIAN 14k GOLD CIGARETTE CASE Makers mark G.S, Vienna, second quarter 20th century

Estimate: $12,000-15,000

To top