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Lot 40

A RARE FRENCH MUSICAL AUTOMATON, MISSISSIPPI GAMBLER WITH MAGIC TRICKS
By Leopold Lambert, circa 1890

The gambler wearing an elaborate silk costume with vest, bow tie and top hat, with papier-mâché head, brown glass sleep eyes, hinged jaw, black fleecy wig, carton torso and legs, metal upper arms, papier-mâché hands, standing behind a wooden table on a velvet covered plinth, the table is covered with a green felt fringed cover with embroidered details on dice and flowers on the front. Two metal cups are arranged on the top of the table, when wound, music plays "My Old Kentucky Home" and the man gleefully turns side to side, then blinks his eyes, and his jaw moves up and down as though calling "place your bets". Periodically one of the cups lifts up and one a series of prizes is revealed, including coins, doll, and flowers
71cm high, the plinth 36cm wide, 33cm deep

Estimate $3,000 - $5,000

Sold for $8,000

The doll has some minor losses in places, most notably to the eye lashes, upper lip
Likely restoration to hands and fingers
His attire appears original, however there is re-stitching, staining, fading and wear in places
Possible loss to one button to his coat tails
Wear and aging visible to the table legs overall
Wear and losses to the table cloth and red velvet base overall
Movement is currently operating but will require maintenance, currently lags and not fully operational.
Cards and coins present, but loose from table cloth.
Not all 'prizes' present, the felt will often reveal no 'prize' even when a sign of the original adhesive is visible

Please note this condition report was conducted at sight only (no garments were removed or mechanics inspected)



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, Interlude, Florida, March 12, 2017, lot 133

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


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