Jeff Soan, Octopus, articulated coloured wood, canvas tape, with two small unattached...

Jeff Soan, Octopus, articulated coloured wood, canvas tape, with two small unattached fish, approx. 59cm high octopus, 11.1cm and 12.8cm fish; together with other articulated animals by the same artist, comprising: Python, hemlock, tape, approx. 228cm long; Rainbow Fish, 25.5cm long; and Kipper Tie, articulated stained wood, canvas tape, elastic, approx. 45.5cm long; together with a slug, by Neil Hardy, hand-operated, painted wood, wire, 18.5cm long; and other articulated wooden toys by anonymous Chinese makers, including two snakes, approx. 98cm long; a shark, approx. 60cm long; and a smaller snake, approx. 40cm long; three Chinese articulated bamboo snakes; and an articulated dragon, Poland, painted wood, metal, paper, approx. 35cm (lot)

Sir Nicholas Goodison noted:

Python: This is one of Jeff Soans masterpieces, a long snake with tactile qualities. A skilled snake-handler can make the head hover in the manner of snakes looking at potential prey. When this python arrived in the Head Office of TSB Group, then in Milk Street, the girls behind the reception desk shrieked. The letter quoted below demonstrates well how much Soan cares for the quality and properties of the woods in which he works. Length 230cm approx.

Octopus: The octopus, with his articulated tentacles, is one of Jeff Soans imaginative sea creatures. He can lie on a flat surface or be draped over a chair or whatever. He has brought his lunch with him in the shape of two small fishes and so far hasnt consumed them.

Kipper Tie: The wood is cut thin and the fish is thus extremely supple. It will ride successfully on any configuration of shirted male front and makes a convincing if surprising necktie. The elastic hangs round the neck like any low made-up bow tie. Soans price list in 1988 described this Fish Tie as a double sided wooden kipper tie.

Slug: The slug is articulated and writhes as the handle on its tail is turned, but this is not one of Hardys more successful models. At least it is not slimy.

Roseberys do not guarantee the working order of any automata or toy.