It really depends upon which make/model of Ajeeb you are talking about. I've documented eight distinct versions (actually seven built under the name Ajeeb with another automaton being renamed to Ajeeb). Reminds me of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray%2...

I suspect the version that is dated as "dying" in 1936 is based upon the last date mentioned in John Kobler's article published in the <New Yorker>, v19 n4, 20 November 1943, pp30-38, however, that version was still being exhibited as late as February 1941 (that's the last report I have found).

<BTW- Wiki gives Ajeeb's demise as a 1929 Cooney Island fire.>

Actually the fire occurred in 1928 and was mentioned in the <Brooklyn Daily Times>, Extra Edition, 1928.03.10, p1, and the <Brooklyn Daily Times>, 1928.03.13, Section 3, p8. The fire destroyed all the original wax works and I think someone just assumed Ajeeb was destroyed in that fire, however Ajeeb wasn't part of the lots auctioned off in 1915 as it was privately owned. When the Manhattan Eden Musee closed Ajeeb was removed by the owner.

https://www.chess.com/member/batgirl

Scroll to bottom for links under the Activity section.

Oh, and could you please ask her how to contact <Leo Hovestadt> of Carolus Chess?

https://sites.google.com/site/carol...

He hasn't posted there in a number of years, and I'd still like to get some of his interzonal pgn downloads (which now have broken links).

And I'm working on adding "Mazam" to the ranks.

Everybody sees Ajeeb and his wonderful games of chess. The hall where he performs, which is just south of the Grand Stand, was filled to its utmost capacity all day yesterday. All who have seen him say that he is the most remarkable manipulator ever seen. He does not alone play chess but also checkers and beats every and any one that dare come near him. He is the only good and unfailing chess-player in this country. Mr. Boeck, the Master of Ceremonies, gives interesting information. The admission is only ten cents for an exhibition which is so interesting. Let none of the visitors fail to patronize Ajeeb.

The admission is only ten cents, and the exhibition so interesting that it is the absorbing topic of conversation on the fairground. The location of Ajeeb and his mysterious games of chess which he performs to the gratification of all who witness them, is just south of the Grand Stand. A continual stream of patronizers kept pouring in all day yesterday. Ajeeb is not alone a chess player ; he also plays checkers, and is the most wonderful manipulator ever seen. He has been brought here from Paris at a great expense, and Mr. Jardine, his manager, makes everyone satisfied who gives Ajeeb a call. Mr. C. A. Boeck furnishes visitors with all desired information. Every lover of chess and checkers should see this wonderful automation. The investment is small and will never be regretted.

From The Toronto World September 19, 1888.

Ajeeb and His Chess

On the west side of the Grand Stand, adjoining the Dominion Organ Company's pavillion, is a great attraction. Here will be found Ajeeb and his wonderful games of chess. He does not alone play chess but also chekcers, and it is amusing and interesting to see him beat some of Canada's champions. Everybody should see him, for he is a wonder. He has been on exhibition in New York, London and Paris, where he played before large audiences. He has been brought to this fair at an enormous expense. Those visitors who have seen him unanimously pronounce that is the most mysterious and wonderful chess automation that ever appeared in this country. Mr. C. A. Boeck, the enterprising Trinity Square printer, is the Master of Ceremonines, and courteously gives the visitor all information. The admission is only ten cents, which is a mere bagatelle for an exhibition which is so interesting and will afford a lively topic for conversation for many a day. Let none of the citizens or their country cousins fail to patronize Ajeeb.

Thanks!

From The Toronto World September 22, 1888.

Ajeeb, the chess automaton, may be all right so long as he sticks to common men as his opponents, but when an editor like Mr. W. R. Climie of The Bowmanville Sun got at him yesterday he succumbed.