18th Century Swiss Letter-Writing...with A Twist.

https://www.chonday.com/15454/the-w...r-automaton/

Those automatons are quite amazing, and to me just a little bit creepy!

Very interesting.

A working one is really nice to see in action. I could use one since my hand and handwriting have gone to ****. I still know people who pretty much demand handwritten personal correspondence.

As a kid I tried to make quill pens from goose and turkey feathers, which lasted a couple minutes each at best. I found recently on YouTube how they are supposed to be treated to last longer. Duh. Note also that except for the automaton, you generally select a feather that curves with the middle outward so you don't hit yourself in the face with it. Also, you need a blotter or sand to soak up excess ink.