2009-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009
This is indisputably the most unique black American musical toy we've had. The brown-stained wooden doll is period dressed in a silk coat, cloth shirt with buttons, calico pants trimmed to the calf, brown stockings with holes at the toes and a straw hat. The doll is seated on a felt covered box, has glass eyes, lightly painted lips and is holding a wood and cloth accordion. The entire piece is mounted to a baffle box so that when the box is squeezed the doll comes to life. First there is music as the accordion is contracted and expanded, the doll's head moves left to right and returns, as the legs raise and lower keeping the beat of the music. The assembly is 11" tall, 8" deep, and 4" wide, fine. Although there is no maker identification nor date, from the wear to the velvet baffle and top of the squeeze box, this is circa 1850.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.