RARE! Clockworks Mechanical Automaton Tiny Tabs Drugstore Display Sign

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1487 SMITHFIELD AVE LINCOLN, RI 02865 RARE! Clockworks Mechanical Automaton *Tiny Tabs* Drugstore Display Sign Description Here …… The only reason this rare, antique Clockworks Mechanical Sign is in the condition you see, is because it has been protected all these years by its original shipping crate. Measuring 21” wide at the base by 29 ¼” tall to the top of the spinning wood balls, this early 20 th century, Advertising Automaton advertises for “Tiny Tabs Indigestion Tablets.” After some searching on the net I found that this product was made by the Peace Remedy Company, which was a small Brooklyn NY Company. There is very little on the net about this company never mind another advertising sign of any sort. The advertisement of a cartoon character, with a Tablet Body is very close to the “Speedy Alka Seltzer” character who came later. The two sided character is made from cardboard and the classic Arts & Crafts frame is solid 1/8” thick Quartered Oak. The finish on the oak is dark and original and held together at the corner with large Rose-Head nails. The clockworks is perfect and the main spring is very strong. I’m sure this automaton will work all day in the window of a Drugstore or Mercantile. If you check out the short video you will see that the top spins, winding a small wood ball on the end of a string, around a stiff wire rod. It then unwinds and repeats. There is something about a simple kinetic motion that fascinates people. As it spins, the cardboard center spins advertising for the Tiny Tabs. Simple, yet effective in catching a customer’s eye. In the video you will see that the ball sometimes misses the rod. It still keeps going and will wrap around the wire 3 out of 4 times. The points where the spinning rod is held by supports have no bushings and there is some wear, causing a slight wobble, causing a miss every once in a while. There also is a bend in the cardboard and a short tear on the right side of the character’s hat. On one side of the table is tone line and there is a small piece of paper missing from the outside edge. The Arts & Crafts Oak Frame is perfect and there have never been any repairs. At the bottom is a label from the “ Attracto Company of Philadelphia.” This company is also not well known and I could find only one other mechanical sign like the one I am listing tonight, but it was advertising for a different product and was missing pieces. …… I’m sure that this circa-1920s, Key-Wind Clockwork Automaton Store Display is quite rare. Even so you will find it is listed without any reserve. I also guarantee 100% that the high bidder will be more than satisfied with its quality, condition and rarity or I will return all their money. IMPORTANT!…… The advertising sign is not very heavy, but the crate is. Contact us for shipping costs or if you do not want the case at all. There also are details down below about a possible Free delivery! … Please check back every once in a while. We list everyday and you never know what you might find listed without any reserve. …… Possible FREE Delivery! I live Rhode Island and travel between southern New Hampshire and Eastern Maryland almost every week. I would gladly meet the high bidder anywhere along my route, and deliver this large sign and crate for free. Please contact me for my scheduled route down Route 95 from Southern New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Southern New York, New Jersey (New Jersey Turnpike) into Northern Delaware and down the Eastern Side of Maryland. … If a meeting is not possible I guarantee that we can pack this mechanical advertising display properly and safely. Please send your Zip Code and I will quote you exact shipping costs by emailing us between Monday through Friday 9-5 EST for shipping particulars and my Free Delivery Route & Schedule. Payment: Paypal payments are preferred. Feel free to contact us regarding payment methods. All residents within our state of RI will be charged state sales tax at the time of ... read more

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