Germany, with papier-mâché head, original painted make-up, fixed brown glass eyes, articulated jaw with milk-glass teeth, curly mohair wig, carved wood hands, the left holding a brass snuff box, on velvet-covered base with going-barrel motor and single-air cylinder movement causing the clown to lift a peck of snuff, move his head back and open his mouth as though sneezing, dressed in striped blue silk costume, yellow satin tailcoat with large silk-covered buttons, white hat and pointed shoes, height 25 ½ in. (64 cm) including hat, snuffbox replaced. A circus-themed automaton with charm and an unusual habit! Good working condition. – Literature: Reprint of "Ernst Holzweissig Nachf. Engros-Preisliste über Musikwerke, 1898" catalog, pp. 277 and 283 for similar pieces. – The automaton's torso bears the pencil inscription "Schnupfler" (snuff-taker). The style of his make-up is reminiscent of the celebrated English pantomime clown Joseph Grimaldi (1778–1837). – See: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/g/grimaldi-the-clown/