6th Dec, 2023 10:00

Dolls & Teddy Bears Auction

 
  Lot 623
 

623

An extremely rare and probably unique John Dennison of Leeds (British) counter-top clockwork Penny in Slot fortune telling machine circa 1890

Sold for £3,600
Estimated at £2,000 - £3,000


 
An extremely rare and probably unique John Dennison of Leeds (British) counter-top clockwork Penny in Slot fortune telling machine circa 1890, fortune telling lady seated on sofa with crystal ball on table, two rotating stands reveal twin babies and a wedding ring, in wooden case, clockwork mechanism working with 1d, maker’s stamped name in three places, holds and dispenses sixty small cards (scene refurbished by Dennison’s daughters) —28 3/4in. (73cm.) high x 21 1/4in. (54cm.) wide x 15 1/4in. (39cm.) deep - originally in Blackpool Tower arcade; for reference see ‘Penny in the Slot automata and the Working Model’ by Darren Heskith and ‘Automatic Pleasures’ by N. Costa