I've found exactly one other of these over the years, which I thought was just about the best thing I ever saw when I found it, and I think so again with this one. It is German Erzgebirge, late 19th/early 20th c. I believe, and I believe the puppet theatre taking place here is specifically a Punch and Judy show. The wooden lever on the side of the stage moves the pair to and fro, such that punchy Punch and his wife Judy might continue their ongoing drama (battle) in perpetuity. I find the whole thing just wonderful as an object, small in scale but large in presence, and in this best deep red and blue paint. I had to pay a fair bit for this one but could not resist.
3 3/8" t x 2 7/8" w x 1 3/16" d, very good antique condition, works just as it should.
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