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Doe And Hope
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Rare Automaton Sand Toy in Glazed Box
The glass, lithographed paper, and stained pine construction with gilded pillars having a background of elephants, clowns and entertainers with hand decorated draped turquoise theater curtain, the multi joined acrobat spinning on a central peg axis, the action requiring anti clockwise charging of sand hopper denoted by a pointing finger paper label, most probably made by Brown, Blondin and Company of London, England.
The condition, considering the age and fragility of the toy, is still good with the mechanism working soundly, the glass and wood in good order and the intricate background fade but still beautiful. There are some signs of sand grain escape to the base but it is minimal. By rotating the box two complete turns anti clockwise the sand fills a reservoir and the sand then falls onto the wheel and drives a series of gears by means of which the acrobat performs his tricks.
Given the nature of their mechanisms, sand toys function best in dry conditions and are particularly rare as they are inherently fragile and thus very few have survived to the twenty first century. Functioning via the power of falling and shifting sand distributed through a complex system of hoppers and paddle wheels, the central figure is then animated, performing for around a minute. Sand toys were often broken from the constant shaking of frustrated children.
Popularised by the French, Italians, and Germans as early as the 17th century, sand toys were usually in a glass-encased frame. In the 1850`s, one of the earliest United States toy makers, The Tower Guild of South Hingham, Massachusetts, produced wood and tinplate examples featuring chutes and paddle wheels to cause jointed figures to perform.
An amazing and exquisite piece of invention, with huge graphic appeal and a wonderfully ingenious toy of its time.
SellerDoe And Hope
View all stock from
Doe And Hope
Private dealer, By appointment only
The Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL
Tel : 07729 213013
Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013
Get directions to Doe And Hope
The condition, considering the age and fragility of the toy, is still good with the mechanism working soundly, the glass and wood in good order and the intricate background fade but still beautiful. There are some signs of sand grain escape to the base but it is minimal. By rotating the box two complete turns anti clockwise the sand fills a reservoir and the sand then falls onto the wheel and drives a series of gears by means of which the acrobat performs his tricks.
Given the nature of their mechanisms, sand toys function best in dry conditions and are particularly rare as they are inherently fragile and thus very few have survived to the twenty first century. Functioning via the power of falling and shifting sand distributed through a complex system of hoppers and paddle wheels, the central figure is then animated, performing for around a minute. Sand toys were often broken from the constant shaking of frustrated children.
Popularised by the French, Italians, and Germans as early as the 17th century, sand toys were usually in a glass-encased frame. In the 1850`s, one of the earliest United States toy makers, The Tower Guild of South Hingham, Massachusetts, produced wood and tinplate examples featuring chutes and paddle wheels to cause jointed figures to perform.
An amazing and exquisite piece of invention, with huge graphic appeal and a wonderfully ingenious toy of its time.
Price The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 11/DEC/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Phone or visit the website to buy, Free UK shipping.
DimensionsHeight 11.75 inches
Width 8.25 inches
Depth 3.25 inches
Category Antique Toys
Date c.1880-1900
Late Victorian Antiques Material Pine
Origin English
Condition Very Good.
Item code as155a511
Status Sold
£775.00 
$1041.21 
€885.67 
$
€
Conversion rates as of 11/DEC/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Phone or visit the website to buy, Free UK shipping.
View all stock from
Doe And Hope
Private dealer, By appointment onlyThe Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL
Tel : 07729 213013
Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013
Get directions to Doe And Hope
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