Antique Musical Cats String Band Manivelle Automaton. German, ca. 1890s/1900s. Charming automaton depicting a trio of cats on a wooden platform, the edges painted yellow, trimmed in lace, sides covered with floral paper. When the crank is turned, one cat acts as conductor of the two others, who play a violin and cello, each moving their arms or bodies. Plaster-composition hand-painted heads, with fur and glass eyes applied, felted arms. Hand-painted wood and wire toy instruments, cotton and satin clothing. Ears drooping, loss of fur to cellist; in working order but jerky and sluggish. 10 x 13 x 8 ??. Video upon request.