The Bourne saleroom in its March collective auction offered for sale a 19thC French automaton; modelled as a Chinese man drinking a cup of tea, the figure was contained in a painted papier mache baluster vase. Even though there were multiple cosmetic condition issues, the gentleman for example was missing his hat and part of his moustache, the key was present and the piece still produced sound- even though the movement itself was not operational due to the lid being detached.
The automaton, despite some condition issues, generated much pre-sale interest. On sale day two telephone bidders along with multiple bidders on the internet competed against one another to take the piece home - the hammer finally fell at £2200.
But what is an automaton, and they do they generate such interest at auction?
Automata are objects which are able to move through the power of natural elements such as water, wind or gravity, as well as electricity, clockwork or simply by hand turning. The word automaton originated from the Greek which means to act of one’s own will, often mimicking the movements and gestures of humans and animals.
Automatons have been popular since the times of the Ancient Greeks, where they were included in ceremonies where statues would seemingly self animate. Leonardo Da Vinci in the Renaissance period made an automaton lion for King Louis XII, and the Bowes Museum houses an 18thC clockwork silver swan by James Cox that preens and catches fish. The novelty value of these items, alongside their often complex mechanical workings, means such items are highly coveted and realise notable sale prices at auction.
Golding Young has offered for sale several automatons over the years. Notable examples include a Tete Jumeau example, possibly designed by Leopold Lambert, at the Grantham saleroom last year. The piece modelled as a boy playing a guitar under a glass dome sold for £900; a mid 20thC Father Christmas automaton together with its case realized £600 in 2023, and a late 19thC Roulet and Decamps example modelled as a game cat or feline achieved £900 back in 2019.
If you have an automaton squirreled away at home, why not sell it at auction? As always, consignments for forthcoming sales across all three salerooms are welcome Monday-Friday 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm, excluding bank holidays, no appointment is necessary.
