Thursday 10 July 2025

Lot 28

A brass-mounted tortoiseshell musical automaton of a conjurer, 19th century, a man with beard...

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Lot 28

A brass-mounted tortoiseshell musical automaton of a conjurer, 19th century, a man with beard...

Current Bid: £850

Estimate: £1,000 - £1,500

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Lot 28

Description

A brass-mounted tortoiseshell musical automaton of a conjurer, 19th century, a man with beard and turban performs the cups and balls trick, he stands behind a table holding a cup in each hand and raising each alternately and a ball appears and reappears beneath the cups, on a base containing the mechanical movement, 10.5cm high

Roseberys cannot guarantee the working order of any automaton. 

Tarnishing and scratching to brass throughout, particularly to underside. Top front pierced brass mount is bowed and lower front mount is slightly bent. The tortoiseshell panels with surface wear and have been reattached, with glue visible to corners, particularly to front and back left corners of base. The head and feet of the conjurer have been reattached, with glue visible. The movement has seized and needs attention from a qualified restorer. Winder is associated. 

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Buyer's Premium

The buyer shall pay the hammer price together with a premium thereon of 26% up to £20,000 (31.2% inclusive of VAT), 25% from £20,001 - £500,000 (30% inclusive of VAT), 20% from £500,001 thereafter (24% inclusive of VAT). The premium price is subject to VAT at the standard rate.

VAT
VAT is not charged on the hammer price unless it is stated that there is 'VAT applicable on the hammer price at the end of the description. Buyer's premium is subject to VAT.
(ARR) - ARTIST'S RESALE RIGHT

Qualifying living artists and the descendants of artists deceased within the last 70 years are entitled to receive a re-sale royalty each time their work is bought through an auction house or art market professional.

It applies to lots with hammer value over £1,000 as follows:
0 to £50,000 - 4%
£50,000.01 to £200,000 - 3%
£200,000.01 to £350,000 - 1%
£350,000.01 to £500,000 - 0.5%
Exceeding £500,000 - 0.25%
ARR is capped at £12,500

Please note ARR is calculated in euros. Auctioneers will apply current exchange rates.

Export of goods

Buyers intending to export goods should ascertain whether an export licence is required before bidding. Export licences are issued by Arts Council England and application forms can be obtained from its Export Licensing Unit. Details can be found on the ACE website www.artscouncil.org.uk or by phoning ACE on 020 7973 5188. The need for import licences varies from country to country and you should acquaint yourself with all relevant local requirements and provisions before bidding. The refusal of any such licences shall not permit the cancelling of any sale nor allow any delay in making full payment for the lot.

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