Rare Automaton of a Black Smoker by Lambert

Description:

Rare Automaton of a Black Smoker by Lambert, with papier-mache character head, grinning expression, and chestnut paperweight eyes, seated cross-legged on turned stool, cigarette-holder in one hand and cane in the other, the velvet-covered base containing bellows and two-air open-spring mechanism with bellows causing the smoker to bring the cigarette holder to his lips, cross his legs, and flourish the cane as he looks about and exhales, in the original pink satin tailcoat over cream waistcoat, dress shirt with bowtie, black satin breeches and pumps, ht. 23 in., with tune-sheet.
Estimate $9,000-12,000