The Mandolin Player automaton by 19th century master Gustave Vichy in Lichfield auction

Sale date Monday 24th August

A LATE 19th century French musical automaton by one of the era’s premier master craftsmen is set to turn heads at a Lichfield auction later this month.

‘The Mandolin Player’, circa 1890 by Paris-based Gustave Vichy (1839-1904), goes under the hammer with Richard Winterton Auctioneers on Monday, August 24.

The 79cm-tall painted papier-mâché composition, modelled as a musician or theatrical minstrel, was researched and catalogued for sale at The Lichfield Auction Centre following a Staffordshire house clearance.

Wearing a burgundy velvet jacket and matching cap atop flowing dark hair, the figure’s delicate features are enhanced by realistic glass eyes and even a row of white teeth visible through the open mouth.

The elaborate octagonal Middle Eastern-style marquetry pedestal on which The Mandolin Player is seated encloses the spring-driven automaton and cylinder musical box mechanisms, stamped ‘G. Vichy Paris’.

“Vichy was one of the premier master craftsmen during the ‘Golden Age’ of French automata between 1848 and 1914,” said cataloguer Nick Smith.

“As such his work is highly elite and at the time was only marketed to the wealthy.

“He was internationally renowned for crafting extraordinarily precise body movements and his legendary work remains highly collectable.

“This fascinating example is ready for restoration and is therefore untested, but we would still estimate the piece fetching £1,500 to £2,000 at auction.”

The catalogue can be viewed online a week before the auction via our Auction Calendar.

Viewing in person at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, WS13 8NF, takes place between 10am and 4pm on Friday, August 21, or by prior appointment.

The August 24 auction starts at 9am and people can bid live in the room, go online or get in touch for a pre-arranged telephone bid.

For more information, to arrange a free valuation of all types of antiques, collectables or jewellery, or to enquire about a home visit for large collections or house clearances, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01543 251081.