Advertising automaton under a globe depicting a "tasting room" scene, with two characters. The first (the customer dressed in the traditional costume of a Chinese nobleman) is seated next to a wooden pedestal table, reading his newspaper. The second (the Chinese waiter in traditional costume) pours him a cup of tea. The set is presented on a black fabric-covered base bearing the inscription in gold letters "UNE TASSE de THÉ - SALON de CONSOMMATION n°4. The 9-movement clockwork mechanism in the base brings the piece to life. The two figures (35 cm and 26 cm) have wooden heads with black enamel eyes. The "client" has a special articulated jaw. This very fresh set is in its original condition. However, the mechanism needs cleaning. Dimensions: 52x42x28 JM PHALIBOIS was a cardboard maker by trade and appeared in trade directories from 1863. He specialised in mechanised scenes on a base, representing daily life and small trades. Expert: Mr Jean-Claude CAZENAVE