SOLD – Drinking Bear

Drinking Bear. Paris, Roullet & Decamps, c.1910. This clockwork automaton bear pours a real liquid into his cup and throws back his head to empty the cup. The bottle then ‘magically’ fills up and he repeats pouring drink after drink. Made of wood and papier mache with a real fur covering and glass eyes. This example was found in the cellars of Mme. Collete Bellancourt in Paris a few years ago, she was the last surviving relative of this famous automata making firm. The bear had a broken spring and was possibly replaced by the firm with a new one when returned to them in the 1930s and then consigned to storage. We have repaired the spring and replaced the internal rubber tubing whilst carrying out a comprehensive mechanical restoration. It is unusual to find an automaton of this age that has the original fur and has never been opened for repair or service. The fur is worn and dishevelled in places but tight and not coming out. As it is the original fur and the bear has so much character the decision has been made to keep it. Price SOLD including worldwide shipping VIDEO HERE Please email direct for more information or to buy.