This remarkable specimen is a Rosko McGregor Smoking Man, a battery-operated automaton manufactured in Japan during the 1950s. Standing 11 inches tall, this uncanny figure is crafted from lithographed tin and fabric, adorned in a distinctive crimson jacket and corduroy trousers.
Mechanical Curiosities
When activated, this fascinating automaton performs a mesmerising ritual - raising a miniature cigar to his peculiarly cheerful visage. His unsettling azure eyes and fixed grin create an expression of perpetual mirth that seems to harbour darker secrets. The figure sits perched upon a decorated blue compartment, clutching a walking stick with unnaturally rigid fingers.
Tales of Unexplained Phenomena
From our Archives of the Unexplained: The most disturbing accounts come from a retired toymaker in Osaka who claims these automatons were manufactured during the midnight shift at the Rosko factory. Workers reported hearing childlike giggling emanating from the storage room where completed McGregor figures were stored. More unsettling still, security logs from 1956 note multiple instances of the figures being found arranged in circles, despite being packed individually in their boxes the night before.
Condition
The specimen exhibits the expected patina of age, lending it an appropriately haunting aspect. Please see the photographs for full details of his distressed condition. When the switch is rocked he will creakily stand, raise his cigar to his lips, and open his eyes wide.
Note: several owners have reported the figure continuing its smoking ritual during the darkest hours of winter nights.
Laudanum House assumes no liability for any nocturnal disturbances or unexplained cigar smoke following acquisition of this item. Storage in a blessed display case is strongly recommended.
