Decorative Objects

A reclaimed Victorian style cast bronze planter. This impressive ornament was a one off commission for a designer, but unfortunately was never used. This elegant and eye-catching pla...

Unusual Antique Victorian quality mahogany brass inlaid desk clock by Dent London having a quality mahogany brass inlaid case with five bevelled edge glass...

Early Fad Cylinder music box made in Geneva by Nicole Freres. This is a good example of those early music boxes. The mechanisme has a fad cylinder and plays 8 tunes in a 2 per turn...

Music box made in Switzerland in the mid-19th century. This rare snuffbox plays 2 melodies, on a comb made of several small parts. (Until the mid-19th century, it was not yet possib...

This stunning and highly unusual folding stereoscope viewer was crafted out of rosewood and brass in the Victorian style of the late 1800s. The plaque attached to the eyepiece is inscribed, "G. Meyer Gallery of Fine Arts, 1100 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia". This gallery was known for publishing photos of the 1876 International Exposition in Philadelphia, as well as photographs of Philadelphia. Presumably this stereoscope was used in the Philadelphia Art Gallery at 1100 Chestnut Street for viewing stereoscope cards...

Fantastic quality antique Victorian rosewood and mother of pearl inlaid work box having a quality antique Victorian work box with stunning mother of pearl inlay, with a lift up lid o...

Pair of 19th century brass nautical / maritime / marine / railway / sailing ship's swiveling / gimbal wall sconce pair. Simple column design with pointed / weighted bases that can be...

Antique Western Union, Naval Observatory Time, self winding clock. Features a tall wooden case with carved corners and pediment mounted with tin sign reading "Naval Observatory Time Hourly By Western Union. White metal face with black Roman numerals and hands. Interior of case labeled "Property of Self-Winging Clock Co New York" and serial number on metal tag as well as on works. F Style / Vibrator movement, Serial Number 92630 (likely manufactured before 1917). Patented Oct. 4, 1898 by the Self Winding Clock Company. Fitted with Archer AC Adapter. "The Self Winding Clock Company (SWCC) of New York began business in 1886 marketing their own electro-mechanical clocks based on the 1884 electro-mechanical clock patent of one of the company founders, Chester Pond (1844-1912). The innovative principle of this clock mechanism was the incorporation of a small electric winding motor that automatically rewound the mainspring after the clock ran for one hour. The clocks were powered by batteries. The batteries would last at least one year. By being automatically rewound each hour, the strain on the mechanism was kept to a minimum, resulting in a very accurate timepiece. At about the same time SWCC began selling clocks, Pond was developing an electro-mechanical synchronizer attached to the clock movement that could synchronize the clock hands to an accurate time source. The synchronization occurs when a remote, precisely timed, electrical impulse is sent via wires connected to the individual clocks. By 1887 the synchronizers had been so improved that the Self Winding Clock Company could not only market individual clocks but also sell entire synchronized clock systems. By the 1960’s the days of individual elegant mechanical timepieces and synchronized time systems were over. SWCC ceased operations in the late 1960’s. All company records and inventories were relegated to the trash pile. The STYLE “F”, or as commonly referred to, the VIBRATOR movement was developed by Frederick M. Schmidt in the late 1890’s. By 1898 the “F” movement was being installed in almost all SWCC clocks. The movement has a Graham dead beat escapement. The “F” movement incorporates both the time train and winding motor in one set of plates. The motor used a single pair of coils. It was more reliable and easier to service than the rotary movement. The mainspring is re-wound after running for one hour. The vibrating armature oscillates up and down carrying a winding lever with a pawl that turns the winding wheel. The “F” movement was used in individual clocks and in clocks that were part of synchronized systems. It was made in 60, 80,120 and 140 beat versions. There were virtually no changes to the movement in 60 plus years the movement was in production. Almost all Style “F” movements wound on 3 volts DC. Style “F” movement serial numbers started in the 33,000’s and the first movements were probably made in 1898. The earliest plates had patent dates of 1891, 1892 & 1898. Serial numbers with these patent dates go up to the 63,000’s and were made before 1908. By 1908 the plates only had the 1898 patent date. By using catalog images of movement serial numbers it can be concluded that movements with serial numbers up to 112,000 were made in or before 1917. Movements with serial numbers up to 196,000’s were made in or before 1929. The single patent date serial numbers go as high as 220,000’s. Then there appears to be a large numbering gap. Finally, movements appear with no patent dates and serial numbers with the prefix FR. These numbers start at 300,000 but only continue to about 302,000. Start again at 400,000 and continue to about 402,000. Based on the large serial number gaps, the total number of “F” movements manufactured is probably around 200,000. They were manufactured between 1898 and possibly as late as the 1950’s. SWCC both sold clocks to and partnered with their biggest customer, Western Union in a nationwide distribution of precisely accurate “Naval Observatory Time” clocks. These either 120 or 140 beat Naval Observatory clocks...

Beautiful snuff box made of pressed horn. The lid depicts "Palais de l'Institut" from Paris. So the box was a souvenir box. The mechanism plays 3 melodies and is signed on the com...

This is an antique serpentine paperweight. A Chinese, stone and marble dragon fish figure, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Distinctive...

This is an antique decorative jardiniere. A Chinese, ceramic planter, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Delightful decorative interest with rich colour and Oriental t...

Charming set of 3 Hand Carved 19th Century European Frames. Beautifully hand carved wood (walnut?) with motifs with buckle straps, rope work and crown tops. Possibly Black Forest wor...

Our large, antique winged lion, known as a Chimera from Greek mythology, is exquisitely sculpted from rock crystal (quartz). Likely of Austrian origin and dating from the late ninet...

Antique 19th Century Victorian silver mounted ram’s head snuff mull, the head is fitted with a silver compartment for snuff, chased with thistles and centred by a facetted oval cryst...

Antique 19th Century Victorian lignum vitae tobacco jar carved in the form of a bulldog head. The detail is of exceptional quality, featuring glass eyes and a leather collar around t...

A handsome, stately desk calendar and letter holder from the Victorian era. It's hand-forged from solid brass, which one can feel from the weight of the piece. The antique brass has...

This good quality ladies table compendium houses a number functions that a lady would need during the day. Under the hinged lid is a sewing box with compa...

Antique Victorian quality marble mantle clock having a quality 8 day French movement striking on the hour and half hour on a gong, circular dial with original hands in a wonderful or...

Antique Carved La Favola Della Nonna Italian Alabaster Statue Sculpture "Tale of Grandma" by Eugene Battiglia. Item features Ornate details, entitled "La Favola Della Nonna" which lo...

Heading : Tunbridge ware writing stand Date : c1880 Period : Victoria Origin : Tunbridge Wells, Kent Decoration : The stand has two inkwells, each with geometric stickware covers, a ...

Beautiful victorian picture frame from France circa 1890.

This type of scent bottle is always highly sought-after, being more unusual than most, this one is a more charming smaller example, they are usually larger in size. The case is made...

Small English Majolica basket with shells circa 1890.

This is an antique portrait bust. A French, decorative bronze female statue, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Striking portrait bust with superb tonality and charact...

We kindly suggest that you read the whole description, as we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects. Original and dis...

This is an antique fruit bowl. An English, turned oak display dish in Arts & Crafts taste, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Classically ...

This is a small antique desk tray. A Scottish, leather compact desktop tidy by W & J Milne of Edinburgh, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1...

This is an antique decorative planter. A Chinese, bronze relief jardiniere in Qing dynasty taste, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Wonderfully eye-catching example o...

An outstanding late Victorian inkwell made from two cattle horns and mounted with silver plated fittings, a stunning combination and always highly sought-after; I haven't had one of ...

An absolute gem, made in France in around 1860, this charming box or casket is made from a heavy Ormolu and standing on four original feet. The undamaged five Limoges enamel panels a...

A Mid 19th Century Staffordshire Pottery Cottage Money Box, Circa 1840 This delightful mid 19th century Staffordshire pottery money box is made in the form of an English country est...

The early Victorian silver Rococo Revival inkstand of General Charles Nepean, of rectangular form, with two silver mounted, cut glass inkwells, flanking a central wax holder, surmoun...

Antique Victorian quality carved oak Vienna wall clock having a quality carved oak case with turned columns, original finales, shaped top and bottom, single oak and glazed door openi...

This is an antique incense burner. An Oriental, brass censer, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Appealing golden tones and of tactile f...

Beautiful silver-plated brass jewelry box, France, 1880s. Fine flower tendrils and blossom decorations on all sides. A christening party can be seen on the lid. In the center of the ...

This is an antique serving jug. A Chinese, copper decorative ewer in provincial taste, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Delightfully antique jug...

Heading : Tunbridge ware jewellery box Date : 2023 Period : Charles III Origin : Essex Decoration : Central Painted Lady butterfly mosaic within keyli...

This is an antique truffle collecting trug. A German, oak carry basket in Black Forest taste, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Delightfully carved trug, with an ende...

Beautiful victorian picture frame from France circa 1880. Made of the particular material Gutta-Percha.

Minton Majolica basket which features pond lily leaves and flowers tied together with lily stems which form the handle. Four flower bud feet. Co...

Antique Victorian quality brass carriage clock having a quality brass case with bevelled edge glass panels, 8 day French movement, white enamel dial with original hands, perfect work...

Probably Irish given the carved shamrock, with hinged top and robust leaf like carving. A small chip to bottom of toe and two small holes on the bottom likely from former mounting.

Musical souvenir box made in Switzerland in the 19th century for the German marked This rare snuffbox plays 2 melodies. Indicated on the original tunesheet on the inside of the li...

A charming antique victorian vanity set consisting of three different sized dishes and lidded box. All pices with a thick layer of ruby colored glass cut to clear...

Of round tapering form with flared base; painted with roses and other various flowers on a moss green ground with gilt banding; mounted with carrying handle.

Large 19th century cooking pot with original patina circa 1880. We are pleased to offer this large cooking pot, complete with it's original patina which has been many years in the m...

Lovely quality antique Victorian rosewood vanity box having a stunning quality antique Victorian rosewood and mother of pearl inlaid vanity ...

Heading : Amboyana jewellery box and writing slope Date : c1860 Period : Victoria Origin : England Decoration : Bird eye maple box with amboyana ...

This is an antique decorative censer. A Chinese, bronze incense burner, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Delightfully ornate and substantial burner, with appealing ...

Rare and extremely important Russian silver paper knife, it was probably made as a presentation gift to someone in the royal family, either the British or the Russian, the knife was ...

Antique English Victorian Silver Plated Urn Twin Handle Cup Small Fruit Bowl Candy Dish. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 6.5" H x 12.5" W x 5.5" D.

This is a very good, high quality vintage English handmade, boxwood "weighted" chess set club game of 32 pieces, Staunton Pattern No. 5 all in its original box and retailed by The British Chess...

Rare and very decorative singing bird automaton. Made in de 4th quarter of the 19th century by Bontems in Paris (France). This top quality singing bird has a wooden gilded base to ...

Fabulous set of three 19th Century Italian ceramic chiminea preserve pots with handles. These pots were used to preserve food such as fruits, meat or ...

An English Victorian period carved wooden duck sculpture from the 19th century with nicely detailed plumage and brown eyes. Step back into the qu...

Beautifully crafted flower pot, France, 1880. With a curved and gilded edging on the top. The front shows a hand-painted country house with a pond in which two swans are swimming. Fl...

Beautiful travel inkwell with a silver plated lid and a bottom of black leather. On the lid are the initials of a former owner grounded in. Several stamps are on the side of the lid....

A large Victorian wall clock, likely out of a turret clock, dating from the late 19th century. Though more than 150 years old, the timeless design of this clock suits traditional and...