Was just looking for some antique beaded lace and came across this auction. Don't know the seller, but thought it was an interesting item. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=48864&item=8102395449&rd=1 Sue
I found that earlier and was thinking how nice it would be to display Victorian hats. I suspect she is an inset from a mannequin. I was speaking to a friend last week who was talking to the old display manager of the Eaton's downtown department store in Vancouver B.C. The store used to be David Spencer's until it went out of business in 1949, and he said that all of the old wax mannequins were in the basement when we was there in the 1950s including one which was an automaton. She lifted her hand and turned her head to take a puff from a cigarette, then she blew smoke! This mannequin was originally from the 1920s! Can you imagine what that would sell for on ebay!?!?!?!?!?
Jonathan, I wonder if they are still there? Stuck in some dusty corner, totally forgotten, the automaton one waiting for someone to light her cig? Wonder if they would let us take them off their hands? Of course, the store would not be Eaton's anymore either.....hmmm... (nice to dream!) And, yes, I actually find it hard to imagine what the automaton one would bring on ebay. Sue
The Eatons closed down in 1970 and the building sat empty for almost a decade, and then it became the Sears headquarters, and they completely gutted and redid the building in about 1980, so I dare say they may have been hanging around until almost 1980...
Oh my, Sue, that is nice but a little too much for my pocketbook! I think I will just dream of running into one at a little secluded antique shop selling for about $25.00!:D
That is a nice one. I did see 2 at an auction in Ohio - they went for about $750 each, so that reserve is reasonable. The wax ones always go high. Now an automaton that smoked? you would be looking at thousands, I would think. Hollis
About 10 years ago I turned my nose up at one that was $350.00 Canadian because I thought it OUTRAGEOUSLY priced! Ha...
Jonathan, maybe you will still find one - like Linda in some dusty antique shop for $25.00. I would love one just as an 'objet de art' Sue