Coin Ladder Magician Automaton. Los Angeles: Alan Wakeling, ca. 2002. A small figure standing on a plush-covered base rests beside a ladder-like device with a box at its base. As the handle of the automaton is cranked, and as a concealed music box plays, the box opens of its own accord revealing several coins inside. The lid of the then box closes, and one coin appears at the top of the ladder beside the automaton magician. It cascades downward, and then the lid of the chest opens. One coin has vanished from inside. As the operator continues to rotate the brass handle at the rear, this process is repeated – coins falling down the ladder and vanishing from the box. At the conclusion of the routine, the coins are shown in a lidded compartment at the base of the coin ladder. The coin casket is empty.

The components of this handsome automaton were crafted by Alan Wakeling and his wife Helen Wakeling; Alan constructed the mechanism and working parts, Helen sculpted the face. Each automaton the Wakelings constructed was built to order at significant cost. Height 32”, base 17 x 14 x 7”.

Wakeling constructed several Cup and Ball automatons (see next lot), but also built these mechanical magic tricks to order. This is believed to be the only version of the Coin Ladder automaton constructed by Wakeling. He also crafted an automaton for Ricky Jay and his 52 Assistants, the critically-acclaimed and long-running off-Broadway production that later toured the world.