Uploaded November 2008 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
automatomania.com
A clockwork head that moves its glass eyes and smokes either a pipe or cigar. The head is made of papier mache and wood. The original wooden box contained envelopes of saltpetre and 'ribbon of bruge' to load the pipe with, also a letter dated 1882 explaining how to work it and confirming its sale to a London coffee shop. The mechanism will be restored in the new year and then I can post a film of him in full working order.
automatomania.com
A clockwork head that moves its glass eyes and smokes either a pipe or cigar. The head is made of papier mache and wood. The original wooden box contained envelopes of saltpetre and 'ribbon of bruge' to load the pipe with, also a letter dated 1882 explaining how to work it and confirming its sale to a London coffee shop. The mechanism will be restored in the new year and then I can post a film of him in full working order.
