An interesting and charming automaton of a knife sharpener. Set in an wooden box with paper on the sides, old strap hinges and old original rippled glass. The old clockwork movement is wound from the back and it runs for some considerable time. The sharpener pedals his wheel and he raises his arms and lowers them to place the knife upon the sharpener He also moves his head from side to side. Probably second quarter 19th century. The box 12 inches square to the front, tapering down and with a depth front to back of 8.5 inches ( 30 cms by 21.25 cms).