Collectibles and Curiosities

2.44 yacht half hull model of a racing sloop. An 1840s-1850s "Plank on Edge" cutter half block hull with applied stem, keel and rudder. The deck with stubbed bowsprit, stub mast, and...

Antique boat propeller wooden patent model in case. This rare and historically significant patent model was created in 1858 by C.F. Gardiner of Boston, Massachusetts, as part of his...

A late 19th century scale model of field cannon, the barrel with a flared muzzle on an oak carriage with twin twelve spoke steel rimmed wheels and steel m...

An unusual pedestal of octagonal Neo-Gothic form, the molded base supporting eight shaped and carved columns decorated with typical Gothic designs, topped by eight spikes surrounding...

A 19th century French velocipede of a white pony, the horse of polychromed wood with horsehair mane and set upon an iron tricycle. Deaccessioned from the MacLean Collection of Asian...

A lovely example of an intimate 19th century memorabilia album illustrating the era's sensibilities for nature and antiquities, and bound in an exquisite blank album with miniature v...

A masterpiece of both cabinetmaking and mechanical engineering, this one-of-a-kind expanding table was crafted by the renowned cabinetmaker Samuel Hawkins of London for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Diminutive in size, the fascinating table was designed as a model to demonstrate Hawkins’ innovative patent screw movement to visitors of the Exhibition – six million people in total over five months. It was exhibited again a century later at the Victoria & Albert Museum during the Festival of Britain, an event intended “to symbolise two main qualities of the national character: realism and strength on the one hand, and, on the other, independence and imagination” (Catalogue of the Exhibition, 1951, p.117). To this day, the miniature masterpiece demonstrates the quest of English furniture makers to combine technical innovation with superb craftsmanship. Displaying exceptional ingenuity, Hawkins’ wind-out screw mechanism allowed one to extend the table’s base to accommodate concentric leaves with the simple crank of a handle. It is based on the inventive expanding table originally designed by Robert Jupe in 1835, which used a swivel mechanism to separate sections of the tabletop and allow for segmented leaves to be inserted. Hawkins’ tabletop, on the other hand, extends outwards directly from the center in order to accommodate additional leaves around its diameter. This unique design allowed the mechanism to also smoothly operate on rectangular tables, which could be wound out from the middle to allow for more table space. Hawkins was not alone in his endeavor to combine the technical merits of engineering and mechanics with the most artful pursuit of cabinetmaking. The first half of the 19th century saw a prolific increase in the popularity of applying new ideas to traditional furniture principles, which allowed furniture to serve many purposes. The resulting “patent” furniture was practical and refined, though few were as innovative as Hawkins’ prodigious design. Carved with the year of the Exhibition on the beautifully designed pedestal base, the table is a testament to the significance of this innovation. The model is mentioned in detail in the catalog of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the first international exhibition of industry, manufacturing, and science. Held at London’s dazzling Crystal Palace, its visitors were treated to exhibits from around the globe, including feats of engineering, innovations in industry, and marvels of design. Queen Victoria herself was a frequent visitor, along with her husband, Prince Albert, and others including Charlotte...

Plaster bust on base. Preliminary study for marble carving with markings for the stonemason. France, 1850-1880. A very decorative piece.

19th Century Reproduction Chainmail Gauntlet on Custom Iron Mount — After a 16th Century Original An exceptional 19th-century reproduction of a 16th-century chainmail gauntlet, hand...

19th century wooden riding boot trees, molds or forms. Great decorative and conversational piece, ideal for decorative purpose.

19th Century Folk Art Painted Dress Model or Doll, Beautiful example of a dress model with a sweet, expressive face. The slightly distressed paint adds to its charm. Our pieces are l...

A botanic didactical specimen in the manner of the famous German botanist Robert Brendel. "In the late 19th century Robert Brendel and his son Reinhold produced beautiful and accur...