Early Victorian Folk Art

19th Century Extra-Long Brass Sleigh Bells on Leather Belt: 39 Jingle Bells, Nearly 8 Feet Long A spectacular and highly authentic set of original 19th-century brass sleigh bells, featuring an impressive 39 hand-cast bells mounted on a nearly 8-foot-long leather strap. This exceptional antique offers not only a beautiful historic presence, but also the perfect traditional “Jingle Bells” sound, bright, rich, and unmistakably festive, just as sleigh bells should be. Each bell is solid brass, tightly fastened and fully functional, producing that magical tone that modern reproductions rarely achieve. The leather strap retains its original metal buckle and remains surprisingly supple and pliable for its age. With simple annual conditioning, it should continue to remain strong and flexible for years to come. The strap appears handmade and hand-stitched, and while there are small areas of thread loss consistent with age, the original workmanship was so solid that these minor imperfections do not compromise the structural integrity of the piece. The leather has developed a beautifully worn patina that speaks to more than a century of use, adding depth and authenticity to its appearance. In the 19th century, long straps of sleigh bells like this were affixed to horse harnesses so travelers could be heard approaching through winter snow, helping prevent collisions on narrow rural roads. Over time, this cheerful sound became woven into the imagery of the holiday season and ultimately inspired the classic Christmas carol, “Jingle Bells.” Today, authentic sets like this capture the warmth and romance of Victorian winter travel and embody the nostalgia of an old-fashioned Christmas. Because of its impressive length, this sleigh bell strap lends itself beautifully to holiday decorating. Many collectors enjoy hanging it on a door so it jingles each time someone enters or exits, while others drape it across a mantel for a warm, traditional seasonal moment. It also looks wonderful wrapped around a staircase railing, stretched along a festive tablescape as a conversation piece, or even displayed on a wall as a piece of functional folk art. However it’s arranged, the authentic sound and historic character bring instant Victorian holiday charm to any space. Original 19th-century sleigh bell straps in this size and condition have become increasingly difficult to find, especially with such a full complement of bells still attached. Modern reproductions, while decorative, seldom replicate the deep, resonant sound of genuine antique brass or the rich patina only time and use can create. For lovers of Americana, equestrian history, Victorian Christmas...

Unknown - Painting Fallow Deer with Doe in the Alps, Oil on Canvas 19th century A lovely Biedermeier style oil painting depicting a fallow deer family in the alpine landscape. Oil on canvas 1st halve of the 19th century. Framed with antique gilded frame, stretcher frame replaced. A marvelous wall decoration for each rustig log cabin. The Biedermeier period runs parallel to the Romantic period and both are characterized by similar features. Domesticity, closeness to nature, folksiness and need for harmony are buzzwords of this time. The focus is on the simple, the conservative and the tried and tested. There is little experimentation and more observation and enjoyment. The art style is kept very realistic and shows great similarity to photography. Domestic idyllic representations, beautiful landscape and impressive portraits are the most popular topics for oil paintings...

British Sailor's Woolwork Picture of a Royal Navy Ship of the Line English, circa 1865–1875 This accomplished sailor's woolwork — affectionately known among collectors as a "woolie"...

Antique English wood and cork Mallard drake decoy with original paint. Hand crafted in England. Lightweight, with impressionistic shape and form. Circa early 20th century. Tip of...

A quietly charming glimpse into everyday London life, this framed colour stipple engraving from Francis Wheatley’s celebrated Cries of London series captures the scene titled “New Ma...

This antique mast figure is French and as the story goes salvaged off a French Ship damaged in the Anglo-French War (1803–1815). The one side shows fire damage and is burned in charc...

Early 20th Century Double Sided French Pharmacy Metal Sign A rare double sided pharmacy trade sign, origins of France, dated to the early part of the 20th century, made from metal ...

The Royal Transport: Sailor's Woolwork of HMS Hero Circa 1860 A fine and historically significant Victorian sailor's woolwork picture (commonly known as a "woolie"), dating to the m...

A collection of 19th century bone dice This collection of 19th century hand carved bone dice consists of 62 units of various shapes and sizes. With a few p...

19th century Italian trompe l'oeil panels We are proud to offer a spectacular pair of highly decorative 19th century Italian trompe l'oeil panels, each depicting an architectural b...

19th Century Hand Carved Ludovic Gavioli Organ Figure Quite simply, she is beautiful and graceful. This amazing example of a late 19th century hand carved sectioned pine organ figure was produced by the world-renowned Ludovic Gavioli. The detail and expression on her face is what makes this example so delightful, an air of beauty and lifelike appeal in her expression. Personally, we have seen a few figures by Gavioli in the past but this one is special. The detail is of the finest quality and the late 19th century was most certainly when Gavioli produced some of his finest work. Giacomo Gavioli (1786-1875) was considered the greatest of all band organ...

19th century articulated wooden figure We are proud to offer a rare survivor from the 19th century, in the form of a hand carved pine figure of a soldier. With a polychrome painted...

19th Century French folk-art militaria painting 19th Century piece of French folk-art militaria art, gouache on paper in its original frame still with vibrant colours and detail as ...

Ludwig Sellmayr, Deer with Doe and Fawn in the Forest, ca. 1880 A naturalistic oil painting depicting a deer family in the forest. Oil on canvas by Lu...

19th century English country house fire escape We are proud to offer a rare example of a 19th century quirky county house fire escape, once of the Fasque House, Fettercaine Estate, ...

Large antique 19th century Genre Portrait of a boy by listed artist Adolf Heller, (German , 1874 -1914) A beautifully executed portrait that captures the ...

Collection of 3 Italian 19th century Marionettes A fantastic set of 3 19th century hand crafted marionette puppets. All with original cotton, silk and valour clothing intact, han...

Early 19th century walnut blanket or quilt rack from England. The tops of each of the legs are decorated with hand turned finials, following down to elegantly hand turned legs, jo...

This is an antique wool winder stand. An English, walnut adjustable yarn swift, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Fascinating ear...

Antique Hanging Piece of a Medieval Lady, circa 1900s An antique hanging piece of a medieval noble lady holding blazon and rose. The statue is made of handcarved and painted wood. C...

Bootleggers' Delight: Scottish Pearlware Spirit Flasks Object: Pair of Sponged Spirit Flasks (Modelled as Boots) Medium: Pearlware Earthenware, Sponged Decoration Origin: Scotland D...

Summerly Mountain Landscape with Water Fall and Mountain Hut, 19th century An antique oil painting depicting a mountain landscape with waterfall in front of a mountain shelter. Painted on canvas with pastell colors. Framed with antique decorative gilded frame. On the left base signed by the artist "Kuchl". Painted in the area of Tyrol or South Germany, late 19th century. A high quality antique oil painting which will highlight your alpine cabin wall decoration. The Biedermeier period runs parallel to the Romantic period and both are characterized by similar features. Domesticity, closeness to nature, folksiness and need for harmony are buzzwords of this time. The focus is on the simple, the conservative and the tried and tested. There is little experimentation and more observation and enjoyment. The art style is kept very realistic and shows great similarity to photography. Domestic idyllic representations, beautiful landscape and impressive portraits are the most popular topics for oil paintings...

This fine hand painted metal basket with the enamel green base. The condition is very good.

19th century cast iron shoemaker’s trade sign A highly decorative example of a late 19th century cast iron French shoemakers shop trade sign. Hand crafted from a hand cut iron metal...

Pair of Scottish Pearlware Sponged Pottery 'Boot' Spirit Flasks, Mid-19th Century, Circa 1840-1850 This delightful and highly unusual pair of spirit flasks is a wonderful example o...

Carl Euler - Bear Hunt in the Zillerthaler Alps, Oil Painting on Wooden Board 1889 An impressive oil painting depicting a high mountain landscape with mount...

A wonderfully patinated school or town crier bell. While it works great, it would be a terrific decorative piece, especially on a console table with a story of primitive items and b...

A naturalistic oil painting depicting joseph, maria and the holy child in the barn of bethlehem. Oil painting on canvas with vigorous pastell colors. Framed with antique decorative g...

Rare Napoleonic POW dominos casket We are proud to offer a rare example of a late 19th century Napoleonic prisoner of war (POW) hand carved set of domi...

An antique oil painting depicting the holy Mother with Child named the Miraculous Image of Insbruck. Oil on canvas with pastell colors. Painted after a painting of Lucas Cranach whic...

Late 19th century gold gilt zinc weathervane A true working example of a late 19th century zinc weathervane in the form a rooster. With its original gold gi...