A French folk art Guillotine automata
Comprised of carved bone panels over a wooden core. The three-stage model consists of a straw work base, with attendant carved polychrome bone Guards and Bandsmen, on turned bone feet. A stairway leads to the intermediate level, with further Guards, and carved bone winding gear. A further stairway leads to the execution platform, with additional guards, and tipping platform for the condemned prisoner. Working guillotine, with movable neck clamp and movable blade released by a side lever. A loose head will fall into the waiting receptacle when the blade drops. Under a glass dome.
17x12x15ins.(43x30x38cm)