To the editor:  First, let me say that I am not an authority on the
subject but have been involved in collecting and restoring automatons
for a while.  Just browsing recently through eBay auction, what I have
seen prompts me to provide a warning to those of you who would consider
bidding for an automaton.

Most of the automatons offered for bid are not as described -- not old
and certainly not made by the makers cited.  Sometimes the bid price
can be a guide, but I have seen high prices for what I would consider
junk.  Most of those labels with 19th century dates are fakes, as few
automatons had such labels, although some did have tune labels.  Often
the shape of the key is your only clue as to the maker.

When I was first interested in automatons (or automata, if you prefer),
lack of knowledge allowed me to make a couple of mistakes and, lo and
behold, I see those same fakes still being offered.  These are expen-
sive toys and a good knowledge of their history and good reference
library are essential to avoid being taken.  I should add that the
sellers may not be trying to fool you, I suspect many do not know much
about what they are selling.

One more warning: the condition of any antique automaton is very
important -- repair or restoration is very expensive.  Buyers beware.

Moe Goldy