Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
thehouseofautomata.com
Very large Lion Automaton, attributed to Roullet & Decamps, Paris, c.1890. Papier Mache body covered in fine leather with fur mane and tail. The face of the Lion is sculpted with great skill and character, possibly observed from a large cat. The eyes are high quality glass. A rare survivor in this (child rideable) size. 50cm high and 74cm long. The long duration clockwork movement keeps the lion head and jaw moving for several hours suggesting it was designed as an impressive automaton for use at parties or as a store display. The Lion is in original condition with no sign of significant repair or replacement parts. There has been a professional repair to the tail and some signs of its age to the face and paws. The mechanism has been removed and serviced, on inspection it showed little wear suggesting many years of dry storage in the Lions 140 year life so far. The movement causes the head to raise and lower slowly, it is effectively a compound pendulum with the Jaw acting as a secondary pendulum mounted on the head. The overall effect is mesmerising and relaxing with a confident resonant slow tick and tock of the clockwork motor at each nod of the head.
Extremely rare, possibly unique, in this large size, and notable for its original condition and age. Dog not included.
thehouseofautomata.com
Very large Lion Automaton, attributed to Roullet & Decamps, Paris, c.1890. Papier Mache body covered in fine leather with fur mane and tail. The face of the Lion is sculpted with great skill and character, possibly observed from a large cat. The eyes are high quality glass. A rare survivor in this (child rideable) size. 50cm high and 74cm long. The long duration clockwork movement keeps the lion head and jaw moving for several hours suggesting it was designed as an impressive automaton for use at parties or as a store display. The Lion is in original condition with no sign of significant repair or replacement parts. There has been a professional repair to the tail and some signs of its age to the face and paws. The mechanism has been removed and serviced, on inspection it showed little wear suggesting many years of dry storage in the Lions 140 year life so far. The movement causes the head to raise and lower slowly, it is effectively a compound pendulum with the Jaw acting as a secondary pendulum mounted on the head. The overall effect is mesmerising and relaxing with a confident resonant slow tick and tock of the clockwork motor at each nod of the head.
Extremely rare, possibly unique, in this large size, and notable for its original condition and age. Dog not included.
