[AUTOMATON]. Acrobat on Ladder. France, ca. late 19th century. Musical mechanical automaton of a balancing acrobat with papier-mache head with glass eyes, painted features, and fleeced hair, climbing a ladder, adorned in an embellished performance costume and turban covered in sequined accents. When wound, they perform a well-balanced acrobatic act, first bringing themselves up to balance on both hands atop the ladder, and then balancing on just one hand. Plush-covered base with cloth tassels below. Well-worn fabric to both figure and base. Third-party shipping required. 45 x 18 x 10".