M.S. Rau Furniture

A marvelously carved chinoiserie motif adorns the lid of this incredible 19th-century French tabatière or snuff box. The charming scene is intricately crafted in the form of a boating figure who holds aloft an umbrella formed of yellow gold, while the box itself is crafted from attractive brown hardstone mounted with stunning yellow gold "waves." Enchanting and beautifully executed, the rare snuff box is an incredible example of the creative artistry of these delightful boxes, as well as the highly popular chinoiserie style. Inhaling snuff, or snuffing, as it is also called, was a popular social ritual among the European elite from the 16th through the 19th centuries. Over these 300 years, master artisans created and designed elegant snuff boxes using...

The fine art of wine-making is brought to life by this rare French wine corker. Beautifully crafted of wrought iron, this corker is specifically des...

This incredible Grand Tour inkwell relic takes the form of the ancient Tomb of the Scipios, a family of Roman war heroes and generals. Beautifully carved ent...

This monumental English mahogany sideboard captures the luxury of the Regency era in grand style. Crafted in the neoclassical taste, the sideboard evokes the stately forms of ancient...

This cameo glass lamp by the renowned French glassmaking firm Daum Nancy casts an alluringly warm glow. Careful wheel-carving and acid-etching reveal layers of vibrant color, and the...

The grandeur of Regency design meets superb workmanship in this cast ormolu epergne. Three imposing sphinxes support each corner, reflecting the fascination with Egyptian antiquity...

Leafy pendants adorn this fine cameo glass bowl by Daum, known for their singular pieces of art glass of the utmost quality. Daum has remained an impo...

This resplendent tobacco jar by Bailey, Banks & Biddle of Philadelphia features a beautiful sterling silver lid atop a body of elegant cut-to-clear glass. The lid is adorned with a wonderful Rococo repoussé decoration which contrasts beautifully with the green and cranberry cut glass...

This highly important secrétaire-cabinet was crafted for and specially ordered by King George I for the British Ambassador to Russia. From its craftsmanship and materials to its exceptional artistry, it is a work of royal and historic significance that exudes power in each and every detail. The broken pediment at its apex features the simplified royal coat of arms bearing the king’s crown, while the interior is adorned by portraits of the British Royal Family. Placed within the ambassador’s St. Petersburg home, this entirely unique piece of furniture would have been a potent reminder of England's grandeur and political importance. Relations between England and Russia during this period were at an all-time high. Peter the Great had traveled to England in 1698 as part of his widely known “Grand Embassy” tour, wherein he attempted to gain foreign support against the Ottoman Empire. He spent a period of nearly four months there, meeting with King William III and his court on numerous occasions. Noted academic Arthur MacGregor wrote concerning the impact of the trip, “For two decades following Peter's visit, British influence in Russia reached a peak. It manifested itself in social custom, in craft practice and in ships and naval organization... it reached a significant sector of the population before relations cooled once again and the two nations pulled back from this era of unprecedented cordiality.” First and foremost, however, it is a reminder of British might and influence. By the reign of King George I, England had come into its own as a world power. Unique in its design, this cabinet is a reflection of the country’s might. It is crafted from the highest-quality solid walnut and burr walnut adorned by gilded lock plates and engraved hinges. The presence of ormolu at its apex and lining the doors was a rarity for this period, and its addition makes manifest the importance of the design. The outer doors open to reveal multiple interiors, including fifteen separate drawers around a central cupboard; the cupboard doors each bear mezzotint portraits of George I and his father, Ernest Augustus, Elector of Hanover. An etching after the portrait of George I dating to circa 1716 is in London’s Royal Academy. A second, inner pair of doors are adorned by mezzotints of the Prince and Princess of Wales (later Queen Caroline and George II), which are both after portraits by Sir Godfrey Kneller dated 1716 in the Royal Collection. A final portrait is revealed on the very interior of the cabinet, where a mezzotint of Frederick, Anne, Amelia and Caroline, children of the Prince of Wales, resides. An etching (circa 1715-1720) after this portrait can be found in the National Portrait Gallery (London). Apart from its abundance of royal portraiture, the cabinet features stunning painted decoration, including floral designs as well as clouds, birds and trees in a bucolic motif reminiscent of Eden. Its lower portion is a study in both form and function, featuring a fitted secrétaire-drawer above three additional drawers for storage. The cabinet appears in The Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture by R. Edwards from 1964, a text that is regarded as the bible of British furniture design. Edwards describes it as a “writing cabinet...given by George I to the British Ambassador at the Russian court.” The cabinet was likely made for the 18th-century German diplomat and writer Friedrich Christian Weber, who represented English interests at the Russian court from 1714 until 1719. Although Weber’s tenure as ambassador was relatively short, while in St. Petersburg, he authored his account entitled Das veraenderte Russland (The Present State of Russia), which was published in three volumes in 1721, 1739 and 1740. It may, however, also have been made for George Douglas, 2nd Earl of Dumbarton, who served as ambassador alongside Weber in 1716. Diplomatic relations ceased between the two countries in 1721. In 1928, the cabinet appeared for sale at the International Exhibition of Antiques & Works of Art in Olympia. It had previously been in the collection of the Woltner family of Bordeaux, the celebrated vintners who owned the estate Château Laville Haut-Brion and produced wine of the same name. According to the family, Monsieur Woltner was given the cabinet as a gift from an aunt who lived in Russia for many years. After leaving the Woltner collection, the cabinet was acquired by William Berry...

Crafted by Wedgwood, this exquisite and rare assembled coffee cup and saucer set are comprised of the firm’s famous pale “Wedgwood blue” jasperwar...

An outstanding pair of sterling silver candlesticks by English silversmith Alexander Johnston. Reflecting the mid-18th century Georgian taste for the Rococo style, these candlesticks feature deeply chased decoration, from shells and palms to acanthus and rosettes, as well as an engraved armorial on each pedestal. Their exuberant yet balanced design is characteristic of the sophisticated style brought to England by French Huguenot silversmiths in the 1700s. Alexander Johnston first entered his mark in 1747 and work such as his, as well as that of artists like the celebrated Paul de Lamerie, indicated the adoption of French forms in all of the decorative arts, from furniture to textiles, hailing the dramatic shift from the more restrained classical manner. Excellent condition. Hallmarked London, 1751 10 ¾” high Reference: English goldsmiths and their marks, 2nd ed., 1921, Sir Charles James Jackson.

This rare and exceptional William IV bowl is the work of preeminent Georgian silversmith Paul Storr. Crafted of luxurious gilt silver, the bowl exhibits all the hallmarks of Storr’s celebrated style, from the textured panels and applied decorations to the ruffled scallop shells and acanthus adorning its matching, fitted underplate. Paul Storr was a master at redefining and perfecting Georgian, Regency and William IV silver. His works have remained the most desirable with collectors for generations, and many have been given as prizes in refined competitions. Elegant and sumptuous, this bowl was later awarded as First Prize in a backgammon tournament in 1972. Paul Storr was a master at redefining and perfecting Georgian, Regency and William IV silver. Although he created items of great extravagance, some of his most captivating designs exhibited his restrained yet refined sensibilities. His works have remained the most desirable with collectors for generations and many have been given as prizes in refined competitions. Later presentation inscription “Clermont Club Grand International Backgammon Tournament April 1972 First Prize” Hallmarked London, 1836 on bowl and stand; stand numbered 435 Bowl: 8 ¼” diameter x 3 3/8” high Stand: 10” diameter 38.2 troy ounces The Clermont Club, located on London’s aristocratic Berkeley Square in Mayfair, is one of the most exclusive gaming clubs in the world. The club is housed in the only surviving town house designed by renowned Georgian architect William Kent, and the architecture and interiors make it one of the most elegant clubs in existence. The list of the club's original members included the cream of the British aristocracy...

This amazing and extremely rare Bavarian Biedermeier-period pharmacy balance stand would have been at home at any apothecary’s shop during the mid-19th century. Crafted of walnut with bold giltwood accents, this stand holds eight separate sets of balances with brass beams and pointers, and weighing pans made of Horn, brass and porcelain. The balances measure out varying sizes; the largest is capable of measuring up to 500 grams, while smallest weighs up to 5 grams. Such balances would have been essential tools in the practice of compounding, or creating customized medications to suit a specific patient's needs. The delicate porcelain scales even indicate what they were used to weigh: one set is marked “Jodoform,” or iodoform, a disinfectant and antiseptic once used to treat wounds, and the other is marked “Venena,” which is Latin for “poisons.” Each scale also exhibits stamps indicating that they have been tested for accuracy. It is extremely rare to find such a large array of scales, especially those in such wonderful condition, in one collection. This intriguing piece is a must for any medical antiques enthusiast. The units of measurement in which apothecaries worked were often minute: grains, scruples, drams and ounces. As they were typically used to measure very small amounts of ingredients, apothecary and analytical balances...

Considered the first step into the world of modern photocopying, the copying machine was among the first widely used devices to successfully produce an ex...

This wonderful late 19th century silver plated wine trolley was crafted by Christofle, the French firm renowned for their commanding silver and plated flatw...

Two little fawns attempt to keep warm by brazier fire in this enchanting pair of French Louis XVI chenets, or fireplace andirons. Crafted of stunning...

This remarkable pair of Meissen wall sconces is crafted with all of the exquisite detail and splendor of the Rococo period. Exquisitely hand-painted with gilt accents, each fixture i...

This rare and stunning vitrine was crafted by the illustrious French ébéniste François Linke. A master of the Louis XVI style, Linke was renowned for his highly original designs t...

Uniquely designed in the form of a gift box tied with ribbon, this engaging silver tea caddy was created by the prominent silversmith Frederick Elking...

This handsome library table is a remarkable example of the English furnishings that represented wealthy Victorian tastes. The piece is attributed to Holland & Sons, a firm regarded as one of the most important cabinetmakers of the era. Crafted of rich mahogany with gilt brass mounts and a tooled leather writing surface, this table characterizes the superb craftsmanship of Holland & Sons and exudes Victorian elegance. The well-known British cabinetmaking firm of Holland & Sons was considered the top of their class in their day. Found in 1803 by William Holland...

This bras en l'air, or "arms in the air," French mantel clock demonstrates the neoclassical luxury of the Second Empire style. The focal point of the clock is a large doré bronze mai...

The famed Patek Philippe crafted this spectacular gilt bronze cartel clock. The case is exuberantly embellished in the Louis XV style with scrolling foliate work and an argyle-patterned screen punctuated with rosettes. The decorative screen conceals a panel of solar cells on the front of the timepiece. These photoelectric cells, along with a backup lithium battery, power the caliber 17-250 mechanical movement. It tells the time on a white enamel dial with both Roman and Arabic numerals and ornate brass hands. The timepiece comes complete with its original fitted Patek Philippe box. Overall, this clock displays the lasting quality and style of this legendary Swiss firm. Patek Philippe is one of the world’s premier luxury brands and is widely regarded as the world's most prestigious watchmaker. Founded in 1851 by Polish watchmaker Antoni Patek and French watchmaker Adrien Philippe...

This Swiss-engineered cipher machine is a fascinating piece of 20th-century military and engineering history, and this particular example is one of the ...

Intricate and flawless, the highly detailed micromosaic medallion on the lid of this agate box is an incredible example of this diminutive art form. The elaborate micromosaic depicts...

This rare brass box would have been a coveted contraption in the finest English pubs of the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as an “honesty” box, the rectang...

This limited edition glass cup memorializes the accession and imminent abdication of King Edward VIII. Titled the Prince of Wales on his 16th birthday, Edward was crowned King of England in January 1936, but famously and scandalously abdicated his throne after less than a year in order to marry the American divorcee and socialite Wallis Simpson...

This beautiful ornamental urn is carved of rare Blue John Derbyshire spar, taken from the now-extinct Blue John Cavern in Derbyshire, England. Crafted in a classically-inspired shape, this closed urn evokes the elegance of the Georgian period. Since the Roman era, Blue John was used to create fine decorative wares. This intriguing stone demands a great deal of skill in its handling and was the material most favored by silversmith Matthew Boulton, especially for the creation of his stoneware vases. A soft and brittle stone, it responds very quickly to heat, and must be carefully dried in order to retain its original color. This urn is wonderful example of Blue John artistry, circa 1810 Measures: 11 5/8" high Discovered by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, Blue John stone...

Magnificent layers and inlays of multi-colored mother-of-pearl cover each side of this breathtaking German snuff box. Each incredibly detailed scene is framed by finely engraved yell...

The elegance of rare silver overlay distinguishes this Art Nouveau glass flask. The flowing, graceful motif allows sections of the clear glass, and the co...

This exceptional and one-of-a-kind wooden mallet commemorates the marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, which occurred on February 10, 1840. Exqu...

A rare and exceptional trophy, won by the thoroughbred personality at the 1970 Wood Memorial Stakes race held at the Aqueduct Racetrack. Beautifully craf...

This charming pair of Meissen porcelain figures celebrates the essence of Revelry. First modeled by the renowned Johann Joachim Kändler on bases by Peter Reinicke, circa 1767, these ...

This enchanting pair of Meissen sconces exhibits the finest artistry for which this famed porcelain firm is known. Decorated with Meissen’s hallmark hand-painted intricacy, with delicate applied flowers and garland-bearing cherubs, the sconces are lit by three candle arms, which seem to sprout directly from their bases. Founded in the early 18th century, the Meissen factory was the first European...

This covered porcelain vegetable dish is part of the exceptionally rare Flora Danica Game Series by the renowned Royal Copenhagen. Flora Danica is kn...

This elegant silver plate epergne is a rarity in that it also includes a full, cut-glass cruet set. This service’s delicate central basket is elevated above a plateau holding ten finely-cut bottles, including two mustard pots, four small vinaigrettes and four larger vinaigrettes. Intricate bright-cut engraving along the pierced galleries completes this stunning piece. An epergne is a dining table...

Crafted by Wedgwood, this rare, round-shaped rum kettle is comprised of black basalt and features a molded bail handle and glazed interior. Referred to as “...

This refined Regency-period wine cellarette is crafted of rich mahogany and boasts beautifully carved details. The sarcophagus form is distinguished by ebon...

Entitled Winter and Spring this Meissen Porcelain figural group features a cloaked putto staying warm by a fire (Winter) and another gathering flowers (Spring). Part of the company's...

This important Napoleon III annular dial mantel clock is distinguished by its pendulum movement–a feature rarely seen in annular dial clocks. The pe...

One of Wedgwood’s most acclaimed “useful wares,” this fine jasper-dip pierced orange basket displays a brilliant cobalt blue and white checkerboard patte...

This important German porcelain snuff box exhibits delightful artistry and craftsmanship. Hand painted classical tableau celebrating the e...

One of only a handful ever made, this Double DeLuxe Violano Virtuoso, created by the Mills Novelty Company, is an extremely rare example of American musical automata, featuring not one, but two brilliantly tuned violins. Singled out by the U.S. government in 1909 as one of the eight greatest inventions of the decade when it was introduced at the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition, the Mills DeLuxe Violano-Virtuoso stands as one of the most important and incredible musical devices ever made. The “Double Mills,” as it was nicknamed, plays classical, operatic and popular music. It can play on a single or up to 15 nickels and has the ability to run for approximately an hour. It produces exceptional sound with a crisp tonal quality and melodious notes. Housed in a beautiful quarter-sawn oak case, each violin produces 64 notes and is accompanied by a 44-note piano. It is truly rare to find a historical musical mechanism so complete, with such remarkable sound quality and in excellent condition. This particular Violano has been updated with a digital player system that allows song selections to be made over a WiFi connection. This gives the user a choice between digital downloads or traditional paper rolls for added convenience. Perfected and patented in 1912 by Henry K. Sandell, the Violano-Virtuoso was produced in limited quantities until 1929 and could be found in the very finest restaurants, hotels and oceanliners. In fact, the Violano-Virtuoso was one of the few American-made mechanical musical devices to be distributed worldwide to the most exclusive international clientele. The below testimonial was sent to the Mills Company by the Governor of Idaho, aptly describing the incredible music produced by the Violano-Virtuoso. Dear Sir, Have just had the pleasure of listening to your wonderful Automatic Violin and Piano on exhibition at the Government Building here. This marvelous instrument certainly far surpasses anything that I have eve heard in automatic music. The tone and expression of the violin and the piano are so perfect and clear that is really hard to believe but that there is the human hand playing..." Indeed, for the price of a nickel, the Mills Violano...

These two busts, monumental in both their size and artistry, come from the renowned Italian majolica workshop of the famed Angelo Minghetti. Depicted are the Renaissance political an...

This rare Royal Copenhagen porcelain platter was custom-crafted in the famed Flora Danica Fungi pattern. Flora Danica is known worldwide for its ext...

The Bangor pattern adorns this American Brilliant Period cut glass bowl by the Jewel Cut Glass Company. Cut with a high level of precision, the pattern features a richly detailed hob...

A luxurious array of rare marbles and hard stones are inset into the playing surface of this William IV-period chess table. The visually appealing arrangement incorporates specimens ...

Perfectly proportioned and beautifully crafted, this rare hunt table is an exceptional example of Regency-period cabinetmaking. Also known as a social table...

This extraordinary and rare pair of centerpieces beautifully showcase the artistry of Baccarat crystal. Art Nouveau in style, the centerpieces feature large vases of frosted glass with masterfully cut designs at their flared peaks. Teardrop glass accents are elegantly draped from the vases’ rims, adding a delicate sense of movement to the stunning pieces. Three tulip-form shades of shimmering pink art glass are supported by gilded arms that protrude from the vases center in graceful arches, completing the stunning pieces. Exquisitely decorated with an etched floral motif, these centerpieces typify Baccarat’s interpretation of Art Nouveau. Baccarat has long been internationally recognized for its extraordinary crystal creations. During the mid-19th century, their tableware was favored by European royalty...

This extensive 248-piece sterling silver flatware service was crafted by the legendary Tiffany & Co. in the classic San Lorenzo pattern. Inspired by and named after the famous Florentine Church of San Lorenzo, the motif displays a highly architectural design that is typical of the Renaissance Revival style. From the fine piercing to the gilt accents, the care and attention given to the crafting of each piece embodies Tiffany's commitment to extraordinary craftsmanship. The complete service for 12 is housed in its two-tiered, custom-fitted Tiffany & Co. chest. The silver flatware of Tiffany & Co. is among the finest in the world, as well as the most enduring. Each hand-finished piece incorporates the timeless designs and quality craftsmanship that makes Tiffany one of the world's leading silversmiths. Since their first international recognition at the 1867 Paris World's Fair, Tiffany has supplied silver to numerous royal families throughout Europe, as well as elite American families including the Astors and Vanderbilts. Each piece is marked "Tiffany & Co. Sterling Pat. 1916" with the date letter "m" for the directorship of John C. Moore, which dates this service between 1907 and 1947. Chest: 23 1/2" wide x 19 1/4" deep x 6 1/4" high This service comprises: 12 entree knives 12 luncheon knives 12 dessert knives 12 entree forks 12 salad forks 12 oyster forks 12 luncheon forks 12 fish forks 12 ice cream forks 24 teaspoons 12 tablespoons 12 gumbo spoons 12 cream / bouillon spoons 12 demitasse spoons 12 salt cellar spoons...

This extraordinary and monumental cast-iron sculpture was likely specially commissioned to the Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne for an important public or private collection. Designed by celebrated Parisian sculptor Mathurin Moreau, the striking work takes the form of a beautiful young maiden clad in classical robes with an amphora gracefully held aloft in one hand. The work displays a remarkable level of detail considering its iron casting, including a wreath of laurel leaves atop the woman's head and a stunning necklace adorning her neck. Due to its large size and subject matter, the remarkable work would most probably have been exhibited in a public or private fountain, garden, estate or hotel. French cast-iron sculptures such as this one were historically preferred over bronze for outdoor decorations...

This geometric vase by French decorative artist Camille Fauré is given its striking luminous quality by the firm's signature enameling technique. Richly colored enamels were applied to a copper form covered with silver leaf in layers of varying thickness. These layers range from almost translucent to opaque, letting the silver and copper shine through across the vase's surface to dramatic effect. A Fauré hallmark, this process sets these imaginative vases apart and heralded a revolution in the decorative arts. One of the most celebrated enamellers of the Art Deco era, the workshop of Camille Fauré shifted not only the Popular style of enamels in the traditional city of Limoges, but also the methods of creating these pieces. After apprenticing for several years, Fauré established his own workshop in Limoges at the turn of the century, where he helped to usher in a New Era of decorative enamels. He exhibited at the 1925 International Exhibition in Paris that famously gave name to the emerging Art...

Exemplary of Art Nouveau elegance, the sensuous female form is the focus of this Viennese bronze by Austrian sculptor Carl Kauba (1865 - 1922). The intricately detailed bronze captures the supple form of an exotic Nubian dancer in a true representation of the era’s predominant aesthetic. Both classical and evocative, the nude figure is adorned by an array of bronze jewelry, including a stunning golden belt...

This stunning and complete seven-piece Chinese export silver tea and coffee service was crafted by Yu Chang of Shanghai and Hong Kong, a firm re...

A rare and highly important, 18th century mahogany sideboard, exhibiting all the finest elements of the renowned Hepplewhite style. Exceptional marquetry inlay work of pateras and scrolls in satinwoods, rosewoods and incredibly rare green-dyed woods adorn the front and top edges. Classic revival elements such as the straight lines, tapered legs, ribbed panels and Grecian urn relief...

This extremely rare, Queen Anne-period silver feeding cup gives a glimpse into the daily life of 18th-century, England. Crafted by silversmith John East, this subtly designed covered cup would have held broth or thin porridge to nourish a young child or an invalid. Its two handles and a spout make feeding easy and a CAP attached by chain closes securely over the spout’s opening. The removable cover could have been used to spoon feed a patient as well. Although it is common to find feeders made of ceramic or porcelain, to find a silver cup, especially from the 18th century, is an incredible find. The base of the feeder displays the contemporary initials “M W” around a star shaped motif. Hallmarked London, 1712 Measures: 5” wide over handles x 4 5/8” deep over spout x 3 ¾” high In use from the Roman era right up to WWII, the invalid...

This superlative, Georgian-period silver inkwell was crafted by 18th century London silversmith James Young. Of exceptional size and quality, this large inkwell is perfectly appointed to draft important correspondence, complete with a sand shaker and compartments for writing utensils. A masterpiece of the restrained Georgian style, the inkwell bears the marital coat-of-arms of the Gresley and Coventry families with the motto “Meliore fyde quam fortuna,” or “With better fidelity than fortune.” Hallmarked London, 1782 11 1/4” wide x 7 1/2” deep x 5 1/2” high The armorial bearings almost certainly commemorate the marriage of Sir Roger Gresley, the 8th Baronet of Drakelowe, and Lady Sophia Coventry, youngest daughter of the 7th Earl of Coventry...

This exceptional English vitrine features the stylistic elements associated with the famed English furniture designer Thomas Sheraton, considered one of the three most influential En...

Cherubs representing the gods Cupid and Mercury, indicated by their respective bow and winged helmet, sit atop this charming pair of French chenets, or fireplace andirons. Crafted of...

A magnificent mahogany double chair back settee crafted in the George II taste. From the scaled and scalloped back and zoomorphic armrests to the hairy ball-and-claw feet, the quality of the carving is deep and richly detailed. The seat is upholstered in a lovely black floral tapestry that remains in wonderful condition. Created in the style of Chippendale, this double settee...

This richly decorated tray was created by celebrated French porcelain manufacturer Jacob Petit. Topped by an impressive gilt Chinese dragon, the piece is distinguished by finely hand-painted scenes depicting songbirds and floral arrangements against a green ground. The tray was originally designed to hold jewelry, with holes in the dragon's back for brooches and a scallop shell meant to hold a pocket watch...