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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The finest bird song of 1890 produced by lovely brass mechanism

Our friend Michael Start over at The House of Automata created this lovely video of a a singing bird mechanism. During the course of the bird's song, we get a 360 degree view of this ingenious device.

According to his description, the mechanism was made about 120 years ago in Paris. It is most likely the work of Bontems, a distinguished maker of bird automata.

An expert at horology and automata, Start restored the mechanism, though it was rusted and seized when he received. It is very common that the fine leather used for the bellows dries, cracks, and leaks on these singing bird mechanisms. He notes with surprise that the bellows were in good condition.

If you are curious about what the rest of a singing bird mechanism looks like, check out this post featuring a video on How Singing Birds are Made.

[ Thanks Mauricio! ]

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Michael Start from House of Automata speaks about automata history, restoration, and the film 'Hugo'

The wonderful presentation featuring automaton expert Michael Start from the House of Automata speaking to a gathering at Cabaret Mechanical Theatre comes to us courtesy of artist Aaron Kramer. You will learn a lot from this 20 minute video!

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Cabaret Mechanical Theatre's Winter Automata Fair with expert Michael Start

As you may know Cabaret Mechanical Theatre has an exhibit of automata at Space Station Sixty-Five until January 6th, 2013.

Cabaret Mechanical Theatre has recently announced that they will be having a Winter Automata Fair at Space Station Sixty-Five on November 28th from 5PM to 8PM. An evening for collectors, enthusiasts and the curious, this will be a unique chance to buy archive prints, posters, automata and kits as well as a several push-button exhibits. The complete sales list will be available on the day of the fair.

The Winter Automata fair will also feature automaton expert Michael Start from The House of Automata. Michael served as Automaton & Horological Advisor for Martin Scorsese's award winning film Hugo which features a clockwork automaton based on the famous Maillardet drawing automaton. Michael will talk about his experience working on the film and share some of his work.

What
Cabaret Mechanical Theatre Winter Automata Fair

When
November 28th, 2012 from 5PM to 8PM

Where
Space Station Sixty-Five
65 North Cross Road
London
SE22 9ET

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