Lot 100: Art Deco Style Mechanical Woodpecker Cigarette Dispenser with Inlaid Wood
A mechanical cigarette dispenser of rectangular form, constructed from wood with various inlaid veneers using marquetry and parquetry techniques. The front panel features a prominent stylized geometric arch motif, typical of Art Deco design, bordered by intricate triangular and diamond pattern bands. The dispenser operates through a hinged lid that activates a painted wooden bird, resembling a woodpecker, which is designed to dip its beak into the internal reservoir to retrieve and present a cigarette. The interior lid is decorated with a floral transfer, and a small pull-out drawer at the base is finished with a Scotty dog motif. This type of novelty smoking accessory was commonly produced in Japan during the 1930s for the export market.
Condition report:
The item is in fair to good vintage condition. There is visible age-related wear to the wood finish, including surface scratches, minor scuffs, and small dings, particularly around the edges and corners. The painted wooden bird shows some minor paint loss and surface craquelure. The internal mechanism appears to be intact, though its operational functionality has not been tested.
Share this lot: