This automaton in the Davenport Collection was in very poor condition and Tony Middleton repaired it in 2016. The automaton does not, and according to Betty Davenport never did, make a laughing noise. Nevertheless, when switched on, the sailor rocks from side to side as though something very funny has got to him. Davenports used to hire out this sailor to TV and theatre companies. In the photograph Roy Davenport is on the left and Tony Middleton on the right.
Laughing sailor automaton
Item Details
| Date | Likely to be 1st half of the 20th century. |
|---|---|
| People | Betty Davenport, Roy Davenport, Tony Middleton |
| Key Phrases | Automata |
| Category | Novelties, Toys, Games & Jokes |
| Ref no | N1293 |