What did the children of rich parents play 200 years ago?

Of course, dolls. But if ordinary children had motanka dolls, then rich parents could pamper their child with a fashionable novelty – a mechanical moving doll. Just imagine what a monstrous hybrid of man and machine looked like. The head and limbs were like those of a baby, and the torso was like a large clockwork. The author of such a doll was George Clark. He patented his invention in 1871.

Despite the terrifying appearance, scary eyes and heavy weight, the toy gradually gained popularity. The next, improved version of the doll looked more attractive: a cap and a dress, at least somehow covered the gears, although they still looked out of the armpits.

But not everything is so terrible. In Russia, at the beginning of the 19th century, a walking eight-legged doll was invented. At that time it was an innovative invention. The doll had delicately traced facial features, a long dress, enamel eyes and a chignon. In addition, the doll could be pushed on the floor, thus making it move. The wheel of legs scrolled, simulating walking. At the same time, a long dress hid the total number of limbs, and only a pair of legs looked out.

The last time this doll was sold at auction was in 2012 for $7.5 thousand.