HMS Franklin papier-mâché automaton, possibly French, mid. 19th c., depicting the HMS Franklin trapped on an iceberg, with a sailor on deck swinging an axe at a polar bear, as a second sailor climbs the rigging while a second polar bear chases after him, as they disappear in the iceberg they reappear to resume the chase, 19 1/2" h., 13 1/2" w. This scene inspired by the Arctic Expedition of Sir John Franklin who sailed ships to the Arctic in 1845 and mysteriously disappeared. Provenance: Noel Barrett Auction, December 2005, lot 656.

Condition Excellent condition, very minor repair to one side of base, includes a Plexiglass display case.