Walking doll - Autoperipatetikos - Victoria & Albert Museum

'Autoperipatetikos' means 'the automatic walking one'. This clockwork mechanism walking doll was designed by Enoch Rice Morrison in 1862 and made by Martin and Runyon in the United States. In the mid-19th century a doll that walked was a great novelty and must have made an exciting present for a little girl.

Physical description

The dolls's head is composition with moulded hair and painted facial features. Arms are of kid leather. The body is a conical shaped cardboard and wood containing a clockwork mechanism. The bodice is of pale blue silk with lace and ribbon trim, overskirt of white lace and net and petticoat of white cotton and lace.With original box and key.

Place of Origin

USA, USA (manufactured)

Date

1862 (manufactured)

Artist/maker

Martin & Runyon (manufacturer)

Materials and Techniques

Composition, brass, wood and leather

Marks and inscriptions

Patented July 15, 1862 also in Europe, 20 Dec.1862

Dimensions

Height: 25.4 cm, Height: 7.6 cm head only

Object history note

Martin & Runyon, 299 Broadway, New York City, had London offices from 1862 to 1867.

Historical context note

Autoperipatetikos was patented in the U.S.A. by Enoch Rice Morrison in 1862. Made and distributed by a variety of people including Daniel.S.Cohen and Joseph Lyon & Co. of New York.

Descriptive line

Autoperipatetikos or walking doll made in the USA by Martin & Runyon in 1862

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

The Ultimate Doll Book, C.G.Goodfellow, Dorling Kindersley, 1993

Materials

Wood; Leather; Brass; Composition

Techniques

Moulded

Production Type

Mass produced

Collection code

BGM

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