Hall & Fitzgerald Furniture

During the 19th century, meerschaum carving reached extraordinary levels of technical sophistication, particularly in Austria and Germany, where workshops specialised in elaborate smoking accessories for the affluent market. Alongside classical, folkloric, and theatrical subjects, erotic novelty pieces emerged as a discreet form of gentlemanly amusement. Often produced in limited numbers and housed in fitted presentation cases, these objects combined humour, virtuoso craftsmanship, and the fascination with hidden mechanisms that characterised Victorian decorative arts. Description This exceptionally rare late 19th-century Austrian meerschaum smoking set is conceived as an intimate bedroom tableau, combining refined craftsmanship with playful erotic ingenuity. Presented within its original leather-covered hinged case, the interior is lined in deep burgundy velvet and satin, trimmed with delicate lace to evoke the appearance of a miniature bed. At the centre reclines a finely modelled female figure carved in meerschaum, her flowing hair and softly draped bodice rendered with remarkable delicacy. The figure forms the principal pipe, fitted with an amber mouthpiece and bowl integrated into the composition. Completing the ensemble are two detachable cheroot holders, each ingeniously fashioned as the lady's stockinged legs terminating in amber boots. When assembled within the case, the components create a theatrical trompe-l'œil effect that transforms a practical smoking accessory into an object of wit and surprise. Beyond its appeal as a rare example of antique tobacciana, the piece possesses a distinctly sculptural quality. Its presentation recalls the anatomical wax...

A distinctive vintage 9ct yellow gold and hardstone necklace dating to 1977, designed in the Chiampesan style with a bold geometric aesthetic characteristic of 1970s jewellery. The ...

The Baron`s elegant cigarette holder in checked gold and amber. Made in France during the late 19th Century. Provenance: Baron Ehrenkrona, Hulterstad Manor in Sweden. Wear consiste...

A charming George V 9ct yellow gold novelty bar brooch dating to circa 1910–1920s, fashioned with a delightful Scottish Terrier motif. The brooch features a finely modelled Scottie ...

A fine antique Masonic fob or pendant crafted in 9-carat rose gold by William Oakley Davis and fully hallmarked in Birmingham for 1908. Rich with traditional Masonic symbolism, the p...

Antique 9ct Gold Mounted Amber Cheroot Holder in Engraved Silver Case A particularly attractive early 20th century English amber cheroot holder, housed within its original finely en...

Chinese export silver cheroot case, ca 1860. Oval with hinged push-button cover. Allover repousse. On front are scenes of daily life with indigenous spear...

A silver cased cheroot holder made from amber in three sections with a 9ct gold mounted rim. The case is designed to be attached by the ring to a double Albert watch chain and sit i...

A refined pair of antique English cufflinks crafted in solid 15-carat yellow gold by G. H. Johnstone & Co., fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1909. Dating to the Edwardian period...

An oval faceted citrine takes centre stage in this dress ring, held securely within a smooth collet bordered by a delicately beaded millegrain edge. The large gemstone displays a cle...

A pale blue, oval faceted aquamarine forms the central focus of this tailored bar pin, raised in an open-sided multi-claw collet. The elevated basket setting allows natural light to ...

A fine pair of vintage 9ct yellow gold oval cufflinks dating to 1979, featuring an elegant Masonic design. Each oval face is decorated with the traditional square and compasses, two...

A miniature spider sits suspended within a slender circular frame at the centre of this Victorian gold bar brooch. The horizontal bar features a flattened knife-edge profile that tap...

Edwardian 9ct yellow gold openwork brooch dating to circa 1890–1910 and designed in the Art Nouveau period. ㅤ The circular composition features a symmetrical wirework border surround...

A distinctive antique 9ct yellow gold novelty stickpin, featuring an Egyptian scarab beetle as its central decorative motif. The scarab is securely mounted within a traditional claw...