Classic rabbit-in-a-head-of-cabbage automaton with an early electric component

This historical gem comes to us by way of Michael Start at The House of Automata. This is an interesting and unusual version of the classic Rabbit-in-a-Cabbage automaton, dating to the 1930s.

From Michael Start's description:

A Rabbit in a Cabbage automaton dating from the 1930's and labelled as "made in Austria". Owned by the same family since new and housed in its original box. The clockwork automaton has a battery compartment under one of the leaves and this battery is used to light up the eyes. An early example of the use of battery operation for entertainment. This model was usually made by Roullet & Decamps of Paris. Shown here on my bedside table with the lights dimmed so the red eyes illuminate well.

See more wonderful vintage and antique automata at The House of Automata web site.

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