Gustave Vichy

• the figure with papier mâché head, dressed in a fitted wool suit, pleated  shirt, felt hat and leather shoes, seated with bottle in one hand, the other resting on the back of a park bench, performing the following sequence of motions: he raises the bottle to his lips, lurches from side to side, his arm slides along the bench back while the right leg moves side to side, his chest rises and falls to simulate inhaling and exhaling, his eyes open and close, he then wobbles on the bench and finally falls asleep • the music and automaton work contained within the body • with two control levers for start/stop, the winder terminating in Vichy's signature Acorn

Sotheby's New York, December 15th-16th, 1989

Rare and amusing piece Music and Motion work in going order. The hat and shoes original to the piece. The figure has been redressed,some soiling/discoloration to figure and clothing, Small hole to one leather shoe the face has split on one side other minor condition issues are the following, cracks to fingers of hand holding bottle and with some pigment loss. Cracks to finger of other hand. Ribbon is frayed on hat. Eyelids are separating. Wear to edges of bench with one split to lower back leg of bench
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

A nearly identical figure is part of The Guiness Collection, Morris Museum, Morristown, New Jersey and illustrated in Bailly, C., Automata: The Golden Age, pp. 88 and 266.

The present lot is considered to be one of three known examples of drunkards created by Gustave Vichy.