Baranger Motion Display Baker from Wedding Cake Automaton. Extremely Rare. 1947.

Description

I have owned this fantastic Baranger baker for 42 years. I purchased it in Chicago at an auction. I was lucky to get it as I was in a bidding war with someone who wanted it
almost
as much as me.
The Baranger Company of South Pasadena, California manufactured an ingenious array of character motion machines. They were intended to be displayed in store windows, specifically jewelry stores, with the hopes of attracting the public eye. Once attracted, the message was simple...come in and see our gorgeous collection of diamonds.
Baranger motion displays were not sold, but rather leased to the stores. After a while they were rotated and another display was given to the store. From 1937 to 1959, a total of 167 of these electrically powered American folk art creations were produced, and in relatively small runs (less than 30 each).
This little baker was off the Baranger motion display named
Wedding
Cake
, designed in 1947. He is one of eight miniature bakers earnestly employed in the task of creating the perfect wedding cake. Atop the wedding cake was the bride and groom, below, a plaque that read “With one of our beautiful diamonds you can eat your cake and have it too”.
He is displayed on a wood base with felt on the bottom. His wry expression is captivating and he has been in the front and center position of a glass display case in my living room since he was purchased.
The 8th photo shows you the entire display with the bakers all around, and the 9th photo shows this specific baker. They are taken from the Baranger motion video on YouTube that you can access below. This listing is not for the entire cake, just the baker.
In a recent auction, Baranger displays were realizing prices of ,000-,000 and up. There is currently one on EBay for ,000. It is truly beautiful and rare.
Touch the following link to see a Baranger collection video. The wedding cake showing this baker is at the 14:03 mark:
https://youtu.be/B1DIyuI4HQw
The Pollack Advertising Museum in Mesa, Arizona has a Baranger Wedding Cake in their collection. Go on their website (pollackmuseum.com) and look at their fantastic collection of Baranger Motion Displays... there is a clear image of the Wedding Cake.
I wrap carefully, and ship insured priority mail. And, as always, I guarantee the authenticity of this fine piece of history.