Potter & Potter Auctions
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Coin Op, Advertising & Carnival

Thu, Oct 15, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-10-15 11:00:00 2026-10-15 11:00:00 America/New_York Potter & Potter Auctions Potter & Potter Auctions : Coin Op, Advertising & Carnival https://auction.potterauctions.com/auctions/potter-potter/coin-op-advertising-carnival-23648
Featuring the collection of lifelong coin-op enthusiast and bon vivant Tim LaGanke, our fall auction features arcade machines, carnival rides, automatons, animated window displays, and all manner of unusual mechanical novelties. Complementing these animatronic and coin-operated marvels are a host of vending and slot machines, gambling devices, masks, and unusual objects from days gone by.
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Lot 16

Page-Turning Gnome Automaton with Book of Magic Posters.

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Current Bid
$1,500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

Page-Turning Gnome Automaton with Book of Magic Posters. Paris: JAF, ca. 1930s. A gnome in cloth costume with hat and hair, turning pages of a book featuring magic posters (a later addition). Gnome's head swivels, jaw moves up and down, and both arms move. An arm on the stand in front of the gnome moves the pages to the beginning of the book, so the gnome can turn them ad infinitum. Approximately 40 x 24 x 18".

Book contains 18 pages and 2 pastedowns. "JAF" plaque on the front of the platform. The pages of the book are modern color photocopies of magic posters, and are all edged in metal. Restored. Working. Third party transportation required. 

Condition

Some wear to platform and figure. 

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