More fake automatons appearing!

In response to the posting in 031125 MMDigest by Christian Greinacher
regarding the Tiffany Flower Girl of ca. 1875.  Sorry to say, but you
have another of the "faked" automatons that have been popping up all
over the world.  Please reference my own MMD posting regarding same
subject titled "Beware of Fake Monkey Automaton" (2002.03.27.02).

Upon removing the frame from the shadow box (the only way in), then
pealing the nominal fabric costuming from around the musical unit,
you'll likely discover the core mechanism to be a 1 tune, 18 note
modern Sankyo musical unit, the builder having slyly altered the
winding stem in order to be able to use an old style clock key. The
slick labeling at the rear is also a newly created collage, parts of
which may be true, but not the whole!

We've now seen three or four varieties, or different models, of this
same format, definitely from the same workshop or 'hand'.

Collectors should be vigilant and aware of the fact that there are
quite a number of individuals and/or small firms making reproductions
of just about everything nowadays, usually reliant upon supply and
demand.  New automata, in the style of circa 1880's originals, have
been and are now being made not only in England and on the Continent
but in the far East as well!

All the best wishes to all MMD'ers for a Happy & Healthy Holiday
Season!

Jere Ryder - Jere & Steve Ryder
Summit, New Jersey