There were many interesting and downright amazing examples of automata (automated mechanisms) crafted during the 19th century. The era was a prolific time for many creators of the automated mechanisms, with many of them creating some of the best works that have ever been produced.
The advent of mass production methods made the creation of these works much easier and cheaper to accomplish, allowing many more people to have some of these mechanical marvels in their home. Many examples of automata from this period and earlier are considered to be the most valuable acquisition any collector can make.
Singing birds within gilded cages, acrobats that performed death-defying feats of mobility, and realistic life-sized dolls that could smoke cigarettes and pipes, blow soap bubbles, and play guitar or other musical instruments, were extremely popular innovations that were always proudly displayed in society parlors of their day.
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Although many modern toys use battery-powered motors and nylon gearing to achieve realistic human movement, the mechanical principles are as ancient as the early Greeks, who devised many of the early automata principles of motion. There are records that speak of automated statues being used in Greek ceremonies that were worked by levers and possibly even by steam power.
Early examples routinely command high prices at auction. For the movie buffs out there who would like to see automata in action, the movie "Sleuth" prominently featured a room filled to overflowing with automata.
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