I love this Sailor's Hornpipe automaton by Gustave Vichy. It was made in the late 19th century in Paris and features two adorable dancing sailor dolls inside of a hand-painted diorama. I love the character and uniqueness of this piece.
The way that little metal sailors jump around as they dance is so much fun. Lots of love and creativity clearly went into the making of this wonderful display. I wish I had this automata gem hanging on my wall!
From The House of Automata on instagram:
Sailors Hornpipe Automaton by Gustave Vichy, Paris, made in 1880. Several unusual technical features are combined in this automaton to make a really effective dance. New book on automata mechanisms 'Secrets of Automata' by Michael Start, order via Blackwells Books Uk, for worldwide shipping.
