Automatons from premier manufacturers in the form of clowns, Pierrots, and performers took center stage. A circa 1975 Swiss Pierrot Writing automaton made by Michel Bertrand, was the top lot in the sale. This dozing scribe traded hands at $33,600. A mid-1980s Musical Gymnast with Two Chairs, also by Bertrand, elevated to $26,400. A late 1800s Lambert Pierrot on the Moon automaton sent collectors into orbit selling for $26,400. A circa 1895 French Clown Acrobat with Two Chairs automaton made by Vichy, came to rest at $18,000 and a fine circa 1900 Lambert Acrobatic Clown on a Ladder example realized $10,200.

The animal themed automata offered through this sale were truly the cat’s meow. A modern “Le Petit Automate” featuring a golden egg laying bird, nearly tripled its high estimate selling at $12,000. This as-new circa 2010 example was made by Mike Michaels from Las Vegas. A Roullet & Decamps circa 1910 Walking Peacock automaton made $11,400, while a circa 1900 musical Peasant and Piglet pairing by Vichy, realized $10,800.

Automata featuring magicians, magic acts, and other conjuring feats were well represented. A nearly life-sized circa 1920s magician automaton likely made by JAF in Paris found its new home at $24,000. This extraordinary rarity was featured in the Oscar-nominated mystery film Sleuth, and was one of two automatons that played a prominent role in the movie. A circa 1920s Roullet & Decamps Levitation automaton, made $12,000. This example featured a standing magician and his assistant resting on a table; when the mechanism was activated, the woman floated up, and the conjurer passed his hoop over her levitating body proving no connection between her body and the table below.

Articulated Marionettes were another favorite category. A 36-inch-tall Marlene Dietrich marionette by puppeteer Ralph Emory, sold for $7,200 on its $600-900 estimate. A circa 1999 34-inch-tall Clara Bow puppet by artist Eugene (Eugeni) Seregin, shot to $2,400 on its $250-350 estimate. And things were twice as nice with a pair of Mickey and Minnie Mouse display marionettes made in England by Pelham. This circa 1950 duo stood 22 inches tall and retained their original costumes, Pelham labels, and Disney stickers. Estimated at $200-300, they stole the show at $1,800.

It was all fun and games with a modern Arbolé Praxinoscope viewer and a marbles automaton. The pairing made an astonishing $3,120 on its $100-200 presale estimate. The viewer included 11 paper strips of various kinetic subjects while the automaton featured three ascending and descending marbles.

According to Gabe Fajuri, President at Potter & Potter Auctions, “We were excited to present this, the largest offering of automatons at public auction in perhaps a decade. The results were surprising, in that the modern material fared very well, and saw competitive bids on virtually every lot.”

The company’s next live sale, featuring fine selections of coin-op machines and advertising, will be held on Sept. 28.

For more information, please see www.potterauctions.com or call (773) 472- 1442.