Tuesday, June 19, 2012

"St. Dennistoun Mortuary" Coin-Operated Automaton

If I'd seen this before the June 2 auction date I would have put a bid in. I think it's beautiful.





Lot 207
 "St. Dennistoun Mortuary" Coin-Operated Automaton, Attributed to Leonard Lee, c. 1900
 The mahogany cabinet and glazed viewing area displays a Greek Revival mortuary building with double doors and grieving mourners out front, when a coin is inserted, doors open and the room is lighted revealing four morticians and four poor souls on embalming tables, the morticians move as if busily at work on their grisly task and mourners standing outside bob their heads as if sobbing in grief, ht. 30 1/2, wd. 24, dp. 17 1/4 in.

Estimate $4,000-6,000
Hat Tip 

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