Early 20th Century French Clock Tower Automaton Figures
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Early 20th Century
The House of Antiques lists a matched pair of automaton figures catalogued as originating from a clock tower in Paris, France, and dating to the early 20th century.
The dealer reports they are constructed from carved wood and plaster components detailed in gesso with hand painting. According to the source, mechanical rods extending from the backs would have connected to a pulley system to raise both hands and cause one figure to nod. The pair measures 24 inches high by 21 inches wide and 10 inches deep.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Clock tower automaton figures
- Origin
- France (Paris)
- Period
- Early 20th Century
- Material
- Wood & Gesso
- Mechanism
- Pulley-operated rear rods
- Dimensions
- H 24” x W 21” x D 10”
- Catalogue Code
- THOA983 (AB-281341)
- Place recorded
- France
Design
- Mechanism
- The source reports that the figures contain internal mechanisms consisting of metal rods extending from the backs. According to the description, these were intended to be connected to a pulley system to facilitate movement of the hands and head. The mechanical components are described by the dealer, but their operational status and original context are not verifiable through the provided documentation.
- Visible features
- • Two carved and painted male figures depicted in side-by-side standing poses. • Left figure wears a conical hat with a plume, a red belted tunic, light-coloured leggings, and boots. • Right figure wears a rounded cap with a plume, a brown belted tunic, light-coloured leggings, and boots. • Both figures display stylised arched dark eyebrows, moustaches, and short beards. • Paintwork shows visible surface wear, cracking, chipping, and areas of loss revealing the underlying material.
- Description and Origin
- The item is a matched pair of male figures described by the dealer as 'French (Paris) clock tower automaton figures'. They are dated by the source to the early 20th century. The figures are presented in a standing pose, featuring gesso detailing and hand-painted surfaces. They are currently mounted on an ebonised wooden base, which the dealer describes as 19th-century.
- Material and Condition
- The objects are constructed from wood and plaster sections with gesso detailing. The source states the figures include applied velour clothing. Visible condition is described as having wear across all surfaces, including crackled paint, surface loss, chipped gesso, and faded paint. The velour clothing is noted as being patchy and worn, exposing the underlying surfaces.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Attribution to Paris, clock tower origin, and early 20th-century dating are dealer-reported without independent documentation.
- Research required: The rear control rods, mechanical linkages, and later ebonised base mentioned in the description are not visible in this cutout front-facing photograph.