"St. Dennistoun Mortuary" Coin-Operated Automaton

Description:

"St. Dennistoun Mortuary" Coin-Operated Automaton, attributed to John Dennison, 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

Brass coin plate stamped J. Dennison Leeds NO. 80. Wood case in good condition, no cracks or splits, surface scratches, ghost marks on top where a gallery would of been, missing lower door lock. John Dennison made working models from 1875 through 1924. His daughters took over from 1924 until 1944. Mr. Dennison ran a concession for mechanical amusement at Blackpool Tower in the UK from 1894 until 1944.

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