10: AN OUTSTANDING LARGE MECHANICAL LADY LION TAMER TARGET

The striking painted sheet iron mechanical shooting gallery target, 'near life-sized', is an outstanding Victorian example with classic, charming, folky, melodramatic sideshow qualities. A successful shot to the bullseye lowers her arm and the lion's jaw, producing his sharp iron teeth. Intact apparatus back side makes it easy to re-set the action and ready for the next player. Late 19th century, probably English or European.
Measures 49 x 36 x 20 inches including the stand.
Very good original condition as shown with touch-up at her top hand and on the mechanical bull's eye. Newsprint has transferred to the painted surface in some areas.
$5,000 - $10,000