A large classic rocking ship musical automaton under painted glass dome

 

A large classic rocking ship musical automaton under painted glass dome,
 
Circa 1900
 
Swiss musical movement No. 1149
 
Sail, sail, sail your boat, gently 'cross the sea...
 
When wound and the start/stop pull actuated, the fully rigged and armed ship takes off across the choppy sea, bobbing up and down the very realistic water with high waves. It is accompanied by a musical air from the Paillard tabataire movement with pull-string wind, single-section comb on a plain brass bedplate. It has a direct-drive reciprocating arm for the movement of the ship.
It sits under the original glass dome which is beautifully painted to the interior with a further, moored,  sailing vessel behind and a glimpse of icebergs and cold sea beyond,  to set the tone of the landscape.
All on the original ebonised oval base containing the movement, with small bun feet.
 
size -  14in. wide, 7in. deep, 15in. high, (35.5 x 17.7 x 38cm)
 
Point of interest -
 
Good rocking ships automatons such as this are always a favourite.  A perfect form of illusion, once set in motion, you are transported to a place where you witness a ship at sea, with the correct rolling movement captured in miniature.  The dome compliments the automaton very cleverly with its interior painted detail taking your eye a lot further through the picture. 
 
Rocking ship dioramas in this size are rare and this being complete and fully operational make for an object that will continue to provide another 120 years of loyal service to its host. 
A real classic with an undertone of quality which is hard to beat.
STOCK No1456
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75 Portobello Road London W11 2QB 0207 221 1121 07967 385258
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