selling a few of my old automatons, including this very rare piece:


Scarce antique automaton, creeping baby doll; c.1870's U.S.A  .....

original clothes & works 



here's a rarely seen antique automaton.

i originally found her at a major antique toy fair, and was told it was possibly German, but i'm pretty sure she is made in U.S.A

after Robert J. Clay's 1871 prototype  (read more at https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/11218).
i've got a feeling that his company was later incorporated into the large Ives Manufacturing Company ?

measuring about 11 inches

wonderful early movement (pretty weighty)..... brass components etc... large drive wheels.

The doll appears to crawl along a flat surface. Inside the doll’s body is a spring-driven brass mechanical movement that actuates the arms and legs in imitation of crawling. But the doll actually rolls along on two concealed wheels.

independent moving plaster type limbs, and a slow head movement side to side

A VERY "CREEPY" DOLL IN ACTION !

somehow, her original clothes are still with the doll, all three layers, including undergarments and finely made net type outer layer, with its bow & ribbon etc...

a lovely finely painted face

clockwork / wind-up inner mechanism...... the winding shaft sits on the dolls right side, just a touch rearwards of her mid point. 

THE DOLL STILL WORKS FINE


STILL LOOKS GREAT ON A SHELF OR IN A CABINET; displaying with expected signs of ageing after nearly a century and a half...... few hairlines / narrow cracks, (largest probably at her  right cheek.....but not distracting),crazing to plaster etc... possibly odd touch in to limb(s) ?

garments have survived incredibly intact, with some natural age marking, discolour etc...


A LOVELY EARLY PIECE OF AMERICAN JUVENALIA

THIS IS A REAL PERIOD PEICE ..... NOT A MODERN COPY OR REPRODUCTION.



i've added all the images i can, to hopefully show the honest / accurate condition....please take a good close look at all the images, as these also form part of the description...and i'm parting with my CREEPING AUTOMATON DOLL  as is / as  shown and without returns...thanks.


if you need more images or have questions etc... please just ask.


PLEASE REMEMBER YOU ARE BIDDING TO PURCHASE MY CREEPING AUTOMATON DOLL ONLY....THANKS


paypal payments; or IBAN b/transfer (in U.K £ sterling)....U.K also others.


SPECIAL DELIVERY INCLUDED £12 within U.K

overseas tracked confirmed delivery listed at £45 (refunding if any over payment, once posted)


international buyers are responsible for payment of any further possible vat/customs taxes...including EU buyers 


if located in U.S.A ....other than possible local sales tax, which may be imposed by your ebay at check out (these are not added by me).....there will be no further import / customs tax to pay.


IF TRACKED CONFIRMED DELIVERY IS NOT POSSIBLE TO YOUR LOCATION,I MAY NEED TO CANCEL SALE...BY BIDDING YOU AGREE & UNDERSTAND THIS.   thank you. 












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