M.S. Rau Furniture
to
539
539
39
34
33
33
26
24
21
17
16
11
2
1
79
300
160
29
1
304
148
136
111
93
424
173
169
157
52
539
539
539
19
14
12
11
11
Patek Philippe Cartel Clock
By Patek Philippe
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Other Wall Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Swiss Nema Cipher Machine
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Swiss-engineered cipher machine is a fascinating piece of 20th-century military and engineering history, and this particular example is one of the ...
Category
20th Century Swiss Other Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Agate and Micromosaic Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century European Other Decorative Boxes
Materials
Agate
Georgian Tobacco Honesty Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Brass
King Edward VIII Abdication Cup
By T. Goode & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
20th Century English Other Glass
Materials
Glass
Blue John Closed Urn
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Urns
Materials
Stone
German Mother of Pearl Snuff Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 18th Century German Other Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold
Art Nouveau Perfume Flacon
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Bottles
Materials
Sterling Silver
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert Stonemason's Mallet
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Aqueduct Wood Memorial Trophy Won by Personality
Located in New Orleans, LA
A rare and exceptional trophy, won by the thoroughbred personality at the 1970 Wood Memorial Stakes race held at the Aqueduct Racetrack. Beautifully craf...
Category
20th Century American Other Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Silver
Meissen Porcelain Revelry Groups
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New Orleans, LA
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 joyous groups depict musicians making merry by playing the French horn, flute, guitar and hurdy-gurdy, and gardeners carrying flowers in baskets and aprons. Two almost identical groups are featured in Meissen: Collector’s Catalogue by Laurence Mitchell.
Figures by Kändler were especially popular and served as table decorations at courtly banquets. He took the reigns of the Meissen factory in 1733 and over the following 40 years created more than 900 models, many of which were considered the most important and beautiful ever produced. Many of his designs were so timeless and classic that they continued to be used well into the 19th century. Kändler was highly regarded especially for his allegorical representations and he was certainly at his best when designing the Four Continents...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Rococo Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Flora Danica Game Series Covered Vegetable Dish
By Flora Danica
Located in New Orleans, LA
This covered porcelain vegetable dish is part of the exceptionally rare Flora Danica Game Series by the renowned Royal Copenhagen. Flora Danica is kn...
Category
20th Century Danish Other Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Silver Plate Epergne and Cruet Service
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century Unknown Other Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Wedgwood Black Basalt and Encaustic Enamel Rum Kettle
By Wedgwood
Located in New Orleans, LA
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 “...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Classical Greek Ceramics
Materials
Enamel
Regency Mahogany Cellarette
Located in New Orleans, LA
This refined Regency-period wine cellarette is crafted of rich mahogany and boasts beautifully carved details. The sarcophagus form is distinguished by ebon...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Wine Coolers
Materials
Brass, Lead
Meissen Porcelain Winter and Spring Figural Group
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century German Other Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
German Porcelain Snuff Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
This important German porcelain snuff box exhibits delightful artistry and craftsmanship. Hand painted classical tableau celebrating the e...
Category
Antique 18th Century German Neoclassical Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
The Mills Double Deluxe Violano Virtuoso
By Mills Novelty Company
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
20th Century North American Art Deco Musical Instruments
Materials
Wood
Isabella d'Este and Francesco II Gonzaga Majolica Busts by Angelo
By Angelo Minghetti
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Busts
Materials
Enamel
Regency Mahogany Hunt Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
Perfectly proportioned and beautifully crafted, this rare hunt table is an exceptional example of Regency-period cabinetmaking. Also known as a social table...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Demi-lune Tables
Materials
Brass
Baccarat Art Nouveau Centerpieces
By Baccarat
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Crystal Serveware
Materials
Crystal
Tiffany & Co. San Lorenzo Silver Flatware Service, 248 Pieces
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Early 20th Century American Renaissance Revival Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
French Figural Statue
By Mathurin Moreau
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Classical Greek Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Interlocking Circles Vase by Camille Fauré
By Camille Fauré
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Vases
Materials
Copper
Chinese Export Silver Tea and Coffee Service
By Yu Chang
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
18th Century Silver Inkwell by James Young
By James Young
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Inkwells
Materials
Silver
Sheraton Revival Hand-Painted Vitrine
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Sheraton Vitrines
Materials
Satinwood
Louis XVI-Style Bronze Chenets
Located in New Orleans, LA
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 stunning doré and patinated bronze, these figures display a delightful neoclassical elegance characteristic of Louis XVI design.
Chenets were a staple of any well-appointed home, serving as both decorative and useful objects. They were placed in front of a fireplace to protect priceless rugs and flooring from rolling logs...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Materials
Bronze
George II Style Mahogany Double Chair Settee
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Chippendale Settees
Materials
Tapestry, Upholstery, Mahogany
Jacob Petit Porcelain Chinoiserie Tray
By Jacob Petit
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Chinoiserie Decorative Bowls
Materials
Porcelain
Tricolor Jasperware Barber Bottles by Wedgwood
By Wedgewood
Located in New Orleans, LA
The classical elegance of Wedgwood is showcased in this rare pair of tricolor jasperware barber bottles. Tricolor jasperware is a rarity from the f...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Bottles
Materials
Pottery
Regency-Period Rosewood Card Tables
Located in New Orleans, LA
These exceptional Regency card tables were designed with dual purposes in mind. Crafted of rosewood, the tables serve as attractive console tables when closed. When opened, the table...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Materials
Brass
Terrestrial Globe by W. & A.K. Johnston
By W. & A.K. Johnston
Located in New Orleans, LA
Measuring a monumental 30 inches in diameter, this impressive globe was crafted by the renowned firm W. & A.K. Johnston. Founded in 1825, the Johnston firm is considered the foremost...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Globes
Materials
Brass
Onyx and Enamel Desk Clock by J.E. Caldwell
Located in New Orleans, LA
The Art Deco style is beautifully executed in this enchanting desk clock by J.E. Caldwell. The gilded dial, beautifully enameled in midnight blue and celadon green, sports four perfect apples in relief at its corners, and is framed by a luxurious plaque of amber-hued onyx.
Venerable American jeweler J. E. Caldwell & Co. from Philadelphia is known for its Art Nouveau and Deco jewels. One of the oldest fine jewelers in the United States, the company was founded in 1839 by James Emmott Caldwell and supplied wealthy Philadelphians with stylish European jewelry, silver, and objets d'art. The store itself was a study in opulence, with hand-cut Baccarat chandeliers and French Regency-style oak cabinetry designed by Horace Trumbauer...
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Enamel
Jade Hanging Vase
Located in New Orleans, LA
This rare Chinese hanging vase, carved of fine moss-in-snow jade, boasts a host of dragons, the most potent symbols of good fortune in China. Its intricat...
Category
20th Century Chinese Other Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
George VI Commemorative Coronation Goblet
Located in New Orleans, LA
This limited edition covered goblet commemorates the 1937 coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Crafted of glass with impressive lion mask ...
Category
20th Century English Other Glass
Materials
Glass
Ornamental Turning Lathe, No. 1906 by Holtzapffel & Co
Located in New Orleans, LA
An essential tool in the creation and finishing of furniture, this 19th-century English ornamental lathe is an object of beauty in and of itself. The extraordinary machine...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Erotic Snuff Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
A scintillating Sapphic scene adorns the cover of this rare erotic snuff box. Set into the top of this burlwood and tortoiseshell container, this high...
Category
Antique 19th Century European Other Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Tortoise Shell, Glass
18th Century English Secretary
Located in New Orleans, LA
Queen Anne period furnishings such as this walnut secretary are incredibly rare and important examples of English cabinetmaking. This secretary is of the most outstanding caliber, boasting desirable double bonnet, mirrored cabinet doors...
Category
Antique 18th Century English Queen Anne Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Eighteen-Light Baccarat Crystal Chandelier
By Baccarat
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Baccarat crystal and doré bronze chandelier of monumental size and opulent design is truly a splendid sight to behold. Hundreds of beautifully designed oversized, luminous prism...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Other Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Doré Bronze French Neoclassical Candelabra
Located in New Orleans, LA
This outstanding pair of French Second Empire candelabra exemplifies the grandeur and exuberance of this decorative era. Expertly crafted of doré bronze and white marble, these light...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Candelabras
Materials
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Rosewood and Pietra Paesina Specimen Table Attributed
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pietra Paesina is one of the most scarce and wondrous stones on earth, and the surface of this exceptional early 19th-century center table is inset with...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Center Tables
Materials
Marble
Vacheron Constantin Chronometer
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptionally rare and important precision chronometer, or deck watch, was crafted by the famed Vacheron Constantin. One of the most accurate instrumen...
Category
20th Century Swiss Other Nautical Objects
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Provincial Armoire
Located in New Orleans, LA
This fine French provincial double door armoire is beautifully crafted of fine walnut. Adorned with elegant, Rococo-inspired molding and featuring exceptional well-preserved, origina...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Rococo Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Walnut
Birmingham Silver and Cut Glass Perfume Bottle
Located in New Orleans, LA
The lid and entire top half of this English cut glass perfume bottle is covered in sterling silver crafted with an intricate repoussé and cha...
Category
Early 20th Century English Other Bottles
Materials
Sterling Silver
Etched Glass Lady's Leg Bar Set
Located in New Orleans, LA
The form of a lady's leg entices one to imbibe with this etched glass cocktail set known as the “Shake a Leg” shaker. Made by the West Virginia Specialty Glass Co. with silverplate p...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Glass
Materials
Silver, Silver Plate
Circular Tray Signed Tuthill
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional American Brilliant cut glass tray was crafted by the renowned maker Tuthill in that company’s beloved Vintage pattern. Adorned with thi...
Category
20th Century American Other Platters and Serveware
Materials
Cut Glass
Queen Mary Homage Vase
By T. Goode & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This remarkable limited edition etched glass vase pays homage to Queen Mary of Teck, queen consort of Great Britain from 1910-1937. She reigned with her husband, King George V, through a period of great change for the country and served as a dedicated advisor to George through his ill health, the First World War and the political changes that arose as a result. Her intellect, calm demeanor and dedication to her husband and country made her popular with the public, and after her death, the ocean liners RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Mary 2...
Category
20th Century English Other Vases
Materials
Glass
Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Cuspidor
Located in New Orleans, LA
This intriguing Chinese zhadou is intricately carved of fine cinnabar lacquer. A work of exceptional artistry, this covered bowl is adorned with an intricately carved floral motif on all surfaces, including the cover and the wide rim. Also known as a cuspidor or spittoon, this rare container would have been used by members of the imperial family and scholar- officials at the court. Carved during the Kangxi period (1662-1722), this charming piece exhibits the high detail and charm associated with items from that period, making it a true treasure,
Early 18th century (Kangxi dynasty)
Measures: 6 ¼” wide x 3 ¼” high
Cinnabar has been revered for its color all over the world. It has been found in the royal burial chambers of the Mayas, in the rituals of India, and in the ruins of ancient Greece and Rome. In China, cinnabar and gold were the two most important elements in alchemy. Mined since the Neolithic Age, cinnabar is the ore of mercury, and as such, it can be incredibly toxic, especially when mining. In fact, during the Roman Empire, miners at Spain’s Almadén mine in Spain were frequently exposed to mercury fumes, and the subsequent, often fatal, sickness was considered an occupational hazard.
The most popular known use of cinnabar is in Chinese carved lacquer-ware, a technique that is believed to have originated in the Song Dynasty, in which cinnabar is ground to a powder and added to clear lacquer. As with mining, there was inherent danger of mercury poisoning for those who carved the lacquer, as mercury was also released into the air when artisans ground the pigments. Most antique cinnabar...
Category
Antique 18th Century Chinese Other Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Sunburst Vase by Camille Fauré
By Camille Fauré
Located in New Orleans, LA
Decorated in bold lines and sunburst patterns, this Art Deco vase by Camille Fauré is crafted in the firm's signature style using colored enamel over a c...
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Vases
Materials
Copper
Commemorative King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Coronation Goblet
By T. Goode & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This elegantly formed glass goblet was crafted specifically to celebrate the coronation of Britain's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The cup's bowl ...
Category
20th Century English Other Glass
Materials
Glass
King George V Remembrance Vase
By T. Goode & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This limited edition, twin-handled "Remembrance" vase commemorates the life and 26-year reign of King George V. Created after the King's death in 1936 by...
Category
20th Century English Other Vases
Materials
Glass
Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Inkstand
By Wedgwood & Bentley
Located in New Orleans, LA
This elegant inkwell set by Wedgwood & Bentley is crafted of black basalt, one of Wedgwood’s finest inventions. The set is comprised of two canisters, both held within an intriguing double stand. One is designed to hold ink and features a top with slots for quills or pens, and the other is a powder Shaker with a shell-ornamented lid. Black basalt refers to the fine-grained stoneware that Josiah Wedgwood, inspired by the hard, natural stone known as Egyptian basalt...
Category
Antique 18th Century English Other Inkwells
Materials
Ceramic
Georgian Coconut Cup
Located in New Orleans, LA
This intriguing sterling silver cup features the shell of a coconut mounted into exquisite silver. A sublime example of elegant Georgian design, the cup features delicate scalloped edging as its singular motif. It is extraordinary to find such a beautiful example of this lost art, exhibiting a rare combination of classical beauty and exotic charm.
The use of rare and exotic materials such as the coconut became popular across Europe during the Middle Ages, when it was believed that these unique materials from distant lands possessed mystical powers. It was held that they could detect, and even deter, the effects of poison and as such were employed as drinking vessels, often mounted with ornate embellishments of silver. As more trade routes opened up during the 16th century, materials such as the coconut became more widely available, though still only afforded to the wealthy minority in Europe and England. And, while they eventually lost their appeal for their magical powers, coconuts proved an ideal material for cups and pots and retained their popularity as such. Very similar silver-mounted coconut cups...
Category
Antique 18th Century English Georgian Tableware
Materials
Silver
Two Pairs of Regency-Period Silver-Gilt Grape Shears
By William Eley & William Fearn
Located in New Orleans, LA
Comprised of silver-gilt, these two pairs of beautifully crafted grape shears were designed and manufactured in by famed London silversmiths William Eley and William Fearn. The pairs’ handles are cast elegantly with Bacchanal motifs of fruiting grape vines and baskets bursting with fresh produce. Once used for snipping grapes, these Regency-period scissors bear the monogram “AD” for their original 1815 owner and boast an impressive royal English provenance.
Hallmarked London 1815 with maker's mark of "WE / WF"
Measures: 7 1/4" length x 2 1/4" width
Provenance: Gifted as a wedding present from H.R.H. The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Bowl and Spoon
Located in New Orleans, LA
This delightful and extremely rare spoon and bowl pair exemplifies the remarkable artistry of Chinese export silver. Chinese silver pieces are renowned for their exceptional quality and unique designs, and the majority are entirely hand crafted. Today, many of these elaborate designs are housed in major museum collections, and remain a rarity on the market.
Beginning in the 18th century, silver workshops in China specialized in the manufacture of silver export pieces for Western audiences. Typically bearing motifs that were popular amongst Americans and Europeans such as dragons, bamboo and floral patterns, these charming pieces were all beautifully handcrafted with the utmost skill. Today, important pieces of Chinese export silver such as this one can be found in many of the major museum collections, and are highly valued amongst collectors.
The bowl boasts a fluid, undulating rim exquisitely engraved to depict bamboo, a motif which continues throughout the bowls body. Accompanying the bowl is a matching silver spoon, its handle intricately modeled as a vine with floral buds climbing upwards to its bowl, which seems to bloom with lovely applied buds and flowers.
The spoon features the mark of Wing Fat, a firm active in Hong Kong from 1875-1930 and Sing Fat...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver
Victorian Nécessaire de Voyage
Located in New Orleans, LA
A work of extraordinary craftsmanship, this exquisite English vanity case is as much an item of luxury as it is of necessity. Known as a nécessaire de voyage...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Materials
Velvet, Glass, Wood
George III Mahogany Concertina Card Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
This phenomenal Georgian concertina card table is a masterpiece of English woodworking. Constructed for multifunctional use, this mahogany table ...
Category
Antique 18th Century Irish George III Card Tables and Tea Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Royal Silver Calcutta Races Trophy
By Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stunning piece of horseracing history was presented to the winner of the 1933-1934 Calcutta Races on behalf of King George V. The Calcutta Races was the premier horseracing event in Asia of the period, and its prestige is reflected in this trophy, crafted by the silversmithing firm Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company...
Category
20th Century English Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Silver
French Silverplate Bronze Sconces
Located in New Orleans, LA
Measuring over 3 feet in height, this opulent and monumentally-sized pair of seven-light, silver-over-bronze sconces was designed by the noted French sculptor Gustave Joseph Chéret. ...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Other Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
