{"product_id":"early-american-aluminum-folk-art-cycling-automaton-c-1910-1930","title":"Early American Aluminum Folk-Art Cycling Automaton, c.1910–1930","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA remarkable one-of-a-kind machinist-made kinetic sculpture constructed of hand-formed aluminum with iron mechanical components and retaining untouched original paint throughout. This wonderfully animated comic cyclist is mounted above a large hand-cut steel drive gear which powers the articulated legs in a vivid pedaling motion when turned by hand. The exaggerated forward-leaning posture, elongated features, and rigid racing stance give the figure extraordinary movement and personality, capturing the humor and ingenuity of early 20th-century mechanical folk art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEntirely hand-fabricated with riveted and cotter-pin construction, the piece survives with exceptional original surface and authentic age wear throughout. Missing only the original crank handle and straight handlebar, both entirely expected for a surviving example of this type. Mounted on a later iron stand for display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA rare and visually compelling example of American machinist folk sculpture — combining industrial ingenuity, whimsical design, and strong sculptural presence in a form seldom encountered on today’s market.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Folkism Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45173282635885,"sku":null,"price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/1957\/4381\/files\/WhatsAppImage2026-05-05at11.27.34AM_2.jpg?v=1777994893","url":"https:\/\/folkismantiques.com\/products\/early-american-aluminum-folk-art-cycling-automaton-c-1910-1930","provider":"Folkism Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}