A rare antique walking brown bear automaton, by Roullet & Decamps,
French
circa 1900
R & D company catalogue number 76,
A touch of animal magic...
When wound by key-wind single-spring motor and actuated by sliding start/stop lever to his back, the bear turns his head from side-to-side, opening and closing his mouth, and walking forward with a growl produced by a friction disc from the motor.
With glass eyes, carved and sharply cut bone teeth, painted ebonised feet.
9.1/2in. tip to toe, 6.1/2in. toe to head - (24.1 x 16.5cm)
Point of interest -
Renowned for their creations of animal automatons, this cute and cuddly antique bear is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a toy. This is an adult piece which would have been placed on the table after dinner to enthrall the host's invited guests.