Spinning Jenny Automatons. The spinning jenny is a multi-spindle spinning frame, and was one of the key developments in the industrialization of textile manufacturing during the early Industrial Revolution. It was invented in 1764 or 1765 by James Hargreaves. [1] It was also a popular subject for automatons, especially those made during the Napoleonic wars.
Below are some examples and price guides of spinning Jenny automatons including an early 19th century Napoleonic French automaton and a mechanized model with colored bone.
[1] Wikipedia
A PRISONER-OF-WAR BONE SPINNING JENNY, FRENCH, EARLY 19TH CENTURY, with articulated head and arms and moving wheels in the base, on wooden base and accompanied by glasse dome, 5in (13cm) high
Sold for £ 1,750 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2017
NAPOLEONIC PRISONER-OF-WAR CARVED BONE MINIATURE SPINNING JENNY
Early 19th Century
Of typical form, with functional spinning wheel.
Height 3.75”.
Sold for US$3,750 at Eldred’s in 2022
