Mechanical Music Automaton 1850. Monk Prayinging To crucifix. Restored

Description: Saint Francis Musical Automaton Clock, Attr. Alexandre Theroude, c.1850, France. The 11.75" high praying figure has a carved and painted wood head, glass eyes, articulated jaw; the torso has a brass bedplate carrying multiple movements from ten levers, including head, lateral and vertical motions of the arms, right arm articulated at the elbow and wrist, carved wood legs articulated at the hips, knees and ankles. In sculpted papier-mache grotto style case with spinning spiral glass rod waterfall, an altar with crucifix and books, roots, foliage and cavernous ceiling supported by twisted branches. The figure is animated by a spring driven movement driving a pinned wood barrel, fourteen cams, pulley and gong with two hammers; a four-gear train with rack-and-pinion concealed in the rocky landscape enables the figure to rise from a seated to a standing position and then to his knees before the crucifix as he performs his mea culpa with a series of complex hand gestures, bows his head and moves his mouth as though praying aloud. The movement is accompanied by the sound of gongs signaling the matins and the waterfall twisting at the figure's side. Has a push start button for the animated mechanism which runs a full "timed" cycle before shutting off automatically. Also contained in the ebonized wood base is a a four tune spring driven cylinder music box, "No. 9381". Mounted on the front of the base is a 3.5" porcelain dial with black Roman hour numerals, open moon hands and a hinged gilt brass door bezel with sash; brass eight-day spring driven movement signed "Boviller, Paris" has a platform escapement and half hour count wheel strike on bell. Completely restored condition, every mechanism is in working condition; when the cycle is complete the figure completely sits down, but then stands up slightly before stopping. This is an extremely complicated & truly amazing automaton. 34" high x 22.5" wide x 14.5" deep. Weight: 43.25 lbs. If u pick up I will refund you a 1000 dollars. I would rather not ship. I totally restored case and mechanics.This has an incredible 4 tune music box. Clock is perfect. Monk needs adjustment... at end of routine he goes to sit down and then rises up a bit. He should stay in the sitting position. One key for clock ..one key for automaton.Ive only seen one other of the and it was in Australia. Not in good shape. This is super rare and in beautiful shape.If I must...I will pack, ship, and insure. USA only otherwise I do not pay for shipping. Please go to instagram...search Dr. Automaton. video should be in reel with other items I own.

Price: 28000 USD

Location: Pompano Beach, Florida

End Time: 2024-12-11T17:57:40.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD