Heather's Bench

I’ve been researching two advertising automata for the last decade or so, since I first bumped into one at Toitu Settlers Museum, and later came into possession of another.

Hallenstein’s Advertising Piece

I was in the museum one day when I stumbled across this figure in a display case. At first I thought it was a static mannequin, but then a reflection gave me an insight into what was inside the box and I realised he could move. I contacted the museum and they generously gave me access. I had plans to make a replica, however other projects got in the way.

I did manage to learn a few things about the figure: He’s powered by a clockwork mechanism, and is probably German origin, going by the newspaper inside his body. Unfortunately no date was visible on the newspaper.

The museum and I have since put out a request for more information, or similar figures, in the Automata magazine. Link below.

Link to Articles:

Like a puppet on a string | Otago Daily Times Online News

Automata Magazine – November/December 2024 Automata Magazine – Everything automata

German Sign Lifter “Magnet”

The other piece I have been researching is one that was used around Dunedin, although exactly where is still unclear.

History

The figure came into the possession of a local man who started to restore it, however along the way the signs and case were lost. This was all the information I had when I received her. I’ve since learnt that her clothes are of a brand that existed for only a short period in Dunedin (circa 1940-1950) and my first assumption is that she was used in their stores (Glenar or Ross and Glendining)

The manufacturer

Unlike the Hallenstein’s figure, we have at least 10 other examples of the Magnet piece, however only this one is a female mannequin.

I learnt again, from the newspaper lining her, that she was German made; this was confirmed not only by finding the patent for her mechanism (dated 1923), but also by consulting Gesa Witt, who restored another figure as part of her thesis.

It appears the bulk of these figures (that I’m aware of) are in the USA, with Gesa’s figure in Germany, and my own in New Zealand. I’m very curious how she came to be here, but I’m yet to find any clue.