Bear Automatons. Antique bear automatons often resembled real life bears as opposed to the cuddly teddy bears we know today. Many resembled circus bears or other performing bears.
Below are some examples of automatons in the form of bears including a bear window display which works by electric and a wooden bear organ grinder.
BEAR WINDOW DISPLAY AUTOMATON. This is an electric window attention-getting commercial display with a bear balancing a package on its nose. When plugged in, the bear moves, and the package spins. A great motion display for a children’s play area, or repurposed to a commercial application. Condition shows some areas of wear due to use, however it is in great original condition and comes with its original shipping box.
Sold for US$425 at Dan Morphy Auctions in 2022
Wooden Musical Bear Organ Grinder Automaton circa 1900 – the bear playing an organ and has a basket on its back, stands on a natural form base
8 1/4 in. high.
Sold for US$750 at Fontaine’s Auction Gallery in 2021
Automaton Jester & Bear
Early 20th century. Porcelain bisque head.
Ht. 20 W 8 in. Sold for US$800 at Cottone Auctions in 2020
Roullet & Decamps Drinking Bear Automaton. Paris, ca. 1940s. Electric bear automaton, brown and white fur with composition nose, feet, and mouth, glass eyes. Bear performs the action of pouring liquid from the bottle into the cup, then raises to his mouth, lowers and repeats. Height 13”. Nice functioning example with soft and clean coat, some chipping to feet and paws but very good overall. Sold for US$700 at Potter & Potter Auctions in 2020
