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Diorama with automata, framed and under glass: the richly detailed decor features a lively cityscape on several levels, with a landscape in the background.
The various components of this automaton are made of wood, sheet metal and painted cardboard.
The landscape is animated by several moving scenes: the first features characters and horsemen walking down the main street, the second a footbridge, the third a train, and the last the telegraph and guard making their rounds.
Several mechanisms operate the automata, all original except for one part that has been modified to run on electricity/stack?
Sold without guarantee of operation
The glass front and rear panels can be completely opened to provide access to the various components.
Diorama in the style of Ferdinand Wurtel, a watchmaker based in Paris: as early as 1840, Wurtel was listed in a commercial almanac, and the press recommended this watchmaker's store to its readers for all the objects of curiosity and taste it offered.
In 1856, at M. Delepine's Exhibition, he presented talking toys.
Today, these fragile and rare objects are hard to find, especially in this state of preservation.
Mid-19th century.
Height 60cm
84 x 18.5cm
Ref: EAI4CE9QE5