This Very Rare Automaton. Features a garden scene with an elegant musical and acrobatic performance. The tight rope walker is a bisque head doll with sculpted hair, painted facial features and loosely jointed wooden limbs and is wearing a fine silk theatrical costume. He balances on the tightrope. Seated on either side are two bisque-head musicians with sculpted hair and painted features, one a lady harpist with silk gown and the other a gentleman mandolin player. The Automaton plays two tunes (video is of 1 tune- message for video of 2nd tune), while the acrobat dances across the balancing bar. The musicians play, moving their heads and arms. 24″ tall x 15″ wide x11.1/2 deep. Great to Excellent condition for an Automaton of approximately160 years old. Mechanism functions well, music needs a slight adjustment but plays well. The four-sided glass dome has an 11 thin crack off to the side in back (see last picture). The base is in good condition, and it still has its original key. The mandolin players’ left arm sleeve is slightly deteriorating (see second to last pic). Jean Marie Phalibois, circa 1865. The attractive scene is preserved on its original ebony base under the original four-sided glass dome. His automatons were recognized for their craftsmanship and often included delicate features like moving limbs, facial expressions, and synchronized motions. Such automata were highly prized in the 19th century, often showcased in the parlors of the affluent as marvels of engineering and artistry. The Phalibois family, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, were leaders in this niche, captivating audiences with their lifelike creations. This particular piece, with its intricate movements and delicate music, serves as a window to a bygone era, evoking the elegance and charm of Victorian entertainment. Collectors today value these timeless treasures not only for their mechanical sophistication but also for their historical significance and aesthetic beauty.