Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, in proportions which can be varied to achieve varying mechanical and electrical properties. Brass has long been a popular material for decoration for its bright gold-like appearance.
The high malleability and workability, relatively good resistance to corrosion, and traditionally attributed acoustic properties of brass, have made it the usual metal of choice for construction of musical instruments whose acoustic resonators consist of long, relatively narrow tubing. Next to the brass instruments, the most notable use of brass in music is in various percussion instruments, most notably cymbals, gongs, and orchestral (tubular) bells (large “church” bells are normally made of bronze). Small handbells and “jingle bell” are also commonly made of brass. Reference: Wikipedia. Many of these instruments can be found in automatons in miniature form.
Below are some examples and price guides of antique automatons made from brass including a brass table ornament in the shape of a ship and a table clock with a dog automaton.
A GOOD LATE 19TH CENTURY FRENCH AUTOMATA NOVELTY CLOCK WITH HELICAL SPRING
Guilmet, no.1050
Realistically modelled on a lighthouse with glazed head, turned balustrade, brickwork corners, windows and a door, on a stepped slate base and brass feet, the dial mounted in the first floor window with Roman numerals and blued steel spade hands, the movement with square plates bearing the Guilmet trademark with deadbeat Brocot style escapement, striking the hours and half hours on a coiled steel gong, with pendulum constructed from a pierced brass cylinder mounted to the top with a helical hairspring visible through a facetted glass sleeve. Together with an associated winding key. 59cms high
Sold for € 10,837 (US$ 11,151) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2021
George III Ebonized and Brass-Mounted Automaton Clock by Spencer & Perkins, London
The 7 1/4-inch dial with flower-painted center, two-train four-pillar movement with signature dial Spencer & Perkins / London above a scene of workers making barrels flanked by trellises with grape clusters, with elaborately engraved backplate, the ebonized case with domed top, brass-mounted sound frets and corner finials, brass female herm canted corners and frets to the sides, raised on scrolled feet. Height 27 inches (68.6 cm).
Sold for $4,687 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2019
BLUE ENAMELLED BIRD CAGE MUSIC BOX WITH STAND
This is a very elaborate singing bird automaton in a heavy brass cage with enamel detailing, jewels, brass filigree, and a small demure bird with a big voice. Playing flawlessly and with a cloth covered stand. The detailing on the bird box is impeccable, and it is very well made. The age of this bird box is unknown and most likely dates to the late 20th century.
Sold for US$3,200 at Dan Morphy Auctions in 2022
A lacquered brass and painted tôle automaton clock, English, composite
2¾-inch silvered dial beneath an aperture with automaton forge scene, the associated and earlier two train fusee movement with anchor escapement, shaped plates and rack striking on a bell, the rectangular case with brass carrying handle and painted to the front and sides with naive rural coaching scenes, on brass bracket feet
28cm 11in high; 19cm 7½in wide
Sold for 630 GBP at Sotheby’s in 2022
