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Musical automaton of black minstrel playing banjo circa 19th century probably French made in good or

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 16,000.00 USD
Musical automaton of black minstrel playing banjo circa 19th century probably French made in good or
All items are as is, no warranty or claims and All SALES ARE FINAL. Please examine prior to bidding as it is the bidder's responsibilty to establish condition, age, genuineness, value or any other determinative factors.
Musical automaton of black minstrel playing banjo circa 19th century probably French made in good original condition showing normal fading and aging to costume and figure. These musical automatons were very expensive to make and arguably the 1st generations of robots. This one plays a tune and moves as if playing the American banjo. From a premier Texas gun collector who had it in his gun room for more than 30 years. The only automaton figure we know of made in the image of a black person with American association due to the banjo which was a popular instrument in the south during the mid to late 19th century. Est.: $8,000- $16,000.