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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: P360NUT on August 09, 2013, 10:00:10 AM
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can anyone help with some info in this funny fella??
was thinking Chinese?
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Oh how cute! I'm guessing this is an animated toy? I would guess it is from India since that is where the whole snake charmer thing comes from.
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I think he may be missing a turban?
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What fun!!!
Is it a hand crank toy or a automaton (electric)!!!!
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The knob on the side moves about an inch and he moves.
I made a you tube clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kQaUb0Vn8o
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we,ll try and describe it to you Mart...... ;D
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I have an old Sotheby's catalog of Important Antique toys, and they have many animated figures on wooden bases ( the bases are very much like your base) dating mid 1800s to early 1900s but all have keys and clockwork mechanisms for movement I did not see any with movement as "primitive" (for lack of a better word) as yours. I would send your photos and youtube link to a major auction house or several and await a reply(this could take up to 4 weeks). Could be nothing but my gut says have it checked ;) Please let us know what you hear!
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I have an old Sotheby's catalog of Important Antique toys, and they have many animated figures on wooden bases ( the bases are very much like your base) dating mid 1800s to early 1900s but all have keys and clockwork mechanisms for movement I did not see any with movement as "primitive" (for lack of a better word) as yours. I would send your photos and youtube link to a major auction house or several and await a reply(this could take up to 4 weeks). Could be nothing but my gut says have it checked ;) Please let us know what you hear!
i don,t think i want to know what your gut says.....last time i heard someones gut.....it stank the house out..... ;D ;D
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Talesof, if you remember over times people have been mesmerized with snake charmers. You see resurgence of it over time. In the early 1930's they were shown in early silent movies. The Three Stooges even got in on the act later. So, don't think it has to do with the country as the place of origin (but could very well be wrong).
I agree...I believe you have a mid to late 1800's toy/amusement. I also agree that you should contact an auction house or better yet....try and contact this person for some assistance.
Antique Toy World has a link and puts out a regular magazine.
http://www.antiquetoyworld.com/ (http://www.antiquetoyworld.com/)
AND, as with anything that could "possibly" be rare, always get more than one opinion on value before you jump in!
Also, this is referred to as an "animated" toy. It can also be referred to as a automaton but most people believe those are run by springs, battery, electricity...but yours has a lever and moving parts...so it can be called one!
http://www.antiquetoys.com/info.php3?lstCity=&value=Glossary~of~Toy~Terms (http://www.antiquetoys.com/info.php3?lstCity=&value=Glossary~of~Toy~Terms)
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Don't think it's as old as some of you think.
What does the base look like ?
Are you east coast of America ?
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I could be up to 1930's....but I have been wrong before on an old toy that I thought was newer...and it opened my eyes to be more cautious!
I guess I should ask...is this toy predominantly wood, or wood and metal?
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I would call it a Japanese Kobe Toy.
http://www.ogallerie.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?after-=1&dot=2010-09&look=Kobe (http://www.ogallerie.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?after-=1&dot=2010-09&look=Kobe)
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I'd Go with Asian as I mentioned I have found other Chinese and Japanese items in the house.
those kobe toys look very similar.
its all wood no metal.
I'm in the UK east coast ;)
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You nailed it Rauville!!! Have seen it touted as snake charmer and popping head... Average pricing of completed listings from $375 - $600+ Last sale in 2012 of $440
Believe one like yours was sold in this lot at Christies' Auction!
http://www.christies.com/lotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4661118 (http://www.christies.com/lotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4661118)
http://www.japan-toy-museum.org/english/ekikaku2.htm (http://www.japan-toy-museum.org/english/ekikaku2.htm)
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I'd Go with Asian as I mentioned I have found other Chinese and Japanese items in the house.
those kobe toys look very similar.
its all wood no metal.
I'm in the UK east coast ;)
Then you should e-mail Vectis and see what they think.
Well done Rauville !!! The " popping head " is lot 479 on that page. They estimated the two toys at $180-250
The ones in that Christies link look a bit smarter.
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Nice Rauville !! Like I said my gut said have it checked.
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Didn't think they were mid 19th though. Early 20th.
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Many thanks for your help. Have emailed Vectis :D
EDIT:
Vectis rang me first thing this morning & said that they would be interested in selling him and estimate £200/£300 they take about 22% in commission!
However as he shows a few signs of a visit from a woodworm I should ensure he has had some treatment so he does not get any worse.
I think treatment is available in my local store, not sure what sort would be best, I'm guessing an oil based aerosol?
Anyway the next auction for his sort is in Nov so will keep you posted.
Thanks again
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Interesting estimate. They've sold a couple recently - late 20th century versions - and they fetched £80 and £160. I think yours is earlier though
They're good guys at Vectis. Commission's a bit steep but they have such a large pool of buyers. You could list this on Ebay, get £150 and pay about 12% in fees. However, Vectis might get £250 and you get almost £200 back.
Certain toys sell better on Ebay than in auction rooms. Others are more specialist and people prefer them to have been seen by a specialist valuer first, hence they do better in an auction house.
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Thanks KC and Rauville, I learned a lot on this one!