Collectibles and Curiosities

ABOUT A highly detailed diorama titled "Christmas Morning" featuring a French living room scene during Christmas morning. Almost every piece of molding, furniture, rugs, and accessory items that are contained in the room is designed and created by hand. Original signed tag on the back. Comes with two booklets by Mrs. James Ward Thorne (Narcissa Ward), an original photograph signed by the artist and newspaper clippings. CREATOR Narcissa Ward aka Mrs. James Ward Thorne. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1933-1942. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Wood, Glass, Fabric, Metal, Paper. CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. DIMENSIONS H 11.25 in. W 13.75 in. D 7.75 in. HISTORY Mrs. James Ward Thorne of Chicago loved dollhouses and miniatures as a child. After traveling in Europe where she collected miniature furniture and accessories, Mrs. Thorne commissioned over two dozen miniature rooms created by cabinetmakers from her own drawings. The scale is: one inch to one foot. The rooms were exhibited in the 1933-1934 Chicago's Century of Progress Exposition, the 1939 San Francisco's Golden Gate International Exposition, and in the 1940 New York World's Fair. Later, Mrs. Thorne had 29 more rooms created, copying Europe's castles, museums and historic homes. She commissioned architects to create historically accurate settings and had the textiles and carpets made by the Needlework Guild of Chicago. The rooms showing the French and English architectural and decorating styles from the 1500's to the 1920's, were exhibited in 1937 at the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1942 Mrs. Thorne gave 37 more Miniature Rooms to the Art Institute of Chicago. Those rooms offered views of American history between 1875 and 1940. The Art Institute of Chicago's Thorne Miniature...

PRESENTING A UNIQUE AND IMPORTANT Original Scrap Book and Photograph of Major WA Obenchain, pertaining to Ogden College, Bowling Green, KY. The photograph is ‘new’ to the market and has never left family ownership until NOW! It is a previously, unseen image, of a significant historical figure, Major William Alexander Obenchain, who served on General Robert E. Lee’s Staff during the Civil War and was President of Ogden College in Bowling Green, Kentucky between 1883 – 1906. We are of the opinion that the photo was taken, whilst, Major Obenchain was President of Ogden College, and circa 1890-1900. It bears the stamp on the bottom right for “McClure of Lexington, KY”. Framed and under glass. The Scrap Book is his personal Collection of numerous and various newspaper article cuttings, letters, speeches and other historical items of memorabilia, MAINLY, relating to Ogden College (now part of Western Kentucky University), from the 1870’s up to 1918. Signed in ink, by the Major, on the inside of the front cover and hand-written annotations by him, throughout. It also includes newspaper article cuttings and other historical items of memorabilia personally relating to Major Obenchain and his family, including: Articles relating to the ‘Stone’ Criminal Trial in Dallas, TX in 1876 for the almost fatal shooting of his brother, James T Obenchain , Merit Certificate for distinguished academic achievement by Major Obenchain, from the Buchanan Collegiate Institute dated July 6th 1849, et al. Over 53 Pages of content! An EXCEPTIONAL and UNIQUE Collection that is ‘new’ to the market, has never been seen by the public before and has never left family ownership until NOW! A UNIQUE HISTORICAL RECORD OF OGDEN COLLEGE/WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY and BOWLING GREEN! William Alexander Obenchain. Born April 27, 1841 at Buchanan, Botetourt Co., Virginia. Parents: Thomas Jefferson Obenchain and Elizabeth Ann Sweetland. Entered VMI on July 18, 1859 as a member of the VMI (Virginia Military Institute...

A wonderful 19th century French tabernacle or dome. Made from wood and plaster. With beautiful gilt remnants. The piece has a wonderful patina. An ...

Christopher Wool The Paris Review: 1989 The Paris Review book, with original cover design by Christopher Wool. Offset lithograph on double sided art periodical. The full book. ...

This late 18th century collection of 55 books, bound in animal hide and vellum, is pleasing to both the eye and the mind. From Dante's divine poetry to Petrarch's sonnets of love, an...

An incredible pair of 1930's French Memorial religious crucifixes, the body of each crucifix made of wood then covered in thousands of strung, hand ...

This important and unique sword was presented to the famed French painter Jean-Gabriel Domergue to commemorate the painter's election to the illustrious Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1950. One of the highest honors bestowed on a French artist, the ceremonial induction into the French Academy has been accompanied by the presentation of a sword since the age of Napoléon. Rather than a weapon, the sword became part of the Academician's uniform, and, over time, its design came to represent the interests and aspirations of its recipient. This example was designed entirely by Domergue's wife Odette, a great sculptor in her own right, and thus it represents both a highly personal gift and an important art historical relic. The design of the sword is simply magnificent. Odette Domergue found her inspiration in antiquity, a theme that is also seen in the neoclassical sculptures that occupy the gardens of the couple's famous home, Villa Fiesole - also known as Villa Domergue - in Cannes. The impressive weapon boasts a solid gold handle that takes the form of a sinuous caryatid, who is nude save for a single swath of drapery. While the female figure recalls the sculpted supports prevalent in ancient Greek architecture, she also calls to mind the subjects for which Domergue was renowned - languorous, slightly risqué women with a seductive air. Other decorative elements such as fauna, cypresses, and grotesque heads enhance the whimsy and imagination of the incredible neoclassical design. Furthermore, the scabbard that contains the finely etched blade is also an impeccable work of art. Crafted of black Moroccan leather in imitation of the snake skin, it displays intricately engraved foliage patterns with a lion's head and Domergue's coat of arms. Though imagined by his wife, the sword was expertly chiseled by the celebrated goldsmith R. Delsinne and assembled by the atelier of the famed sculptor and medalist Raymond Delamarre...

Fun vintage Police Highway Patrol metal pedal car by Glide Ride. Great graphic design complete with crank siren on the side. In working order, but we ...

A brown, antique walnut spiral staircase decor with Classic design with numerous steps and flat baluster supports on a square base, in a herringbone pattern, in good condition. Miniature staircase...

Presumably Yaroslavl school, late 1800s. Exceptional painting quality, gemstone-based paints give the icon an outstanding appearance. From left to right: Reverend Anna, Great Martyr Catherine of Alexandria, Nikephoros I of Constantinople, Basil the Great (central Figure), Theodore Stratelates, Mary of Egypt, John of Rila (Bulgarian). Antique Russian tempera Icon...

Large Antique French Neoclassical Brass Scale, by Berenger & Co, Lyon France, Circa 1870 A stunning Large Antique French Neoclassical Brass Scale, crafted by the renowned Berenger & Co of Lyon during the mid to late 19th Century. This remarkable brass shop keepers, assay or pharmacist scale...

Finely made three masted ship model (1/8” inch =1 ‘ Scale) with carved wood details and painted with string details. Includes Masthead Sculpture, two Anchor...

Vintage Hand Painted Solid Wooden Carousel Horse Signed "30 Autumn". Item features solid carved wood, long brass bar, nicely painted details, horse approx. 70 lbs, very nice vintage ...

SAINT PAUL: Statuette in carved and gilded polychrome wood, Late 18th century. Saint Paul, also known as the Apostle Paul, was an important figure in early Christianity and is often...

La Sainte Bible qui contient le Vieux et le Nouveau Testament edited by: Z.CHatelain & Fils, Arkstee & Merkus, Marc Michel Rey. A.D. 1770. Subtitle: 'Le nouveau Testament, cést à di...

American polychromed wooden boat model on stand, with polychrome painted decoration, and linen sails, original condition. Dimensions: 60" H x 36" L x 9.5"...

A large Grand Tour specimen marble column plinth, in green serpentine and Carrara marble on a gilt-bronze (ormolu) base. Italy, 19th century. Why we like it: Its impressive scale a...

NEW YORK APARTMENTS Private Views by Jamee Gregory & Charles DaveyNew York: Rizzoli, 2004. First Edition; First Printing. Hardcover. New York Apartments: Private Views is a lavishly ...

Fabulous cast iron Owl bank with a turning head coin lever and glass eyes. Lot of the original paint still intact. Missing the lock on the underside, not visi...

Available for Curation; Museum quality, Fine classical square grand piano forte by Alpheus Babcock (1785-1842) for G. D. MacKay, Boston", circa 1825...

Swiss cylinder four-song music box, ca. 1900, the works with model number "6187" and housed within a thuja wood and ebonized pearwood brass-mounted box, the interior lid with a litho...

A white, antique Belgian architectural model made of handcrafted plaster of Paris, in good condition. It depicts the Frederik's Church in Copenhagen, Denmark. The main entrance of the detailed cathedral is accessible by a wide staircase, particularized by four columns. The detailed dome is composed with many rectangular windows. Exceptional item collector. Wear consistent with age and use. circa 1900...

PRESENTING A RARE EDITION hardback copy of The Epic of America by James Truslow Adams, Illustrated by M.J. Gallagher, Published by Little, Brown and Company of Boston in 1932. Con...

18th century Italian gilded church tablet adorned with faceted diamante stones. It reads, "Tabella dei Signori Amministratori del Santissimo Sacramento" which means, "Table of the Lo...

Beautiful and important wooden memorial temple covered in faux marble. From the purest neoclassical form, this Grand Tour piece of furniture is a classic piece of furniture of grea...

Genito-Urinary Anatomical Chart by Fritz Frohse. Dated 1922. Paper mounted on canvas. Shows wear but still presents very well!

Elegant urn-shaped silver trophy cup and cover in the restrained and graceful neoclassical Adam style with long sweeping handles decorated with a fine bead decoration. Two bands of ...

French America By Arielle De La Tour D'Auvergne and Ron Katz 2005 Hardcover. French America: French Architecture from Colonialisation to the Birth of a Nation is a stunning visual j...

Immerse yourself in the charm of a bygone era with this exquisite antique wooden game, a true testament to the beauty and craftsmanship of yesteryear. This extraordinary game feature...

Pair 19th century French cast brass Altar candlesticks were crafted with images of the Holy Family in glorious full relief on the three facade...

18th century Italian mecca processional cross on a calcite crystal base in matrix with coordinating baroque pearls. The calcite crystal cluster in matrix is from Elmwood Mine in T...

Vintage model wood house featuring front portico and door with many windows and four dormers. House has interior bulb that functions to light interior a...

PRESENTING A FABULOUS Original hand-written Letter from Theodore Dreiser dated 19 Dec 1916 to Eliza Calvert Hall. The letter is entirely hand written with pen and signed by the re...

PRESENTING A RARE and FULLY AUTHENTIC General William Tecumseh Sherman Autograph. Last page of a hand written letter, circa 1885-1890. P...

Rare collection of 35 plaster casts from XIX century, as Grand Tour Souvenir. I found them like this: You can put them in frame according to the size...

19th century Italian Confraternity Voting Urn of Tuscan origin realized with turned and carved poplar wood. The barrel-shaped central body, in which hands were inserted to insert the ballot ball into one of the two holes connected to the small drawer below, where on the front we find the inscription YES and NO related to voting, SI and NO, in order to distinguish for and against votes on paper, then collected in two separate small drawers, just below. Standing on four curly feet, it has a beautiful curved handle and carved parts at both ends, highlighted by ebonized details. In a fraternity, this ballot box was used to collegially adjudicate community choices. In good age related condition, with sogns of wear and use. This antique Italian ballot wooden box, carved and painted, coming from Tuscany, in Central Italy. This ballot urn is an excellent example of a 19th century wooden voting box...

Broadway Musical Martin Gottfried 1984 hardcover book.Large heavy book. A colorful tribute to the great Broadway shows of our time. Profusely illustrated in color. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Title Broadway Musicals Author Gottfried, Martin Format/Binding Hardcover Binding Hardcover Publisher Harry N. Abrams Place Of Publication NY Date Published 1984 395 illustrations, 112 in full color. Great oversized heavy coffee table art book. A true treasure of a book. This is a very large book, and not just width wise. It is very tall too. There are many pictures, a lot of them in color. They have some of the rarest flops featured toward the back of the book, and the classics are all here too. Some high points are the run-through of how they make (made) "Annie" run every night. There is also a synopsis of "Hello Dolly" which helpful since I have only seen the movie. There is a flaw though, and it is not insignificant. The author does not separate fact from opinion. Example: "Sweeney Todd does not hold a place in the theater". This book came out the same year "Sweeney Todd" did(1979), so it might be just a bit early to say that. Obviously, he is a critic, but he should have took that hat off ,and taken on the role of an author who looks at the facts.("Sweeney" is just one of the hows that gets criticized.) Colorful entertaining masterpiece with many of these Broadway Musicals some of them are THE WIZ...

19th C original painted decorated doll or jewelry chester drawers. Decorated in the 20's or 30's.

Carved Wood Model of a Locomotive showcased in a glazed and painted wood case. This intricately crafted piece captures the essence of a locomotive with stunning attention to detail. ...

Vintage Adirondak Pro Ring number 302, Ken Landreaux Big Stick Flame Treated wooden baseball bat with brass plaque “To Commemorate the 51st All Star Game Dodger Stadium Los Angeles, ...

A stunning specimen of agate distinguishes this diminutive French sewing nécessaire. The segments of beautiful hard stone are perfectly complemented ...

PRESENTING AN HISTORIC AND EXCEPTIONALLY RARE AND IMPORTANT American Civil War Collection consisting of: (1) ORIGINAL and FULLY AUTHENTIC Confederate Field Map of Richmond, VA 1864 belonging to Capt W.A. Obenchain C.S. Engineers, (2) ORIGINAL and FULLY AUTHENTIC Surrender/Parole Paper for Capt. W.A. Obenchain dated 1st May 1865 at Greensboro, NC (3) ORIGINAL and FULLY AUTHENTIC Pamphlet for Hillsborough Military Academy, NC with Major W.M. A. Obenchain listed as 'Military Staff'. These ALL belonged to Captain (later promoted to rank of Major) William Alexander Obenchain and the battlefield map was his 'personal' field map for the Battle of the Richmond Peninsula in 1864, at the end of the US Civil War...

American Impressionism Hardcover Book by William H. Gerdts. American Impressionism Book by William H. Gerdts Hardcover Book. Lavishly illustrated with more than 400 paintings by 125 different artists, this volume contains documentary photographs of the artists and quotations from their private letters and journals complementing the text. Good copy bound in cloth with an equally fine dust wrapper. 336 pages; Beginning with a brief prelude discussing the roots of Impressionism in America and its relationship to French Impressionism, Gerdts recounts the early adventures of American artists in Claude Monet's village of Giverny, evaluates Impressionism's progress from an avant-garde aesthetic to its triumph during the 1813 Chicago World Fair and its replacement by the radical styles of Cubism and Futurism. Also studies how Impressionism flourished across the United States and includes an exhaustive bibliography. Among the masters reproduced are Childe Hassam, John Twachtman...

A perfect elegant vintage American evening bag! All beaded by Whiting & Davis Co. - For You, now. With classic style and color, this vintage ...

Wonderful neoclassical carved wooden altar with beautiful gilded angels. Italy, circa 1760-1780. Weathered, small losses and old repairs.

Classics : U. S. Aircraft of World War II by Walter J. Boyne, Mark Meyer. A must for any WWII buff, this collection boasts photographs of restored aircraft and interviews with the men who flew them. The pilots discuss training, missions, and even capture and imprisonment. 115 color and 40 b&w archival...

Decorate a living room, library or study with this important antique painting. Created in Italy circa 1850, and set in the original carved gilt wood frame, the hand painted canvas titled "Madonna of the Harpies", depicts the Virgin Mary holding her Child, our Lord, Jesus Christ; She is flanked by Saint John the Evangelist, and either Saint Francis or Saint Bonaventure. The large religious painting...

Beautiful and Collectible Vintage 1968 Hardback Time Life Library of Art “The World of Rembrandt” Book. The World of Rembrandt 1606-1669 by Robert Wallace. New York, NY, Time Life ...

Albert Gast upright piano with a quartered, walnut case and ornate, brass candlesticks. Entire cabinet inlaid in neoclassical designs. Piano has an eighty-eight keyboard and two pedals. Front panel features inlay of a central urn surrounded by scrolling acanthus and flowers. The cabinet pilasters are carved Corinthian style with a palmette flourish. The scroll piano cheeks are carved with curlicue strapwork and inlaid with foliage and flowers. The piano legs...

A Dutch Delftware Tobacco jar with a brass lid. Origine: Delft, The Netherlands Date: Second half of the 18th century Workshop: Unknown A genuine blue and white tobacco jar...

Schiedmayer grand piano with a french polished, burr walnut cabinet. The burr walnut is figured creating rippled patterns in the veneer reminiscent of oil on water. The serpentine piano cheek features carvings of scrolling foliage, spirals and a dual linear case moulding that borders the cabinet in high relief. The cut-out filigree music desk...

This is a set of three 19th century Rococo style carved puttis that have been modified into holiday ornaments. They are hand painted and show some age appropriate wear. Many of the l...

Moments with Jackie by Jean Mills hardcover book Barnes & Noble Books, 1999 - Celebrities - 120 pages. Stunning black-and-white photography accompanies a close-up portrait of Jacqu...

New Classic Interiors by Alessandra Branca hardcover coffee table book in Box Sleeve. Abrams, Dec 15, 2018 - Architecture - 272 pages. For Alessandra Branca, living means living comfortably. Growing up in Rome, Branca was always surrounded by exquisite art and architecture. She learned early on that beauty is meant to intermingle with everyday life, and to this day her interior designs, while abiding by classical principles, comfortably accommodate her clients’ lifestyles. “You can’t just do something that looks pretty,†? she says. “It has to work.†? In this book, the designer—based in Chicago—generously reveals her step-by-step creative process, offering invaluable guidance to anyone who wants a home that is both gorgeous and livable. Beginning with her own Chicago townhouse and interweaving insights drawn from several other prominent projects, she shows how she assesses each space’s form and function, selects foundation elements, chooses furniture and lighting, and, finally, incorporates decorative elements that reflect the resident’s personality. Illustrated with 200 lush photographs, the book offers a welcomes introduction to Branca’s enchanting and livable interiors. Great book for inspiring rooms, very knowledgeable and Alessandra Branca gives a wealth of information when it comes to decorating your spaces. Ms. Branca teaches you how she decorates for her clients!! This book is a must for someone who likes to decorate their own spaces.Alessandra Branca is an extremely talented designer. Dressmaking type details abound in the photographs in this book. She is just a cut above many designers out there. New Classic Interiors starts off in Rome (her birthplace), then on to Chicago, and New York. There are great photos of projects and diagrams. The text is interesting and you will learn why certain things were created the way they were, her opinions on lighting, and general design information that make her rooms just a cut above other designs. If I had to be critical at all, it would be the use of red. This use to be one of my favorite home and clothing colors, but now blue reigns. Alessandra is heavily invested in the color red, and uses it magnificently! As a passionate collector of interior design books...

JFK & Jackie. Unseen Archives by Tim Hill. London: Parragon, Incorporated, 2003. First edition; first printing. Hardcover. JFK and Jackie: unseen archives c...

Remembering Jackie: A Life in Pictures Hardcover – January 1, 1994 by Life Magazine. Uses photographs to trace the life of the former first lady, including her childhood, marriage, ...

Antique forty six star large wool American flag by Horstmann Company, circa 1908-1912. Horstmann firm was founded by William H. Horstmann (1785-1850), who had immigrated to Philadelphia from Germany. Horstmann bought out a local swordmaker in 1828 and thereafter entered the military goods field. The firm benefitted from the Civil War, becoming the largest military goods supplier in the nation by 1864. WILLIAM H. HORSTMANN & SONS, Manufacturers of Dress Trimmings and Military Goods. 5th & Cherry Streets, Philadelphia, PA. This house was founded, in 1815, by William H. Horstmann, a native of Cassel, in Germany. He had learned the trade of silk-weaving in France, and, emigrating to the United States in the above-mentioned year, established himself in Philadelphia as a manufacturer of fringe, laces and trimmings of various kinds. He married the daughter of Frederick Hoeckly, a German settler in Philadelphia, and also a manufacturer of fringe, coach-lace and tassels. He devised several improvements in this trade, especially by introducing varieties in the styles and patterns of this class of goods, there being at that time only two patterns used in the trade, which were known as the Jefferson pattern and the Monroe pattern. In 1824, he introduced into this country from Germany the use of plaiting or braiding machines, and about the same time he was the first to introduce into this country the use of the Jacquard loom, for weaving patterns in textile fabrics. His location was in the first instance at No. 50 North Third street, but within a short time he removed to a store next to the Harp and Crown tavern, afterwards known as the City hotel, and continued his business within a short distance of this point for many years. In 1828, he commenced the manufacture of military trimmings as a special department, and this branch has grown to most important proportions, Horstmann's military goods being in demand throughout time country. The firm have also executed large Government contracts in this line for the War and Navy Departments. In 1831, he established a branch house in New York city, and about the same time erected a factory at the corner of Germantown road and Columbia avenue. The factory was continued here until time erection of the extensive building at Fifth and Cherry streets, where the works, salesrooms and offices of time firm now are. This massive structure is six stories high, and extends 140 feet on Fifth street and 200 on Cherry street, and reaches back to Race street. The separate departments into which the business is divided are thirty in number. More than 1000 distinct looms and machines are in use in the building, many of them very costly and some invented and used exclusively by this firm, the motive power being supplied by a steam engine of fifty horse power. The area covered by the works is about 11,000 square feet. Time number of hands employed is very large, about 500. When the erection of a vast factory at this point was first proposed, a strong opposition was made by time holders of the neighboring property. The ancient German Lutheran Church and burying ground, since removed, stood opposite the site, and a bill was introduced into the Legislature to forbid the use of a steam engine within 100 yards of any place of worship. The interests which such a bill would have affected injuriously, especially those of several newspapers, roused a strong opposition to it, and it failed to become a law. In 1845, William H. Horstmann, the founder of the house, retired from the business, and his two sons, William and Sigmund, assumed the management and it was under their direction that the new building, above described, was erected. The goods produced by this house are of almost endless extent and variety. They include goods woven from all the various textile fibres—cotton, wool, silk, etc.—in every style, color and pattern, and are used for an infinite number of purposes. Narrow woven goods are time staple production, made up into material for dresses for both sexes, for use in daily life, and for regalia for ""societies;"" for the costumes of the stage, the upholstering of houses and of carriages, the uniforms of soldiers, together with equipments for the same, and for funeral purposes. The raw material used in the manufacture is to a great extent very costly, and their store rooms often hold as much as $200,000 worth of goods in an unworked state. There are two rooms devoted to power looms in the factory, one for coach lace and one for other styles of weaving, in which about 250 of these machines are constantly running. The braiding machines in the coach lace room are very noteworthy. The cord to be covered with braid is drawn through an opening in time middle of a flat, circular, metallic plate, about 15 inches across. Up to a point on this cord, about a foot above the plate, the threads of the braiding material converge, like the ribs of a tent-roof, and there weave in and out and out and in, as the coating of braid grows, and time covered cord rises and is wound away above. The weaving is accomplished by the motion of the spools below that carry the different threads of the braid. These spools stand in uprights, which are carried round and amongst each other in curved slots in the above-mentioned broad metallic plate. All but two of these spools run in and out among each other, with a swift, easy and intricate motion, mind so rapid that time eye can hardly follow it, while one or two special spools run steadily round and round among time twisting spools with the most extreme swiftness. Many other machines, displaying equally ingenious mechanism, are used in the factory. The various details of equipment manufactured and supplied by this house are also important, both for their number and the superior quality of the manufacture. The one article of swords may be taken as an instance. This trade grew naturally and immediately out of the established army and navy goods department of the works, it being necessary that the sword itself should be furnished together with the sword-belt and other trappings all complete. Every part of the sword and trappings, with the exception of the blade, is made on the premises. The blades are almost all imported from the ancient German sword-blade emporium of Solingen, where, it is said, swords have been made ever since the year 1147, when Count Adolphus of Berg brought home from the East and established there the business of forging Damascus blades. There is in this department a stock of some thousands of blades, of many different patterns and sizes, ready to be set and finished. Any style or sword can be had from this warehouse, from the plainest kind up to a presentation sword...

Jamie Drake's New American glamour. Designer hardcover Coffee table book. New York: Bulfinch Press, 2005. Stated first edition hardcover with no dust ja...