German Automatons. Germany produced some amazing automatons which included singing bird boxes by Karl Griesbaum, cuckoo clocks, doll automatons and many others.
Below are some examples and price guides of German automatons including a silver singing bird box by Karl Griesbaum and a musical piano and violin automaton.
Karl Griesbaum Silver Singing Bird Automaton Box
German, early 20th century, serpentine form, the case with repousse putti playing musical instruments in a natural landscape, the hinged top concealing the singing bird, ht. 2, wd. 4, dp. 2 3/4 in.
Sold for US$1,920 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023
German wind-up automation singing feathered bird in brass cage, features intermittent and continiual switch underside. Measures 9.5″H x 5″W.
Sold for US$360 at C Biddle Auction Gallery Inc. in 2023
Kittens Dancing for the Fiddler – Very Rare Coin Activated Automaton Bank
Made by an Unknown German Manufacturer. Produced and Sold in the Early 1900’s.
Sold for US$2,900 at The RSL Auction Company in 2023
German carved and polychromed wood and composition Automation – Drunk by Lamppost, fingers broken on left hand, works. 19”h
Sold for US$200 at Rachel Davis Fine Arts in 2023
German hand crank Musical Piano and Violin Automaton. Pair of bisque head figures that are well dressed and each playing their instruments. The toy is all original and in very nice condition. When you turn the crank both figures mover properly and the music plays perfectly. A wonderful early Automaton 15 1/2″ Excellent
Sold for US$1,450 at Milestone Auctions in 2023
Automaton monkey clock produced by Junghans. German, early 20th century. 1-day spring-driven clock topped with monkey with moving eyes and mouth that open and close as movements tick. Junghans maker’s mark on face of clock. Crystal of face is loose in place. Wear, scratches, and losses to patina and metal. Split and crack to metal on monkey’s head. Key is included. Clock has been wound, with clock running and eyes and mouth slowly opening and closing. Later screw on left side of clock. Back panel of clock is slightly loose.
Sold for US$225 at Willow Auction House in 2023
A turn of the century German Cast Iron novelty clock with Teeter-Totter automaton, possibly Lenzkirch. 30-hour time only movement. Minor finish wear
Sold for US$950 at Schmidt’s Antiques Inc. in 2023
