With bisque head stamped "Tête Jumeau, Bté. S.G.D.G." open mouth with metal tongue, fixed brown glass eyes, pierced ears and bisque hands (three fingers inconspicuously repaired) holding a bottle and goblet, sitting straddle-legged on a realistically modeled segmented wood barrel that contains going-barrel motor and single-air cylinder movement, figure dressed in original velvet breeches, striped stockings, clogs, tasseled cap, worn satin jacket and apron, ht. 18 in. (46 cm), original working condition, movement of cap slight, wig and cap not removed for inspection. With brass Decamps stop/start and Size 11 steel key. - The drinker turns his head, appears to pour from the bottle, lifts the goblet to his lips and sticks out his tongue greedily as the end of his cap, appearing to take on a life of its own, bounces up and down. - The French 'Paysan' (or farmworker) was a popular subject for 19th century automaton makers. Here he is portrayed with characteristic cap and clogs, seated on a barrel, drinking away his own (or his master's) profits! - A seldom-seen Roullet et Decamps model with surprising actions and desirable, original working condition!