vintage mechanical figures

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I am submitting four photos from my collection of vintage mechanical figures. I purchased them in the 1980's from the Eaton's Department store in Victoria ,British Columbia, Canada. I remembered them with such delight from my youth. Seeing these magical windows at Christmas was essential for creating the holiday spirit in me. I was fortunate to get to work with them when I was employed by the Eaton's store in the 1970's. There were three themes . These are from two different large groups of figures, both from the Victorian or Edwardian eras. One group is at a very formal dress ball. The other is from an outdoor skating party. The third theme is of very romantic whimsical fairies. Most of the figures are mechanised and still work beautifully. Their faces are made of plaster and painted in a most delicate and refined manor. The bodies have metal armatures over which has been cast plaster torsos. The legs and arms are created from plaster while others are some type of composite. I know that these figures were bought from the Lord & Taylor Department Store in New York by the Eaton's store chain in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and over the years made their way to Victoria, B.C., Canada. Some of the figures mechanical boxes have the letters L & T window # 7 or 8 written on the side as well as an ink stamp saying The Carpenters and Joiners Union , District of New York, May, 18, 1922. I Also researched that plastic became the medium of choice for such figures after the second World War (1945) because of the fragility of plaster forms. I am trying to find out anything more about these delightful and remarkable characters . I would very much appreciate any assistance any one could offer me with any photos or history relating to these figures.
Sincerely, Gaylan