Unknown Collectibles and Curiosities

When Charles Lewis Tiffany opened his first store in 1837 in New York City, selling “fancy goods” imported from Paris, he could not have imagined the visions of glamour that his name would conjure around the world. Tiffany & Co. has transformed from a modest purveyor of gift items to a globally renowned byword for luxury and romance, sublime and rare gemstones, joyful objects of love and an inimitable mix of tradition and modernity. Tiffany is a name that resonates across generations and cultures, part of the fabric of social and cultural history, an American institution gifted to the world, an emporium of escapism, a repository of dreams. During its 185 years, Tiffany & Co. has continued to evolve creatively, embracing artistic and cultural influences, finding exciting ways to renew its rich legacy. Since the 1950s,Tiffany has brought on designers who have become iconic names, from Jean Schlumberger to Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso, ensuring that Tiffany remains dynamic and relevant to each generation. The company’s design-driven dynamism honors and perpetuates the founder’s pioneering spirit. Today Tiffany continues to bring fantasy to its annual high jewelry collections, while also speaking to new generations through original collections that offer personal self-ex-pression, so much part of Charles Lewis Tiffany’s original concept. The beat goes on, the pulse of New York and of creativity, the quest for modernity and originality intertwined with reverence for Tiffany’s great heritage. Conceived as the catalog to accompany the exhibition Vision and Virtuosity at the Saatchi Gallery in London, this volume encapsulates all the romance and heritage of this world-famous American icon, highlighting Tiffany’s creative inspirations, witty advertisements and window displays, Blue Book jewel collections and diamond expertise, plus the stories behind the blue box, the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the fabulous yellow Tiffany Diamond. Jewelry historian Vivienne Becker is an award-winning journalist and author of many books on the history of jewelry design. Based in London, Becker is a contributing editor to Financial Times How to Spend It magazine, writes for newspapers and magazines around the world, and lectures and broadcasts on her subject. She organized and wrote the catalog for the first major exhibition of the jewelry of René Lalique, and curated Jewels of Fantasy...

18th century painting of San Geronimo, oil on canvas laid on wood board. It was later placed in a restored 19th century wood and gesso frame. There is no signature.

This is a set of 4 vintage Empirical embassy flags. A Commonwealth, cotton official flag upon an oak mount, dating to the mid 20th century and later. Comprising the classic United Kingdom Union Jack, the Australian red ensign for Merchant Navy use, the Canadian red ensign with earlier green maple...

Vintage Equestrian Horseshoe Tray. A very nice well detailed horseshoe serving tray, drinks tray. The tray with four small bun feet, great for serving b...

This is a gilt bronze/brass double apothecary scale. It depicts an upside down bronze Corinthian column that holds two different set of balance brass ...

Early 19th Century Medical Science Surgical Human Skull Specimen An example of a 19th Century medical science surgical human skull specimen. This specimen is of the top section onl...

Stunning estate pair of John Hardy diamond, 18K yellow gold, sterling silver and cabochon crystal earrings Provenance: from the estate of a noted New York City psychiatrist and colle...

Very old iron cylinder. Presumed to be a shell dropped on Japan during the war. The period is believed to be from the 1900s to the 1940s. Some time after it was dropped, this cylind...

Group lot of four Alexis Bittar brooches, one daisy with gold-tone metal stem, one frosted pink lucite flower pin, one fuschia flower mounted with orange gemstones, and one black luc...

18th Century Southern European Polychrome Processional Figure A late 18th early 19th Century Southern European polychrome and gessoed carved pine and beech processional figure of a ...

This is a 17th Century Sterling Silver Traveler Reliquary Round Case/Eucharist Bread Keepsake Box Pendant. It depicts a round wide hinged case engraved in the front with an IHS Chris...

Vintage Hand Painted Saint Nicholas Icon Orthodox Church The hand painted icon is mounted on velvet and framed in a beautiful Renaissance style wo...

19th Century Wooden Fake Book Boxes A fine example of late 19th Century hand crafted pine fake book document boxes. Hand crafted individually and painted with dates and the name Roq...

18th Century Medical Syringe For historical medical use and dating from the 18th century, and certainly from the beginning of the 18th century. This hand-crafted example is made to...

A 19th Century medical specimen, with articulated jaw and removable mandible and cranium cap. This example is of an old, aged female specimen as witho...

Early 20th Century Scratch build folk-art ship model Stood on a hand-crafted gesso painted sea effect, which is framed by an ebonised pine base. This is an charming example of an ea...

A fine antique bronze ghanta bell. Likely of Tibetan or Japanese origin. In the form of a curved bell with a vajra style handle. Bell and vajra are a ritual instrument pair in ma...

Signed M. Ogier (Fecit:by), this set of four hand colored engravings is part of a larger edition of plates. These plates are numbered PL 16, 347, 365 and 386. The subject is probably...

Prehistoric fish fossil "Priscacara Serrata" embedded in plaster, framed. Dealer: S138XX

Exceptional Human Anatomy Model from the 80s, 90s. Male and Female Figures on a black stand. The outer casting, such as the individual intestines a...

Amazing workmanship and truly ancient looking, Medieval style antique Sanctuary vase. This great looking and all handcrafted Gothic Revival vase is the first one of its kind that we...

Classic Telescope on Tripod. Nickel finish for a modern appeal. Adjustable tripod legs. Curbside to NYC/Philly $350

14K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Pin, featuring three round brilliant cut rubies weighing a total of approx. 0.48 carat, further adorned with 14 single cut diamonds 0.45 carat, worn thro...

Antique Gem-Size Tintype Portraits Miniature Leather Album 1860-1870. Antique and very rare leather-bound tintype photo album. Superb miniature, very we...

Platinum Sapphire Diamond Earrings, featuring two oval blue sapphires weighing a total of approx. 3.30 carats, further adorned with 24 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a total o...

Good size and top quality carved wildlife sculptures. On the internet and in certain countries in the world you can find many hand carved wooden elephants, but they are mostly of poor to very poor quality when it comes to the actual details. These two impressive bull elephants on the other hand come with tremendous physical details and whomever hand carved this pair must have studied these majestic creatures for a long time. Besides that, he or she must have been a seasoned sculptor/wood-carver, because it takes a special kind of talent to reach this level of craftsmanship. We have searched the worldwide web and there is not a single wooden elephant sculpture out there that even comes close to having the same quality details and/or such perfect anotomy. It does not take a biologist to see that the artist has perfectly captured the soul of these ancient herbivors and therefor too they have great aesthetic and decorative value. Some of the amazing details of these sizable tuskers are their dried-leather-like skins. You just don't find carved elephants like that, because besides being extremely time consuming, it also takes great skill. Other great features/details are the loose skin around the hips and around the 'armpits', the trunks and mouths, the amazing body postures and ofcourse the stunning ears. They too are unlike anything we ever saw in an elephant sculpture. That too is why it did not take 30 seconds for us to know we had to have these in our gallery on 1stdibs (now also home to the most beautiful elephants on earth). Besides being more realistic than any wooden elephant we have seen or sold before, this pair also is fairly large in size. And with them being carved out of solid teakwood they have quite a bit of weight to them as well. Previous owners have clearly taken very, very good care of these midcentury carved elephants which is why they could not be in better condition either. We hope that by giving praise to the beauty of elephants in particular and acknowledging the importance of wildlife on our planet in general, that these stunning sculptures will help raise awareness so that mother nature will not one day be...

This is a cute bright gold lion with orange mane and sweet blue eyes standing on his stool with the typical circus zig zag design. He is 3 1/2 inches tall and about 2 inches around. ...

A white mother of pearl ashtray with dolphin sculpture, circa early-20th century. Piece is polished mother-of-pearl with a dolphin sculpture/statue and t...

Introduce intrigue and conversation to your space with this antique Porcupine Taxidermy Mount. Despite its fragility and charming signs of age, this life-size full porcupine is a cap...

This handsome, brushed 14-karat gold men's ring features an intaglio male portrait in carnelian. Size 8, Weight 18.00 dwt.

19th Century hand crafted model of a church altar diorama An important 19th Century paper over pine model of an altar. Covered in gold leaf paper decoration with angels at the crown...

Vintage circa 1940's carved green bakelite and silver plate pin or brooch. Carved floral round bakelite cabochon prong set in silver plate relief f...

Hide-covered modern drum, possibly first peoples, 20th c. of shaped circular form, with hide stretched to top and bottom of a hollowed birch stump, with ha...

Icon of the Mother of God Umilenije "Balkinska". Tempra on board, chalk-gypsum base, gilding. There are two claws on the back of the icon. Jesus Christ Crucified. The scene is ver...

This striking plaster anatomical models is a half and half in the style of Jean Antoine Houdon. It shows the skeleton on one side and muscular layer on the other. The bust is full si...

Museum Collection Set of 10 Artisan Irish Linen Ornaments by Katie Larmour This is a luxury box set of artisan made decorative ornaments created with authentic Irish Linen, exclusive to 1stdibs. They are special because they are limited editions from a beautiful mixture of vintage and deadstock fabric in small batches (some even one-of-a-kind) embellished with exquisite copper embroidery and dainty beading. These novelty ornaments are a unique and quirky gift, or a treat to oneself. They are particularly suitable for the holiday season and the ultimate Christmas tree decorations. They are collectible and can be kept as heirlooms. Katie Larmour is an acclaimed Northern Irish designer with a studio based in her hometown of Belfast. Known for heritage textiles, her signature use of Irish Linen and original designs have seen her brand make waves in Europe and beyond. The fabric is 100% pure Irish Linen from a mixture of sustainable sources - vintage, local mill deadstock rolls from one of the last remaining linen mills still active in Ireland today, repurposed antique tablecloths...

Such vintage sweetness!! I don't know if this is an early Peter Rabbit or Easter Bunny or just a Christmas ornament in the shape of a bunny but it is adorable!1 The ornament has been from clear glass into the bunny shape and is overpainted with the white & light brown fur, fun pink vest...

Antique circa 1890's gilt brass belt or sash buckle. Swirling Art Nouveau design, 2 pc. flat catch hook closure. 7" long when closed 1.5" wide, straping on back allows for it to be s...

Vintage stoneware salt glaze gray and blue pottery match striker and holder. No markings, very good condition.

All four toys cars are being sold for one price; as a lot. Please see descriptions below. Videos available on request (they display operation). 1) Early Vintage Chein Company All Tin Toy Wind-Up Limousine, American, Circa 1930 This is one of the earlier, New York City based, J. Chein Company, tin toy pieces. They started doing lithography in 1930. This toy wind-up sedan was made circa 1930 and is brightly lithographed and painted in red and yellow, with grey and red balloon wheels. All tin, this car is quite scarce and well proportioned and stream lined with a visor over the windshield, a fancy checkered, red and yellow running board, and three cut out windows to each side of the car; very luxurious and cool looking. Markings consist of "N.J.-44"; the word "Stop" in a logo of some kind; and Chein logo attesting to "Made in U.S.A." manufacture. (see image). Also "marked" and of note are the tires "Chein Balloon Cord" "U.S.A." and "33 x 6 00.6 Ply" Car is from my own collection and is in very good and all original condition with no touch-up paint or repaint, and no restoration of any kind; fabulous colors and presence. The car works fine; see video for operation of the limousine (on request).. Dimensions: 7 1/4" long x 3 1/2" wide x 3" high 2) Rare 911 Porsche Friction Tin Toy by Bandai Toy Co. Made in Japan Circa 1960's Offered here is a whitish/cream colored friction tin toy 911 Porsche circa 1960's, marked at the bottom; "Porsche" in addition to the Bandai Toy Company logo embossed, along with "Made in Japan" designation being noted. The Bandai Toy Company is a post war toy company established in Taito, Japan circa 1950 and is still conducting business today, albeit, it has shifted from toy manufacturing to video toy accessories. This is a very rare toy and is coveted by collectors of both toys and fast cars. Except for the odd and minor scratch here and there, the toy is in very nice, all original condition with absolutely no restoration or touch up to the paint or mechanism (see images). The action and friction functionality works well (see video on request). Motor and engine mechanics and nomenclature are colorfully displayed through the plastic rear trunk window (see image); while the colorful interior can be seen through the side window. Car is all tin, with rubber tires and plastic windows. Dimensions: 10 1/4" long x 4" wide x 3 1/4" high. Note that this toy doesn't become available very often and the few that have turned up in recent years , don't work. 3) Vintage Free Wheeling Green Lithographed All Tin Racing Car. French, Circa 1930 Circa 1930's free wheeling green lithographed all tin racing car, with attached pressed steel driver; it is probably of French manufacturer (the only time I have seen for sale was from a French toy dealer). This scarce toy has markings resembling early racing cars with the streamlined style graphics in yellow and green; standard grill; exhaust four manifolds to each side, and a spare tire attached to the rear; looks like an early Le Mans type car with the spare (see images). Other markings include the number "3:" on each side; "510 x 1" on the rear tire"; and probably the makers mark and logo, which I can't identify, on the top right behind the driver (see images). Not being a wind-up or a friction toy, this racing car was pushed across the floor by hand or/and used as an accessory in a toy train layout setup. The car is in excellent and all original condition (remarkable for a nearly 100 year old floor toy), with no dents, no touch-up paint and absolutely no restoration.. Provenance: From my own collection of toys and banks, having been purchased 33 years ago in 1990. Dimensions: 8 1/4" long x 2 1/2" wide x 2 1/2" high 4) Lehman Auto "Ito" Sedan, Germany, circa 1913 This hand-painted German tin toy was manufactured by the "Lehman Toy Company" in Brandenburg, Germany beginning in 1913. It was made for a number of years after that, enjoying about a 20 year run. Entitled "Ito" it operates by winding up the attached key wind mechanism, placing it on the floor, and watching it go. The car is in very good all original condition with no repairs and no repaint. It runs well. There are a number of markings on the car including "Lehman" with the corresponding logo and the number 679 on the rear. The side of the has the patent information "Pat'd 12 May 1903; 13 Sept. 1904; and U.S.A. 2 Dec. 1913". Hand-painted nicely in red and black with black and gold trim; the hand-painted driver is in blue with flesh tones to the face. Dimensions: 7" long x 3" wide x 3 1/2" high. Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and banks; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...

19th Century Medical Science Research Artifact A fine example of 19th Century medical science research artifact, in two sections and not hinged. A d...

13th Century Period Wood Carved Polychrome Sculpture of Corpus Christi Rare and beautiful sculpture of Corpus Christi. The artwork, probably German, is carved from hardwood. This f...

14K white gold earrings, brightly polished, featuring two round cultured pearls, approx. 9.0 - 9.5 mm, further adorned with two prong set marquise brilliant diamonds, SI2-I1 clarity,...

Eight wood dice set with case.

14K yellow gold necklace and earrings set, featuring 3 bezel set lavender jade cabochons, approx. 25 x 18 mm (pendant), 16 x 13 mm (earrings), worn as a pendant with 14K yellow gold ...

Victorian taxidermy ebonised mounted elephant ear. A rare Victorian taxidermy ebonised mounted elephant ear. This item is very rare due to its subject matter, presentation and accomp...

Nature Collection Set of 16 Artisan Irish Linen Ornaments by Katie Larmour This is a luxury box set of artisan made decorative ornaments created with authentic Irish Linen, exclusive to 1stdibs. They are special because they are limited editions from a beautiful mixture of vintage and deadstock fabric in small batches (some even one-of-a-kind) embellished with exquisite copper embroidery and dainty beading. These novelty ornaments are a unique and quirky gift, or a treat to oneself. They are particularly suitable for the holiday season and the ultimate Christmas tree decorations. They are collectible and can be kept as heirlooms. Katie Larmour is an acclaimed Northern Irish designer with a studio based in her hometown of Belfast. Known for heritage textiles, her signature use of Irish Linen and original designs have seen her brand make waves in Europe and beyond. The fabric is 100% pure Irish Linen from a mixture of sustainable sources - vintage, local mill deadstock rolls from one of the last remaining linen mills still active in Ireland today, repurposed antique tablecloths, and off cuts from our own cushion making. As an associate member of the Irish Linen Guild, Katie Larmour Design is listed on their official website as a ‘certified “trusted and recommended” purveyor of Irish Linen goods’. Katie was invited to be an ambassador for The European Confederation of Flax and Hemp (CELC) in 2021. Each set contains one of each of the below: Butterfly Fox Robin Palm tree Umbrella Wellington (rubber) boot Swan Hedgehog Toadstool Beehive Flax flower Oak leaf Pumpkin Pineapple Spider web Rabbit We produce items for all occasions such as Halloween, Fall, Autumn, birthdays, engagement, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas tree decorations, Easter, nautical / coastal themes. There are 16 items included in this set. Measurements: Butterfly (11 x 9 cm) Fox (5.5 x 9 cm) Robin (7 x 7 cm) Palm tree (7.5 x 9.5 cm) Umbrella (7.5 x 8 cm) Wellington (rubber) boot (6 x 9.5 cm) Swan (9 x 8 cm) Hedgehog (8 x 5 cm) Toadstool (7.5 x 9 cm) Beehive (7 x 7 cm) Flax flower (9 x 9 cm) Oak leaf (11 x 6.5 cm) Pumpkin (7.5 x 7.5 cm) Pineapple (6 x 10 cm) Spider web (7 x 7 cm) Rabbit (6 x 9 cm) Expanded notes on images: No.4 onwards: These are product shots of a selection of decorations that may not reflect exactly the items in this set’s listing, the items in image No.1 are what to expect in your order. Use: Our ornament can be used simply as a trinket, hung on a Christmas tree, from twigs in an Easter vase, as tablescaping display centrepieces, wedding favours, and look wonderful attached to the key of an antique drawer or bathroom cabinet and even from the furniture of a window. Care: Decoration only. Does not function as a bag. Not a toy. Do not eat. Do not place near a naked flame. Condition: Each individual item is handmade using traditional artisan tools and skills, this is reflected in the pieces. Although constructed with care and precision, no two pieces are exactly the same, they are rustic in style and look and that is part of their charm and character. Both the fabric or beading may show signs of wear, as a portion of our materials are recycled. Any pre-loved or vintage linen used may have slight marks or patchiness to it, this is to be expected. Some of the deadstock cloth comes in unused rolls and is spotless. The items in the listing are from a mix of fabric sources. A portion of the pearl beads are reclaimed and may show signs of wear and tear including scratches. Our other items: We also have limited edition coloured - teacups, gingerbread men, handbags, lips, oak leaves, pumpkins, seahorses and shells here on 1stdibs. Our brand is known as the original vintage scarf cushion...

This little blown glass Christmas ornament baby boot is as sweet as can be! It is in good condition and would make a fabulous gift for a baby's f...

Vintage Wooden Decorative Mask, mid-20th Century. Wood and fabric. 61 x 24 cm. Good conditions!

A cameo grouping of three identical women with different headwear carved into three colors, one metal cameo, and one cameo of a woman with tiara, facing le...

Set of 18 Limited Edition Artisan Vintage Pink Irish Linen Shell Ornaments Christmas Tree by Katie Larmour This is a luxury box set of artisan mad...

Set of 18 Limited Edition Artisan Vintage Blue Irish Linen Shell Ornaments Christmas Tree by Katie Larmour This is a luxury box set of artisan mad...

Early 19th Century Hand Carved Madonna & Child Santos Religious Figure A stunning early 19th century religious artifact, in the form of a hand carved Santos Madonna and child statue...

Antique circa 1890's gilt brass with rhinestones belt or sash buckle. Two rows of prong set stones in a brass framework, narrow brass embossed edges, no markings. 3.25" sq., rows of ...

This extremely rare unique ancient Wooden Box with Judaical Religious Items inside was found behind a stone wall in Vienna (Austria), most likely hidden before the World War II. The ...

A large vintage taxidermy Cape Buffalo shoulder mount. Very well modelled and is a very impressive piece. Wear in places from age and use. Please contact ...

This rare antique sterling silver judaical Yad (literally translated from Hebrew as “hand”) or Torah pointer was found in Vienna and survived among other historical religious items (...

A unique pair of natural standing brain coral obelisks. The bases smoothed for display. The largest of the two specimen is approximately 29 x 11.5 cm.