Germany
Polyphon Musikwereke, Leipzig, Germany, "Polyphon Orchestrion II" or "Polyphon Rossini" Upright Music Box, piano with drum and trap effects model, coin operated, weight driven, playing 73 note cylinder rolls containing 3 tunes each, in a mahogany case
the case retains its original finish. There are chips and roughness all along the edges of the upper left cornice and lowest molding. Three pieces of dentil molding surrounding the top are damaged. The molding below upper cabinet has two areas near rear that are damaged on each side. The rear right caster has some water damage above where it is anchored. Includes three rolls, all with tears and four pulleys to carry the weight, which is not included. The fabulous reverse painted glasses are in good condition with one scratch. The box could not be tested for function without the weight.
Karl Griesbaum, Germany, an enamelled silver singing bird box, the case with rectilinear panels decorated in blue, black, green and white enamels, the top in blue guilloche enamel with narrow black enamel border, the oval cover decorated with polychrome
small chips in black enamel border around top, working, the bird's voice a bit weak, may need bellows work, bird disappears just before the singing ends.
Karl Griesbaum, Triberg, Germany, "Surgeon" whistling figure, spring driven brass movement powering air bellows, a cam-driven slide whistle, and swinging head motion, all within a hand carved wooden figure depicting a bespectacled man in a long coat
figure is in very good condition. Some of the pigments may have faded. The movement runs when wound and triggered, turning the head and pumping the bellows. The bellows have dried out and will need to be restored. The spring-driven brass movement is signed below the belows with the Griesbaum trademark. A rare model with a lot of character.
Actiengesellschaft fur Uhrenfabrikation, Lenzkirch, 8 day, time, strike and chime on two gongs with pull repeat, spring brass movement bracket clock. "1 Million" Serial No. 39441. An example can be found in "Lenzkircher Uhren" Pg. 79.
Oak case in nice condition in original finish. Applied trimmings have retained much of the original gilding. Original composite dial in very nice condition has some light wear to the chapter ring. Original hands. Movement is signed
Karl Griesbaum, Triberg, Germany, "Father Christmas" whistling figure, spring driven brass movement driving air bellows, a slide whistle, and head motion, all enclosed in hand carved wooden figure depicting a bearded man carrying a sack over his shoulder,
The figure is in good condition. Whatever he once held in his right hand is now missing. The pendulum for small novelty clock is absent, but easily replaced. The movement works, but the trigger lever will need to be secured better. The bellows material has been replaced. The whistling is breathy and faint. Head moves. The movement is likely signed behind the bellows, but it is difficult to tell for sure. An uncommon model.
Actiengesellschaft fur Uhrenfabrikation, Lenzkirch, "No. 182", 8 day, time and strike spring brass movement bracket clock. "1 Million" Serial No. 16284. An example of the clock can be found in: "Lenzkirch Clocks, The Unsigned Story" by George Everett, Pg.
Walnut case in nice condition in an old finish. The applied cast ornaments have some remains of the original gilding. Silvered dial has some very light scratches in the center area. Dial is signed "G. Hinrichs, Franfurt a. M. ". Movement is signed.
Karl Griesbaum, Triberg, Germany, "Drunkard" whistling figure, spring driven brass movement powering a bellows, a cam-driven slide whistle, and head turn motion, enclosed within a hand carved wooden figure of a man in a top hat leaning on a small working
The figure is in good condition. There are small losses of paint on the front of the leg and corners of the ascot. The door covering the movement has a different finish than the figure so may be a replacement. The base of the figure and movement are signed with the Griesbaum bird trademark. The movement runs when triggered, the head turning and the bellows pumping. The bellows will need to be restored. The small novelty clock movement also runs when wound.
Attributed to Johann Baptiste Beha, Eisenbach, Germany, "No. 508" model shelf cuckoo, 50 hour, time and strike with calling cuckoo bird, spring driven movement in an elaborately carved case replete with foliate, vine, and fence decorations. The wooden
There is a split in the base of the case on the right side. Small veneer split on the left side of case. Neither of these splits are obvious from the front. Very nice carvings in good condition. The hands are modern replacements. The cuckoo bird has been touched up with blue and the feet glued to the perch with epoxy. The hammer and gong are absent. The pipes and bellows look to be original. Both play, but one is breathy. Evidence of brass plates around the winding arbors. This is a wood plate movement that does not have fusees. A metal piece to retain the backcock was been added.
Karl Griesbaum, Triberg, Germany, gentleman whistling figure, spring driven brass movement powering air bellows, slide whistle, and turning head motion, hidden within a hand carved wooden figure depicting a black man in a light colored suit, straw hat in
The nicely carved figure is in very good condition. A a corner was cut out of the rear of the base for unknown reasons. The signed Griesbaum movement is not running, but appears complete. Movement is loose within the figure.
Southern Germany or Austria, telleruhr clock, 8 day, time and strike, spring driven movement with verge escapement and cowtail pendulum, mounted to an iron plate covered in copper relief birds, palmettes, and human faces on a scrolling field, the pendulum
Brass hands have been repaired. The palmette at the bottom of the clock has been repaired and now has a different patina because of it. Evidence of modern adhesive holding the copper to the iron backing. Rear cover is made from brass and may be later. Rack and snail strike on a large bell mounted behind the movement. Rack tail made of brass may be an old repair. Unsigned round movement with thick plates, nicely turned pillars, and whimsical rack component in the form of a boot. Lots of evidence of hand finishing. Lever for hour repeat on the left side behind the dial.