Wonderful and important Bowling Automaton with 3 Bisque Figures. Patented in 1907 by Otto Eichenberger of Switzerland with the assistance of Leon Brock of New York, this intricate and large automaton with a vast number of actions centers on a most popular past time of the early 20th Century "Bowling". The machine consists of two bisque headed gents, one poised to roll one of several steel balls down the alley to an array of nickel-plated skittle pins at the other end while the other enjoying his pipe looks on. A third bisque headed figure appears to reset the pins while returning the balls to the bowler. Beneath the “stage” is a complex clockwork mech and a throng of mechanics to power the various motions. Housed within a glass and carved/etched dome-top wood cabinet with great patina that only adds to the stunning presence of this piece. The patent number is carved into both sides of the wood and glass dome. The automation works very well. You crank the handle to wind the clockwork. The figures do need adjustment to pickup the steel bowling balls. But the pieces operates well. This is truly a stunning piece. The workings and actions are a true work or art. This is a true Museum quality piece. 43"x 14 1/2"x 22" Excellent