A LATE 19th-century French musical automaton by one of the era's premier master craftsmen is set to turn heads at a Lichfield auction later this month.
The Mandolin Player, dated to around 1890 by Paris-based Gustave Vichy, goes under the hammer with Richard Winterton Auctioneers on 24th August.
The painted papier-mâché composition, modelled as a musician or theatrical minstrel, was researched and catalogued for sale following a house clearance.
Wearing a burgundy velvet jacket and matching cap, the figure's features are enhanced by realistic glass eyes and even a row of white teeth visible through the open mouth.
Cataloguer Nick Smith said:
"Vichy was one of the premier master craftsmen during the 'Golden Age' of French automata between 1848 and 1914. As such his work is highly elite and at the time was only marketed to the wealthy.
"He was internationally renowned for crafting extraordinarily precise body movements and his legendary work remains highly collectable.
"This fascinating example is ready for restoration and is therefore untested, but we would still estimate the piece fetching £1,500 to £2,000 at auction."
The full catalogue can be viewed online a week before the auction via www.richardwinterton.co.uk/auctions/auction-calendar.
