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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: malcolm900 on May 14, 2012, 09:55:47 PM

Title: Any ideas? Hobo joe
Post by: malcolm900 on May 14, 2012, 09:55:47 PM
Looks like a fat hobo, his head spins.
Title: Re: Any ideas?
Post by: KC on May 14, 2012, 10:08:00 PM
Looks like you have an Automata aka Automaton!  They have made so many kinds/versions over the years.  Some can be worth $$$$$$  Very collectible.

Most play music as well as have an animated part (you said the head spins).

Do you know what the song is?

Dimensions?  (height, width)

Any markings, identifiable names, etc  (inside or outside)

History of this item - where you got it and when....  What country?



Title: Re: Any ideas?
Post by: malcolm900 on May 14, 2012, 10:16:51 PM
Looks like you have an Automata aka Automaton!  They have made so many kinds/versions over the years.  Some can be worth $$$$$$  Very collectible.

Most play music as well as have an animated part (you said the head spins).

Do you know what the song is?

Dimensions?  (height, width)

Any markings, identifiable names, etc  (inside or outside)

History of this item - where you got it and when....  What country?





well i dont think the machine in side works, i saw it moving after i cranked it like on and off for a bit, the head spins with my hand but its not attached to the machine inside. its kinda heavy, says To George someone written under it. about 8 inches high the machine inside says Germany on it and 229 written in pencil on the inside. fan thing spins inside.
Title: Re: Any ideas?
Post by: KC on May 14, 2012, 10:49:27 PM
What is it made of?
Title: Re: Any ideas?
Post by: malcolm900 on May 14, 2012, 11:39:18 PM
What is it made of?


wood
Title: Re: Any ideas? Hobo joe
Post by: malcolm900 on May 15, 2012, 01:20:01 PM
Any more info ppl?
Title: Re: Any ideas? Hobo joe
Post by: KC on May 15, 2012, 02:24:37 PM
I wouldn't toss this one.  If the head isn't attached...then I bet when it worked correctly the head went up and down!!!

Would be worth seeing about getting it fixed.

If in good working order you could get some $$$ for this if it is from early 1900's or earlier!!!
Title: Re: Any ideas? Hobo joe
Post by: malcolm900 on May 15, 2012, 02:28:10 PM
I wouldn't toss this one.  If the head isn't attached...then I bet when it worked correctly the head went up and down!!!

Would be worth seeing about getting it fixed.

If in good working order you could get some $$$ for this if it is from early 1900's or earlier!!!

where would i go about fixing one of these?
Title: Re: Any ideas? Hobo joe
Post by: mart on May 15, 2012, 08:44:26 PM
From what I could find most of these were made in the black forest area !!  And like KC said some can be worth a few dollars if in good working condition !!  Check with a good museum in your area for information on finding someone to make the repairs !!  They could recommend someone !!