Automaton "le Vendeur de fruits à surprises" Maison... - Lot 440 - Coutau-Bégarie Automaton "The Surprise Fruit Vendor VICHY house - last quarter of the 19th century Standing figure carrying a tray of three fruits, opening one after the other to reveal animated surprises. Head animation and blinking eyelids. The three fruits open from right to left, with a moving monkey's head in the apple, blinking and with an articulated jaw, a waltzing mignonette in the pear and a mouse scampering after its tail in the peach. Total height approx. 70 cm (wear, small missing parts) Vichy is one of the most famous manufacturers of French automata. At the end of the 19th century, he created or revived countless models inspired by earlier periods. This type of model is particularly sought-after.