Monkey Automatons. Monkeys are often popular subjects for automatons. Their humanoid characteristics make them perfect for performing actions which can also be carried out by humans. Below are some examples of monkey automatons including a rare Alexandre Theroude monkey musician duo automaton and a monkey playing a mandolin.
A Very Rare Musical Automaton Clock with Two Tunes Depicting a Monkey Playing a Violin, Hour and Half-Hour Striking, Two-Week Going
Alexandre Nicholas Théroude, Paris (designer), automaton maker, Jean Marie Phalibois, Paris (attributed to), clock movement by Vincenti & Cie, Paris, Circa 1870
Movement: Manual, circular movement with going barrels, anchor escapement with pendulum, count-wheel striking
Dial: Enamel, Roman numerals
Case: Gilt, wood base, a monkey is depicted sitting with violin in hand, under a tree with flowers, the clock at its base, music activating knob in the left side of the base, in front of it tune changing knob, at the right automaton activating knob, domed glass cover, 16 inches width, 20 inches height, 9 inches depth
Signed by: Back stamped with Vincenti’s trademark advertising the silver medal the company won in 1855 Paris Exhibition
Sold for USD 12,500 at Christie’s in 2019
“Bimbo Box” with Seven Mechanical Monkeys – Electrically-driven automaton monkey band with cassette-player music, coin-slot for 50 pfennigs, working, cabinet dimensions 29 ½ x 19 5/8 x 56 in.
Sold for €2,800 at Auction Team Breker in 2022
