Shelf Animated Figural Novelty
Junghans, Germany, animated iron clock called, "Monkey Business".
The movement not only runs the time only clock, but the mouth and eyes move. One day movement is running and animation is functioning. Dial signed Junghans, back of the case signed Germany. Metal case is 9-1/2 inches high and retains most of the original finish. The reason the monkeyÕs jaw is moving is because he is reading from the Bible. The page reads, "Genesis—and after God made man after his own likeness—". The monkey is bronze spelter; the back is metal, painted black.
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.
C.1930, German, Oswald Uhrenfabrik, carved wood, rotating eye, novelty clock, and in generally good condition.
The dogs left ear has a small chip at the top that has been sanded over; other minor wear and tear. The rear cover with 1920 patent date. Most of these are after 1945 and are composition material, but this one is carved linden. Note the right eye indicates the minutes and the left eye the hours; in this foto it is showing 10 o'clock. The movement runs a while and stops; would benefit from service. Height 5.8 inches
C.1925, German, Owl with Animated Eyes, novelty clock in good original condition.
We have had these in distressed condition, but this one is really clean and with a good dial, original hands and crystal. The clock ticks and stops and the eyes try to move, but stop. When in adjustment the eyes will cross and uncross as if he is looking you over. The cast metal front is silver plated, and the silver has gone dark. This will clean up nicely and if you are mechanically minded, you can improve the operation. Height 6.5 inches
C.1890, German, "Lucy the Elephant" automaton clock, missing tail.
This is an uncommon clock here in the States, although we have seen several in Europe. The 30 hour timepiece movement has a gear out the back with 4 fingers (2 missing) which simply tip down a rod attached to the head, which is suspended by string, thus causing it to bob slightly. A similar arrangement for the tail is missing, but restorable. Other than missing the tail, his body is sound, with original gray flocked finish (some nicks and scrapes). Clockwork animals of all sorts occur from this time period, but this one incorporates a clock, which adds to the appeal. Dial is porcelain.
C.1890, Ansonia Clock Co., "Jumper No. 2" Bobbing Doll novelty clock.
Thirty-hour time only movement with seconds dial. Silver plated canister (with relief flower decoration), spelter stand and top decoration are intact, but have some wear on original plating. There is an epoxy repair on cuff around spring exit at bottom of canister (not readily seen). Paper dial is a proper copy with Ansonia trademark and 1886 patent date, but the movement is a bit crooked in the case, and the spring wants to rub the cuff and stop the doll. Will require patience to correct. The bisque doll is a reproduction. Height 14.5Ó $900-$1,200
Swinging cherub clock by Farcot c.1880
Swinging cherub clock by Farcot with striking movement in alabaster case, French c1880
Junghans swinging lady clock, c1900
Swinging lady, with old lady pendulum, apparently being pulled by standing man. 12" high - by Junghans, German
C.1925, German, Animated Monkey Shelf Clock
in good original condition. The eyes move back and forth while the moving pendulum (monkey's tail) is visible between his legs. There are some nicks and scrapes to the case, and it was varnished over lightly at one time and has turned a bit dark. We have not seen this novelty before and it's a real "eye catcher". The unusual movement is well made and running, but would benefit from service. Rear door slides up for access. Height 10 inches $175-225
C.1860, Connecticut Candle Stick with original dome.
The 30 hour pendulette movement retains original paper dial and bezel. With an interesting paper doll drummer (female) attached to the top pivot and rocking back and forth with each tick (very old but unsure if original). The china stand has a hand painted rose and gold highlights, and has no chips nor breaks. Glass dome is perfect. Height 11'