My latest puppet

[Buck-Beaver]

I think you're right, if the control was permanently attached it would cause all kinds of problems, especially if the control had to be repaired. I should have mentioned that these were built were so the control attached to the rods via some kind of clip, so it was removable. I would imagine there would be times when a second puppeteer would be used. These puppets I'm referring to were from a German TV show; I took photos of the mechanism so I will have to search and see if I still have them somewhere.

 

[Punch'n'Judy]

The characters on Spooks of Bottle Bay (a British show from the 90s) had moving/blinking eyes, with a cable control that could be attached to arm rods. Have a photo somewhere...just have to see if I can find it.

 

[dkmontgomery]

Love the blinking eyes & moving lids! Excellent!