"MADAM MELBA" COUNTERTOP FORTUNE TELLER MACHINE.
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Winning Bid:
$3,199.06
(Includes 15% Buyer's Premium)
Bidding Ended:
Tuesday, July 12, 2016 10:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Tuesday, July 12, 2016 10:00:00 PM)
Item Description
Machine has wooden cabinet and base w/glass on three sides at top that measures 7.5x8.5x16.5" tall. Top has removable topper piece w/applied paper label w/"Madam Melba" name and "Questions Answered - Yes Or No - Controlled By Fate" text. Madam Melba figure has composition head w/painted features and wooden arms. She wears dress w/fancy trimmings and elaborate headdress w/feathers, large glass stone at center and tiny applied red/blue stars, which are repeated on dress sleeves. Her "table" is covered in green felt and holds glass globe attached to painted gold cast iron base. When coins are inserted, her Yes and No nodding actions are sporadic, the interior mechanism needs some adjustment. The few other known examples of this machine that exist have differently dressed dolls, different globes and other small variations. It is believed they were made in very small quantity in a "garage" type shop, c. 1910. Cabinet has some wear w/edge/corner tip wear and wear to back panel. Back right edge has 1.25" sliver off edge and back left has .25" chip on edge. Paper label on topper has missing areas at two corners that show 1¢ price and label has some lt. rippling. Front glass has edge chip at upper left, but this appears to be as assembled as there is some aging present. Madam Melba costume has lt. aging but this rare and charming machine is Fine overall.
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