Collectibles and Curiosities

Edited for the occasion of the May 1985, New York. Exhibition and the fall of 1985 Paris exhibition. Jean Prouvé (8 April 1901-23 March 1984) was a French metal worker, self-taught architect and designer. Le Corbusier designated Prouvé a constructer, blending architecture and engineering. Prouvé's main achievement was transferring manufacturing technology from industry to architecture, without losing aesthetic qualities. His design skills...

French Modernist Art Deco piano and bench by Pierre-Paul Montagnac, a variant of the model used in one of the luxe apartments, the Caen, on the great French oceanliner Normandie in 1935. Created in rosewood and sycamore, and carefully and correctly restored, including the fine Erard (#127208) instrument. 56” wide x 60” deep. Documented in numerous sources, including the July 1935 issue of Art et Decoration. Pierre-Paul Montagnac (1883-1961) Born in Saint-Denis, France on 9 May 1883, Pierre-Paul Montagnac was equally talented as a fine artist and a decorative artist. He was educated in both disciplines, studying with Eugene Carriére as well as at the Académie de la Grande Chaumiére, both in Paris. His inaugural exhibition was at the 1912 Salons – and at the 1920 Salon d’Automne he received a traveling scholarship. In 1918 he began working in the firm of André Mare and from 1922 collaborated with Maurice Dufrene at La Maîtrise, the famous design studio of Galeries Lafayette. From 1921 he exhibited at the Salons of la Société des Artistes Décorateurs, Salon des Architectes Modernes, and internationally, in Barcelona and Leipzig. He designed suites on the grand French oceanliners, l’Atlantique, Normandie and Pasteur. At the 1925 Paris International Exposition his work was in a standout class. At the 1937 Exhibition he organized the pavillion of the Artistes Decorateurs and personally won a Grand Prix. For the New York Exhibition in 1938, he was a member of the international jury, organized the group of Decorators, and, as architect, organized the exhibitions of jewelry and perfumes. He became a member of the Society of Modern Architects and executed important and numerous architecture and decorating projects including the luxury apartments on the great French oceanliners l’Atlantique, Pasteur, and Normandie. Vice President and then President of the Societe des Artistes Decorateurs from 1930-1938, he was also President of the Salon d’Automne and Vice President of the Committee of the Exhibition of Arts and Embellishments of Life; member of the steering committee of C.T.I. and Artistic Property, member of the Board of Directors of the Central Union of Decorative Arts. He was also an Officer of the Legion of Honor and received the Cross of War. MONTAGNAC was the son of an engineer and he had a taste for geometry and science that predisposed him to the rigors of architectural laws. Multi-talented, he worked independently as a painter – who had paintings acquired by the French government – while also working in the related fields of architecture and decoration. His work included homes, apartments, galleries, luxury shops, banks and the aforesaid oceanliners. As a designer/decorater, Montagnac had the taste for quality, luxurious furniture, using precious woods, bronze extensions, ivory inlays, mother-of-pearl, metal and coral. He advocated for a resolutely modern style and, free of all pastiches, focused on beautiful cabinetry, the challenges of furniture design, particularly from 1940 to 1945, captured all his attention. The tireless activity of Montagnac, whose varied works are represented in official museums and residences, was also recognized from a professional and social point of view. He was a remarkable organizer, devoted to the cause of art, to the defense of the trade and his colleagues. It was Montagnac who, in 1939, with Anatole de Monzie, took the initiative to found the ENTRAIDE to Artists (which provides support to talented young French artists). MOBILIER ET DECORATION, September/October 1953 ERARD An illustrious piano manufacturer, Sebastien Erard began building superior harpsichords in Paris in the mid-1700s, produced pianos for the French Court, and received a multitude of patents, many of which are still in use in piano manufacturing. Erard pianos were marketed as the finest pianos in the world and were owned by Queen Victoria, Franz Liszt, Chopin, Verdi, Ravel, and Felix Mendelssohn among many others. They continued to enjoy international success well into the 20th century. They were known for their unique sound quality, similar to the American square grand piano...

Art at Auction : The Year at Sotheby's 1981-1982. Published by Sotheby Parke Bernet, 1982. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. This annual reference work provides a view of the year's...

Original poster designed and used to promote the soundtrack for the classic 1980 comedy starring John Belushi, Dan Akroyd. This film was directed by John Landis. This poster is unf...

This elaborate map of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania served as a historical tribute to the city's first volunteer fire departments. It was drawn by J...

Architectural Art Deco stylized money bank and thermometer fashioned out of bronze. It depicts the entrance of the Danish insurance company Baltica. This item was designed and patent...

Artists Design Furniture by Denise Domergue. Harry N Abrams Inc. 1984. Hardcover with dust jacket. 176 pp. with 230 illustrations, 74 in full color. Describes a variety of chairs, so...

A splendid pair of 'lorgnettes' (long-handled opera, or theatre, glasses). Lorgnettes, eye glasses held in place by long handles rather than resting on the bridge of one's nose, were...

Early twentieth century ships deck bucket with heavy carry and bale handles. Painted black with later decoration that reads "Yacht Reliace 1903, NYYC, Designer N.G. Herreshoff". Ther...

High Styles : Twentieth-Century American Design, Introduction by Lisa Phillips with Essays by David A. Hanks. New York : Whitney Museum Of American Art In Association With Summit Boo...

Vintage Mickey/ Minnie Mouse Toy Wind-Up pre-war handcar (train car) circa 1934; by The Lionel Train Company in collaboration with Walt Disney Enterprises. The wind-up toy car features Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse pumping alternatively, up and down as if moving the car across the tracks or floor. It actually works by winding up the car by the winding stem with the original vintage clockwork key. When wound, place down on the floor or on train tracks (O Gauge) and the handcar will move across the floor while a bell chimes (see video attached to listing). It is okay to simply leave the key on the stem. The car is in original red hand paint with Mickey and Minnie in colors of black, white, green dress to Minnie; red outfit on Mickey; both have oversized original orange boots, while Minnie is sporting a wooden red hat. They both have their original tails. Both figures are 4 1/2" resin composition and in full paint, excellent coverage with very little paint lacking, if at all. All four legs are restored, which is the case with almost all examples. The car itself is metal and painted red with a gold manufacturing logo in the center stating "Mickey Mouse Handcar" copyright "Walt Disney"; "The Lionel Corporation, New York"; "Made in U.S. of America". "No. 1100". Great working; great looking iconic cross collectible antique toy...

Dureum brass desk Nautica lighter designed by Ronson. This very rare Ronson Nautica Classic Touch-Tip lighter was made in 1938 by the Ronson Art Metal Works Inc. located in Newark, ...

Sotheby's Catalog: Americana from the Collection of M. Austin and Jill R. Fine, January 30, 1987. First edition softcover with 196 lots photographed in color and B&W and fully descri...

Alden blueprint of Motor Yacht Gypsy which was a 101 foot yacht built in 1927. This is a hull lines drawing of this plum bow vessel. Weight is 16 pounds. 20" H x 53" L .

A stunning Art Deco style platinum ladies wristwatch with diamonds. This beautiful watch features a platinum case surrounded by 1.75-carat of diamonds. The case is marked 900 platinu...

This seemingly simple wooden vase is a design object of infinite beauty and elegance that can be placed in either an antique or a modern or contemporary setting. They are Indian arte...

Veronese's Drawings. A Catalogue Raisonné by Richard Cocke. Published in London: Sotheby's Publications, 1984. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. Paolo Spezapreda, known as 'Veronese...

The Bugatti 57SC is universally recognized as one of the most beautiful expressions of automotive design ever. Penned by Ettore Bugatti's son Jean and pro...

Solid brass sailing yacht winch with a geared hub and lever handle. This unit has been highly polished and lacquered. Very nice maritime décor or put it back to work. Weight: 5 l...

Made of pressed steel and in excellent all original condition, this wind-up toy has just about all of it's original strong paint with zero touch-up and no restoration (see images). It works great (video available upon request), and is quite substantial and sturdy in stature and size at 14 1/2" long; almost has the feel of a keystone or buddy L piece. Girard made an almost identical vehicle, so it is my feeling that Marx bought the patent from them and manufactured under their own name. There are no scratches or dents and the original gold stenciled writing to the doors and engine hood states "Fire Dept...

Art deco magic penguin mechanical dispenser box designed by Ronson. A beautiful, exceedingly rare and very decorative mechanical dispenser desk box, created in the city of Newark, N...

Scaled model of the Nuremberg television tower. Hand-spun in brass with a nice wooden base. A nice architectural sculpture for every living or man’s room.

A decorative building sculpture as a souvenir. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is due to age. Made of metal. This item was purchased as a souvenir at a Grand Tour in Europe and was probably made in the 1930s or earlier. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. A nice addition to any collection or just to display and put on display as a memento of places visited. The Niederwald monument (German: Niederwalddenkmal) is a monument located in the Niederwald, near Rüdesheim am Rhein in Hesse...

Rectangular pocket cigarette case with long rounded sides in 925/1000 sterling silver with red and black fire-enamelled stripes. With button and spring opening. Measurements cm. 10.3...

Rectangular pocket cigarette case with long rounded sides in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fire-enamelled stripes. With button and spring opening. Measurements cm. 10.3 x 5.8 ...

Vintage Art deco Peugeot Freres Coffee Grinder This Vintage Peugeot Freres Bakelite manual coffee grinder an art deco classic from Peugeot brand. The hand crank mechanism perfect f...

Six spoke ships wheel by Simpson Lawrence of England. Varnished wood frame with inlaid brass trim rings and brass hub cap. Cap has Simpson Lawrence and their company logo on the hub....

For your consideration, a Vintage Tribal Ethnic Spoon Bib Necklace. Dimensions: 20.25 fully extended, de dent decor 4 w x 3.5 h Please visit take a look at our listings, we have an ...

Original US film poster for Bruce Weber's 1988 Jazz documentary about the life of the Jazz trumpeter Chat Baker. The image used on the poster was taken by the American photographer ...

Chinoiserie decorated circular barometer, circa 1930s. Black background with gold decoration,  Depicting, houses, temple, figures, trees & foliage, Brass face, Badge on back, re...

Original British film poster for The 1981 thriller Body Heat. This film was directed by Lawrence Kasdan and starred William Hurt and Kathleen Turner. This poster is conservation line...

1988 Mark Richards (MR) surfboard. Features 80s style colorful Mark Richards text and iconic MR Superman logos. Rounded pintail shape design with glassed...

Impressive pair of large French bronze cannons Great for a garden or business Of course being bronze these can live outside with no fear of rusting Viewings available by appointm...

Three display cases of twenty 1/8 scale ancient naval models. Represents ships from the Evolution of Ancient Naval Architecture 750 BC - 1700 AD collection, 1/8th scale, E.A.R. Ronnberg, Sr. With gallery tag from the American Marine Model Gallery, Salem, Mass. Includes boats made between 7500 BC - 1500 BC. Twenty examples of Navel boats and ships through history including dugout canoe...

Original British film poster for The Shining 1980. This chilling horror was directed by Stanley Kubrick, and stars Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall and...

Christie's Review of the Season, 1986, Mark Wrey (editor). 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. Published by Phaidon & Christie's, Oxford, 1986. 504 pp. Dense review of a very busy yea...

Monumental Art Deco throne chairs, manufactured by The Henderson Ames Co. amazing design! Wonderful scale and proportion. I believe these to be out of ...

A glam throwback to evenings at the theatre—these vintage opera glasses by TASCO are as chic as they are collectible. Likely dating to the 1970s, this pair features a luminous mother...

1987 Jean-Michel Basquiat magazine (Basquiat Stephen Barker magazine): Ultra-rare Basquiat edition of the German art journal, Wolkenkratzer. Remarkab...

Model in enlarged section of a Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a syconium). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the thirties. Measures ...

Christie's Review of the Season 1982 Hardcover Edited by John Herbert. Abbeville Press, NY, 1982. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. Numerous color photos of important lots from all ...

The eighteenth century French chair ranks among the most elegant of furniture forms, admired both for its beauty and for the essential role...

Christie's Sale Catalogue of the Contents of Castlegar, Ballinalsoe, Co. Galway and remaining contents of Somerton, Castleknock on 24th and 25th May, 1988. 1st Ed softcover auction c...

The Golden Pharaoh: The Definitive Account of the Greatest Discovery in Archaeology, the Treasures of Tutankhamen, by Philipp Vandenberg. Stated First American edition. 328 pages wit...

Georgia O'Keeffe: Art and Letters by Jack Cowart and Juan Hamilton. Published by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1989. Softcover. 1st edition. Publi...

Adapted from Jake LaMotta's memoir, Martin Scorsese's intense biopic 'Raging Bull' has become a modern Classic, widely regarded as Scorsese's masterpiece and regularly hailed as one ...

AUTHOR: MILLER, Arthur. TITLE: Arthur Miller's Collected Plays. Volume II. PUBLISHER: NY: Viking Press, 1981. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION SIGNED. 1 vol., 8-1/2" x 6-1/8", SIGNED b...

AUTHOR: MILLER, Arthur. TITLE: Danger: Memory. PUBLISHER: NY: Grove Press, 1987. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION INSCRIBED. 1 vol., 8-1/4" x 5-1/2", inscribed by Miller on the title-p...

A ronson elephant two pipe holder with a chrome elephant and accents with a black powder coat base. It is listed in advertisement "Ronson - the World's Greatest Lighter" as "Extremel...

Design in America: the Cranbrook vision, 1925-1950 by Robert Judson Clark. Abrams, in association with the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Metropol...

AUTHOR: CAIN, James M. TITLE: Serenade. PUBLISHER: New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1937. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION PRESENTATION COPY. 1 vol., inscribed on the front blank endleaf “To...

A rare set of two card decks. One still in the sealed box (never opened and used). The other one in very good condition. Each card made of a kind of fabric (...

Armada, 1588-1988: An International Exhibition to Commemorate the Spanish Armada by M. J. Rodriguez-Salgado and The National Maritime Museum. Penguin Bo...

The Precious Legacy, Judaic Treasures from the Czechoslovak State Collections. Softcover book, edited by David Altshuler, published in 1983, illustrated, 288 pages.

Miniature Rooms, the Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago. Softcover book, published in 1984 by Abbeville Press. Printed in Japan, 168 pages.

Mid-late 1930s “Kookbox” hollow wood surfboard. Features wood panels joined by metal fasteners and cork water-plug. Patented interior ‘Skin and Frame’ construction method, inspired by the design of airplane wings. This breakthrough surfboard building method was invented in the early 1930s by the legendary Tom Blake...

Art Déco French silver and enamel vanity compact necklace/pendant with mirror, 1940s By: unknown Material: silver, metal, enamel, mirror Technique: silvered, polished, metalwork, ca...

Art Nouveau Style by Laurence Buffet-Challie offers a captivating journey through the enchanting world of Art Nouveau, celebrating its flowing lines, organic motifs, and intricate cr...