It's wonderful to see so many great bbooks and plans on Sterling Engines. Likewise there is a huge range of working Sterling Engine models around these days. Some of the nicest I've come across are those sold by Hammacher Schlemmer. Take for example the beautiful external combustion kraftwagen model I posted about last year. I don't know who exactly is producing these beautiful metal models for them, but they state that they are made in Germany.
This fully operational model is machine-tooled from solid brass, stainless steel, and aluminum. Power is supplied by the amazing Stirling Engine which uses the expansion and compression of air to turn the engine. An alcohol burner in the rear fuels the engine. These engines are remarkably efficient: full burner of ethyl alcohol allows the engine to operate for up to 15 minutes. Not keen on the idea of running an engine indoors. No worries: the exhaust is just steam and heat!
Shopping on eBay for automata and antique toys can be fun; your never know what you may find. The down side is that you often have to sort through a lot of stuff that isn't exactly relevant. A new online shop has opened and you should know about it. Called simply Antique Automata and Toys, the store sells just that. They offer automata, American toys dating from the 1860s to the 1960s, European toys, toys made in Japan, and toys by the Schoenhut. There is a lot to see! Take for example this toy they are offering for sale: an early American Brower's Automatic Toy Dancer dated to around 1873.
From the clockwork dancing toy description:
This toy features a clockwork driven dancing black man performing in front of a paper on board background scene of a Southern plantation and the neighboring sharecroppers shack. The figure is dressed in his all original clothes. We believe the entire toy to be in its original condition....The clockwork mechanism is functioning well and when wound the gentleman will "dance" tapping his feet.
The toy has the original gold stenciling on the back side of the tin box which protects the clockwork mechanism. The printing reads "BROWER'S AUTOMATIC DANCER PATD SEPT 23 1873".
Here is where you can see 10 detailed photographs of the the Brower's Automatic Dancer Toy. You can also buy it directly from the site. Be sure to check out the rest of the site too!
The line between a sophisticated toy and simple automaton is not a clear one. My thinking is that it boils down to the target market. If it was for adults (and costly) it is probably an automaton. If it is for kids (and inexpensive) it is a mechanical toy. The turkey in the video is much like one currently for sale on ebay. It may have crossed this imaginary divide of mine.
From the eBay description:
Made in germany by Kohler. Wind-up lithographed Turkey circa 1950, blue leg version. The best I've seen in years...works very well. Key is included. Walks very deliberately forward while legs articulate as if strutting along, while plumage spreads out & raises up. Nothing missing, very excellent condition. Very few produced, no loose wheels or bent shafts or broken or loose tabs. 7" long.
I am guessing it started out as a fairly inexpensive toy for children.My visits to antique stores have shown that these tin toys are no longer inexpensive -- especially if they work and are in nice condition. I doubt many kids are spending hundreds of dollars on these antiques. By my definition above, this might suggest that it started life as a toy that has, over the years, become an automaton because it is now collected by adults. There is probably a flaw in this logic, but it's an interesting notion at least.
Back in July of 2011, I did a post about a William Tell cast iron mechanical bank. At the time, all I could offer you were a picture and description. I've seen them in person at antique stores and shows, but because they seem to be worth a fair amount, I've never asked to see it work. There is currently another one for sale on eBay and this one comes with a video, which you see above.
The bank itself is an antique cast iron William Tell Mechanical Bank dating late 1800's. This model was patented in 1896 by Russell Frisbie and manufactured for 7 years by J&E Stevens Co.
From the eBay description:
To operate, the user cocks the launcher and places a coin in front of it. This "loading" of the mechanism also causes William Tell's head to lower into a position that makes it appear as if he is taking aim at the apple. Next, the boy’s right arm is pulled down bringing the apple to the top of his head. When ready to fire, the operator presses William Tell's right foot, the gun fires, and the coin shoots forward, knocking the apple from his son’s head as the boy simultaneously raises his right arm. The coin is deposited inside the castle tower, rings a bell, and William Tell's head falls backwards as if in relief.
Of the cast iron mechanical banks, this model is one of the most sought after variations. The original paint is in good shape, and this bank works great as you can see. Best of all, the seller warrants is not a reproduction because ownership can be traced back through her family. Beware of any "original" mechanical bank you find that seems like it is a deal too good to be true; I've spotted a lot of reproductions being presented as antiques. Here's a book about still and mechanical banks which features the William Tell bank on the cover.
I recommend the eBay listing itself. It is informative, contains 14 full of color photographs and is good reading. Here is where you can see the listing for this antique cast iron William Tell mechanical bank.
