The picture speaks for itself. This ca. 1880 automaton by the quality makers, Roullet & Decamps, is in fully original condition. As described on pages 209-212 and page 321 of the "Automata - The Golden Age - 1848-1914" by Christian Bailly, the "Black Smoker" is a very rare automaton in this original condition. The "Smoker" has some fiber loss from the jacket and a small area of fiber separation on the right front shirt. When tobacco or a lighted cigarette is placed in the pipe and the mechanism activated, you are entertained by two different aires from a magnificent miniature musical movement.

Body movements include the eyes, lips, head and both arms. When the left arm with pipe is raised to the "Smokers" lips, the tobacco glows as the mechanism "inhales" the smoke. The eyes move in delight, the head moves from right to left, and the lips move (slightly) in anticipation. As the left arm is lowered, smoke billows from the lips as the "smoker" exhales. Simultaneously, the Smoker's right arm "rubs" his right side over the right lung to soothe the "lung cancer" created after nearly 120 years of smoking.

This wonderful piece is in excellent operating condition with an original French key. You or your authorized representive must inspect this rare piece personally before purchase, to fully appreciate this wonderful automaton.