Winter British and Continental Premier Sale | February 24, 2026
Tue, Feb 24, 2026 10:00AM EST
Live Auction
Lot 149
French Musical Automaton, Elegant Lady Harpist
Estimate: $7,000 - $10,000
Sold for
$6,000
Sold Price excludes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
late 19th century, female harpist in traditional silk attire, bisque head with no readily apparent markings, wearing blonde mohair wig, carved wooden hands and legs, in the style of and possibly by the hand of Jean Marie Phalibois of Paris, France, on a fitted ogee black finished base and under domed glass, overall 25-1/2 x 18 x 8-1/2 in.; with winding key present
Provenance: By descent in family
Note: In 1863 directories Phailbois was listed as a “cartonier” (working with cardboard) in the Marais district, known for toy and doll manufacture. In 1871 he is known for having set up his own shop in that same district, 62 Rue Charlot, where he was making “Fantasies á Musiques," and in 1876 exhibited musical novelties, mechanical toys as well as medium size automata, some under glass domes. The automaton offered here is typical of the earlier pieces by Phalibois, and similar to the “Seamstress” automaton in the Guinness Collection, currently displayed in the Guinness Gallery and pictured in the exhibition catalog on page 116.
Available payment options
Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction, or will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.
By descent in family
good overall, minimal wear throughout, some fabric fraying or shattering at shoulder, minor paint losses at ground, minute chip at tip of one finger, curious finial decoration atop harp with multiple breaks, sound and motion functioning at time of inspection, interested parties are encouraged to call and schedule an in-person preview or request additional images or video
Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.
