The figure moves its arms, eyes, eyebrows and mouth. The index finger on the right hand taps the window pane to attract the attention of passers-by. According to Wynne Davenport this figure was definitely in a Davenport shop window. She told the story that a policeman came into the shop requesting that the figure was unplugged because so many people had gathered on the pavement that it was causing an obstruction. Many years later it was found in very poor condition by John Davenport in a Davenport store and was renovated by Tony Middleton, who may be seen in one of the images. The motor is 120 volts and the figure may well have been made in Germany. It is not known how the figure was originally dressed. It is possible that it was designed to smoke a pipe, which would be consistent with the mouth movements.
Item Details
Size | Date |
---|---|
Date | Probably 1920s or 1930s. |
People | Tony Middleton |
Organisations | Davenports |
Key Phrases | Automata |
Category | Novelties, Toys, Games & Jokes |
Ref no | N62 |