South Pasadena, California, created in 1939, painted metal, chain-driven motor, numbered 33-12 with Baranger Studios, Inc. label to verso, the automation featuring four galloping horses pulling a stagecoach with kissing couple and two drivers, advertising sign behind the group reads "YOU WILL ALWAYS BE ON THE / RIGHT ROAD WITH ONE OF OUR / BEAUTIFUL DIAMONDS." Includes the original shipping box and comprehensive text by John A. Daniel titled BARANGER: Window Displays in Motion, 2001, Zon International Publishing Co.

12 1/2 x 25 1/2 x 12 1/2 in.

The Baranger Studios of South Pasadena created a window display service that was unique. Their job was to supply window automations to jewelers and opticians to act as background for selling choice pieces of jewelry. It was in 1937 when Vice-President Robert Gerlach created the first mechanical display for the Gruen Watch Company. Since that time, 167 different "motions" were created, and the company made 30 of each one to be rented to various jewelry stores. The business ended in 1957, but today these whimsical advertising automata have become important collectibles. In 1978, the company was purchased by Burton A. Burton, owner of the Casablanca Fan Company, with John A. Daniel put in charge of maintaining the displays and eventually acquiring much of the collection.

The consignor of this piece acquired the automation directly from Mr. Burton around 1981, and the original crate retains the Casablanca Fan Company shipping label.

Currently in working condition; some small scattered areas of paint loss and associated touch ups; some paint crackle to signage; box with overall wear and surface staining.

$2,000 - 4,000