Roullet & Decamps Automaton * Clown on Stilts * circa 1910 French Automata

A fine example of an early French musical automaton - the Clown stands on wooden stilts and when wound and music plays, raises bottle to drink contents - with his mouth opening and showing his teeth! As he attempts to walk the left leg on stilt (after rocking back and forth many times). He then goes out then back and back again before achieving renewed balance. A wonderful and whimsical music device.