(Automata) | "Magnificent Exhibitions"

(Automata)
A group of five playbills for automata

[Schmidt]. Now Exhibiting ... Mechanical and musical Automatons. [London]: Havell & Co., [ca. 1825]. Letterpress handbill (220 x 140 mm). Old folds, a few spots, a little wear at bottom edge. — Schmidt. A Most Magnificent and Costly Collection of Mechanical and Musical Automatons. [London]: Havell and Co., [1825]. Letterpress handbill (260 x 196 mm). Hand-dated at head; two old folds, some browning, wear to bottom edge. Mounted on cloth. — [Schmidt]. The Magnificent Exhibition of Mechanical and Musical Automatons. [London]: np, [ca. 1825]. Letterpress handbill (222 x 137 mm). Old folds, browned and worn at edges. Mounted on mat. — Monsieur Vocenau. Automaton Swiss Bell Ringers. Boston: Gordon Forrest, Plain and Ornamental Printer, 1856. Letterpress playbill (378 x 178 mm). Printed in several typefaces, with large woodcut vignette depicting the automatons; old folds, chip to right margin, some marginal browning and stray spots. Mounted on cloth mat. — Dexter's Model Museum. New-Bedford: The "Standard" Steam Printing House, nd. Letterpress playbill (480 x 165 mm). Printed in several type faces, with the time of the performance handwritten on the broadside in red, "Three Weeks … 6 1/2 - 8 P.M."; old folds, a few pinholes, very small closed tear to head, stray spots, some wear to head and foot.

A group of attractive automata playbills. Including three broadsides for Mr. Schmidt's "Magnificent … Automatons", featuring "The Juvenile Artist! Whose astonishing Performances in Drawing and Writing … defy all attempts at rivalship," "The Musical Lady! Who performs, upon an elegant Finger Organ, a variety of pleasing Airs," "The Magician! Whose inimitable performances afford the greatest interest and delight, by the sagacious answers he returns toe very question proposed to him," and several others. Also featured is an undated broadside for "Dexter's Model Museum," which featured, along with his automata, a "Car of Beauty" containing statues of General Washington, Lady Washington, and numerous other figures.

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.