Vintage Coin-Operated Automaton Mortuary
This early 1900s coin-operated automaton mortuary features sobbing mourners and working morticians. The automaton was part of a recent auction by Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers.
“St. Dennistoun Mortuary” Coin-Operated Automaton, attributed to Leonard Lee, c. 1900, the mahogany cabinet and glazed viewing area displays a Greek Revival mortuary building with double doors and grieving mourners out front, when a coin is inserted, doors open and the room is lighted revealing four morticians and four poor souls on embalming tables, the morticians move as if busily at work on their grisly task and mourners standing outside bob their heads as if sobbing in grief.
via David Thompson
photos via Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers
E.D.W. Lynch
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