Watch video of whistler in action. This is a great hand carved automaton “whistler” lamp from Germany made by the firm Karl Griesbaum. Their logo is “K G” above a bird caricature. The hand carved wooden figure of drunk hobo, wearing ill-fitting clothes with a bottle in his pocket leaning against a metal lamp post. He whistles a cheerful tune while holding onto a lamp post and as he does so the light on the post lights. I didn’t have a c-battery but it used to work. I suppose I should get one tomorrow and test it. You turn the key on his back to wind the mechanism. You activate by pressing the exposes bar down. & lift the lever. He will turn his head from side to side and whistle a cheerful tune. I looked it over pretty good and could find no markings except for “Germany” on the works. I believe it is the work of Karl Griesbaum. Didn’t see the logo, but. The quality of the carving, excellent painting and the interior workings look exactly like his whistlers. There is a panel on the back which opens to reveal the works inside. The spring loaded and key driven works look similar to a clock with gears, spring, bellows, and a wheel. The bellows pumps at the bottom to provide the wind to blow into the small whistle located just above the above and the “draw pipe” goes in and out producing variety of notes. Reminds me of the toy whistle I got at the carnival as a kid. There is also a square cut-out with mesh in the back panel to allow the sound to come out while back cover is secured. It can be wound while back is on and played. He turns his head well and the “whistling” mechanism works beautifully. Not sure what he is whistling but the tones go up and down. The shade of the lamp is made of metal and amber pattern glass. The lantern is made out of metal and there is top that is fastened by two long pins. The lid opens to reveal a tiny light bulb inside. The “drunk” is very nicely carved and painted and the colors are still rich. There might have been a trap door on bottom covering battery chamber but I don’t have one. Whistle is loud and bellows pump well. Spring seems quite strong and will play a few times on one winding. I see lantern has one glass on the back that has been cracked and glued together diagonally. Top metal lid has a corner that is slightly loose. LOOK AT PHOTOSAND VIDEO FOR BEST CONDITION DESCRIPTION. This is a vintage antique collectible of high quality! He stands 18″ tall and the thick wooden base he stands on is 5″ wide and 3 1/2 deep. The item “Germany Karl Griesbaum WHISTLER AUTOMATON Black Forest Carved Lamp Post Hobo” is in sale since Friday, October 29, 2021. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Decorative Collectibles\Music Boxes”. The seller is “sellall” and is located in Hampton, New Hampshire. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Handmade: Yes
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany
- Brand: Karl Griesbaum
- Time Period Manufactured: Pre-1900