Rare Antique Cast Iron Fire Mark Firemen's Insurance Company

An exceptional example of mid-20th-century naval navigation technology, this U.S. Navy Bureau of Ships Self-Synchronizing Alidade Pelorus Stand was manufactured by the renowned Sperry Gyroscope Company, Brooklyn, New York, a key supplier of precision instruments for the U.S. military. This instrument, Mark XXXI, Mod 0, Serial No. 320420, was built under Navy contract NXss 17019 and bears its original inspection tags, confirming it passed rigorous Navy testing before deployment. The pelorus stand is crafted in a striking combination of polished aluminum and solid brass, featuring a protective domed brass cover that reveals a beautifully preserved gyrocompass repeater dial. Designed to interface with a ship’s gyrocompass, the self-synchronizing mechanism allowed navigators to take precise bearings on landmarks, celestial objects, or other ships—critical for accurate positioning before the advent of modern satellite navigation. This piece reflects the height of WWII and early Cold War-era maritime engineering, used aboard larger Navy vessels to aid in navigation and fire control plotting. Sperry Gyroscope was synonymous with precision during this era, and their equipment remains iconic among naval historians and collectors. The instrument retains: • Original builder’s plate...

Pair of 19th century French cast iron planters with years of wear to their beautiful patina. Great overall condition with drain holes.

This is a very rare and early (circa 1885) tin advertising sign, commissioned by the Delaware Insurance Company, located and founded in Philadelphia in 1835. It was probably made by noted late 19th century sign maker, Sentenne & Green, of New York City, established in the 1870's. With an Indian motif, the sign features a Native American Indian, front and center, decorated in a brown and green headdress; with red, cream and aqua clothing and a large gold medallion...

An outstanding piece of Folk Art, this Pocket Watch form Lead sign has a painted face with Roman numerals in the 9:00 position. Cast into the outer frame are the words, “Watches, Je...