Seated upon a wooden pedestal stool on a velvet-covered wooden platform is a slender-faced clown having a papier-mâché head, amber glass eyes, an artistically painted white clown complexion with painted decorations, red-tipped nose, open mouth with long tongue, and bi-color auburn and off-white fleecy mohair wig. He has a carton torso, wire upper arms, and wire-hinged carton legs, with the left leg crossed at the knee, and holds a painted wooden mandolin. He wears an antique silk clown costume and cap.

When wound, music plays and the clown begins his performance: his head lifts, turns, and moves in realistic circular and nodding motions; he raises the mandolin with his left hand and strums with his right. Periodically, he taps his right foot to the music, then his left foot, keeping time with the melody, and bends forward at the waist. All movements are beautifully synchronized with an appealing, realistic flow, while two tunes play.

Condition: generally excellent; mechanism, movements, and music function well.

22" (56cm) height including the wooden base (without the hat)

Please see VIDEO HERE

Marks: L.B. (key).

Leopold Lambert, circa 1890, this being a deluxe commissioned variation of a similar automaton with fewer movements, “Clown as La Guitare,” featured in Lambert’s catalog. This rarely found model is distinguished by its delightful and complicated movements, beautifully synchronized and remarkably lifelike in flow. The amusing clown is further enhanced by the fine quality of the music.

International shipping cost $95.00

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For U.S. customers, please note: antiques over 100 years old are currently duty-free when imported into the United States under U.S. customs regulations (HTS Chapter 97, heading 9706).

I handle all customs paperwork and, if any import charges apply, pay them upfront, so you won’t be asked to pay any additional fees upon delivery.

Parcels are fully tracked, insured, and carefully packed.

Thank you for visiting and for sharing my love of these beautiful witnesses to the past.

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