(Automata) | A group of broadsides for "extraordinary curiosities"

(Automata)
A group of six broadsides

The Modern Microcosm. Np, [ca. 1750s]. Letterpress playbill (328 x 210 mm). Inhabited initial, decorative rule at center, stray contemporary note in ink to right margin; one spot rubbed, small hole to head not affecting text, old horizontal fold, a little browning consistent with age. — A Very curious Collection of Strange Creatures. [London]: np, [ca. 1750-60s]. Mounted on a sheet of paper; spots, creases, dampstain to head, photographs adhered to verso of mount. — Manhood & Gingell [Gyngell]. Grand Medley of Entertainments. [London]: Hopwood's Office, [ca. 1790s]. Letterpress handbill (272 x 191 mm). Left margin browned, old folds, pinhole, stray spots. — The Temple of the Arts. [London]: np, [ca. 1800]. Letterpress handbilll (245 x 195 mm). Mounted on a sheet of paper; stray spots, a little wear at edges, photos adhered to verso of mount. — [Schmidt]. Valuable ... Exhibition of Mechanical and Musical Automata. Yarmouth: W. Meggy, [1827]. Letterpress playbill (380 x 165 mm). Printed in numerous type sizes and faces, hand dated at head; tipped on to paper strip at left margin, old folds, light browning. Housed loosely in gray boards. — Automaton Artist, Called the Corinthian Maid. [London]: G. Cox, [ca. 1826-1830]. Letterpress handbill (180 x 121 mm). Tipped on to a sheet of paper; short closed tear where tipped on, some rubbing, creasing, and finger soiling.

Among these broadsides, "A Very curious Collection of Strange Creatures" and "The Corinthian Maid" are particularly intriguing. The first features an automaton that was a precursor to Robert-Houdin's Patissier of the Palais Royale: a spice merchant that produced samples upon request. "The Corinthian Maid" was similar to Mr. Herve's "Prosopographus"—it could draw the likeness of any audience member through use of a hidden camera lucida and a backstage attendant operating a pentagraph.

Sold as group lot, not subject to return.

Condition Report:
Condition as described in catalogue entry.

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.