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Description:	A traditional handmade painted wooden pendulum toy in the form of a tortoise. This piece was part of the collection of automata and moving toys owned by Sir Nicholas Goodison, I have included some information about him below. Goodison noted "This is a fast acting tortoise, raising and lowering its head and tail in turn, more like an agitated pecking hen than a calm carapace-carrying dandelion-eating animal. The head and tail respond in turn, as the ball underneath is rotated, tightening and relaxing the string attached to the base of the neck and tail, pulling them up when tight and letting them drop when relaxed." Sir Nicholas Goodison (1934-2021) was a true polymath, as well as having a highly successful career in the financial industry he was also a leading figure in and patron of the Arts. He amassed his collection of sculpture and toys over a 50 year period whilst travelling the world.
Identifying Marks / Makers Marks:	Unmarked.
Age / date of manufacture:	Purchased from Kristin Baybars, London in January 1995. Kristin Baybars was a well known toymaker who ran her shop in Gospel Oak for 40 years, she stocked the work of many other important toymakers.
Size:	Measures 6 3/8" (16.25 cm) x 5 1/8" (13 cm) and is approximately 2 1/8" (5.4 cm) tall excluding the ball and string.
Condition:	In excellent original undamaged condition and in good working order. Has an item number written on the underside in pen as it has come from a toy collection (I have not tried to remove this). Has a couple of tiny chips from the paintwork on the edge of the red base plate, these could be touched in if desired. Please see the photographs.