C.1900, France/Belgium, a Home Made Folk Art "Fireplace" automaton,
with separate movement for the spinning wheel. The clock movement has been adapted from a mantel clock, with levers added to the warning arm and strike shaft, their motion carried down to the automaton by wires. A rear cover comes off for adjusting the wires. The movement for the spinning wheel is an iron plated job with brass bushings, and with a large contrate wheel to allow for winding from the side of the case (note contrate wheel is both crude and worn and will need attention). The little painted lady at her ivory spinning wheel is losing the paint on her face and arms. Similarly, the fellow to the left who rings the bell to strike the hours is losing his paint. Detail on the little spinning wheel is good. The rear dust cover was replaced maybe 25 years ago. An interesting piece, with age, that should appeal to collectors of folk art. Width 16 inches, Height 16 inches
Clock types
