Collectibles and Curiosities

Early 20th century London News advertising figure We share what we love, and we love this rare example of a first quarter English London News advertising figure in the form of a beefeater. Produced by Pytram Limited of New Malden Surrey England. This figure is made of composite form and would have sat on the shop counter. A rare example in this condition and size. unusual fully articulated Edwardian prosthetic leg...

Description: Antique print, untitled. Two decorative maps on one sheet of the middle east in biblical times. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: Anonymous...

Traditional religious plaster figure of a virgin. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and...

Tajan 1993 Islamic Art, Orientalist Paintings Auction Catalog Orientalist painting and Islamic Art, Text in French. Paperback softcover Islamic Art bo...

Classic age of Travel Luis Vuitton Steamer trunk with the LV monogram and red and white bands. Monogrammed L.R.C., St. Louis MO U.S.A. With old Railway Exp...

A vintage Native American Navajo turquoise stone necklace with authentic 26 pearls and two carved cross pendants in sterling silver. The necklace is attributed to the Jewelry designer T-Foree. This vintage necklace will make a statement and is a collectible piece. To the Navajo tribe, the color turquoise represents happiness, luck, and health. ... Black, white, blue, and green were the colors within the turquoise stone which represent the colors of the natural world. A horseshoe-shaped symbol or a symbol called “Naja” appeared often in tradition Navajo jewelry...

A Very Fine German 19th Century Louis XVI Style Burr Walnut Bechstein Concert Grand Piano, Serial No. 5655. The beautifully crafted Grand piano, raised on three tapered barrel shaped legs, with an intricately carved ornate music desk and original keys. Circa: 1872. Length: 80 inches (203.2 cm) Width: 59 inches: (149.9 cm) Height (top closed): 38 5/8 inches (98.1 cm) C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik AG (also known as Bechstein) is a German manufacturer of pianos, established in 1853 by Carl Bechstein. Before Bechstein Young Carl Bechstein studied and worked in France and England as a piano craftsman, before he became an independent piano maker. His first pianos were made for other companies. C. Bechstein C. Bechstein piano factory was founded on 1 October 1853 by Carl Bechstein in Berlin, Germany. Carl Bechstein set out to manufacture a piano able to withstand the great demands imposed on the instrument by the virtuosi of the time, such as Franz Liszt. In 1857, Hans von Bülow (Liszt's son-in-law) gave the first public performance on a Bechstein grand piano by performing Liszt's Piano Sonata in B minor in Berlin By 1870, with endorsements from Franz Liszt and Hans von Bülow, Bechstein pianos had become a staple in many concert halls and private mansions. By that time three piano makers, all of which were founded in 1853, became established as the industry leaders across the world: Bechstein, Blüthner and Steinway & Sons. In 1881 Bechstein began supplying pianos to Queen Victoria. A gilded art-case piano was delivered to Buckingham Palace, followed by several more Bechstein pianos to Windsor Castle and other royal residences. By January 1886 they were among the piano manufacturers holding a Royal Warrant as a supplier to the Queen. Several British embassies across the world acquired Bechstein pianos. In 1885, Bechstein opened a branch in London, that eventually grew to become the largest showroom and dealership in Europe. By 1890 showrooms had been opened in Paris, Vienna, and Saint Petersburg. On 31 May 1901, Bechstein Hall, built at a cost of £100,000, was opened next to the company's London showroom at 36-40 Wigmore Street. Between 1901 and 1914, C. Bechstein was the largest piano dealership in London. At that time, Bechstein was patronized by the tsars of Russia, the royal families of Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Austria and Denmark, and other royalty and aristocracy. The list of royal clients of Bechstein may be found on the soundboard of vintage Bechstein pianos made before the Second World War. The list is part of the original Bechstein trademark logo; it can be seen under the strings in the center of a piano's soundboard. The signature of Carl Bechstein The years from the 1870s through 1914 brought Bechstein their most dramatic increase in sales. In 1880 a second Bechstein factory was opened in Berlin, and the third factory was opened in 1897 in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Production reached 3,700 pianos annually in 1900, and 4,600 in 1910, making Bechstein the largest German manufacturer of high-end pianos. At that time, about three quarters of production went to international markets, especially Britain and the Commonwealth, and Russia. Carl Bechstein died in 1900, and the Bechstein company continued to operate under the management of his sons. Between 1900 and 1914 C. Bechstein was one of the leading piano makers in the world, employing 1,200 craftsmen and workers by 1913 and making five thousand pianos per year. First World War C. Bechstein suffered huge property losses in London, Paris, and St. Petersburg during World War I. The largest loss was in London. Although the company's position in the United Kingdom was initially unaffected, with the company still listed as holding a Royal Warrant in January 1915, Warrants to both King George V, and his wife Queen Mary were cancelled on 13 April 1915. Bechstein was not the only musical concern to be affected by growing anti-German sentiment: there were earlier attempts, led by William Boosey, to boycott German music altogether. In 1915, despite being a Baronet and Privy Counsellor, Sir Edgar Speyer, who was then funding the Proms, was forced to leave the country. Following the passing of the Trading with the Enemy Amendment Act 1916 the British arm of the company was wound-up on 5 June 1916, all Bechstein property, including the concert hall and showrooms full of pianos, were seized as "enemy property" and closed. In 1916 the hall was sold as alien property at auction to Debenhams for £56,500. It was renamed Wigmore Hall, and then re-opened under the new name in 1917. All 137 Bechstein pianos at the Bechstein showrooms were confiscated too, and became property of the new owner of the Hall. After a dispute with his brother, Edwin Bechstein left the company and was paid off. Eventually the Bechstein factory resumed full-scale production during the 1920s. At that time, technical innovations and inventions of new materials and tools, as well as improvements in piano design and construction, had allowed Bechstein to become one of the leading piano makers again. The most successful models were the updated "A"-185 and "B"-208 grand pianos. The upright pianos became more popular after the war, and C. Bechstein were successful with its upright pianos Model-8 and Model-9, both of which have been considered the finest upright pianos. As the company was changed into a joint-stock company 1923, Edwin Bechstein and his wife Helene, bought themselves back into the company as shareholders. In 1930 the company collaborated with German electrical goods manufacturer Siemens under Nobel laureate Walther Nernst to produce one of the first electric pianos...

A fine English shipwright's or carpenter's sash fillister or plough plane, c.1900, of finely patinated beech wood and brass by Atkin and Sons, Sheffield Works, Birmingham Marked A &...

Framed 15th century illuminated Book of Hours manuscript circa 1450, France. Gouache, ink gold wash and gold burnishing on vellum. Framed within large decorative matt. In very good a...

A Napoleon III sword in gilt brass. Handle is decorated with 2 mother of pearl plates. Urn shaped pommel. Knuckle guard transitioning into cross guard. Guard plate with eagle. Black ...

Minecraft The Complete Handbook Collection Set of 4 by Stephanie Milton. Minecraft's four bestselling handbooks are available in this stunning, gold-foiled boxed set. Includes the Es...

Chinese export silver cheroot case, ca 1860. Oval with hinged push-button cover. Allover repousse. On front are scenes of daily life with indigenous spear...

Vintage Gold-Plated Pocket Gas Lighter By S. T. Dupont, Paris. Like new condition and doesn't appear to have ever have been used.

The very best of Naomi Campbell in an updated two-volume portfolio. Supermodel, entrepreneur, activist, provocateur. Since her teenage rise to stardom, Naomi Campbell has dazzled th...

This is a beautiful coffee table (or library book) about the history of the iconic Italian luxury jeweler Bvlgari (or Bulgari), circa 1990s, Italy. Book covers Bulgari's history in c...

A precursor of Benjamin Franklin's famous and popular POOR RICHARD's ALMANAC Rider, Cardanus Rider's (1726) British Merlin; Adorned with many delightful Varieties and Useful Veritie...

First edition, complete in 12 volumes, of the Encyclopedie des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernest au XXeme Siecle, published by Imprimerie Nationale, Office Central D'Editions ...

19th Century Dutch silver watch-key 19th century silver watch-key in the shape of a musical instrument with filigree. The eyelet is marked but faded and probably it is the hallmar...

Rare and unusual Wunderkammer architectural model in miniature, entirely handmade, in balsa wood, depicting the Cathedral of Milan. Original patina. Italy second half of the 19th cen...

Aircraft model constellation Lockheed, reduced model, lightweight wooden frame, handcrafted in aluminum foil, with engraved metal rivets. Measures: Base height: 26cm.

Great example of a western stagecoach in original paint. Colors are still vibrant. C1930 with precise castings. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.

18th century Altar Modell, South Germany, with original painting, wood A rare altar model with original painting, in the middle Jesus Christus and on the ...

Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). A large 18th century hour glass, o...

Beautiful and sizeable Church altar candelabra in the form of a winged Angel. This hand-carved Church altar piece is carved out of wood and the gilt finishing gives this piece it's ...

The Tina Chow Fashion Couture collection includes some of the finest designers in the industry such as Fortuny, Balenciaga, Chanel, Vionnet, Dior, Lanvin, Poiret, Schiaparelli, Alaia...

1970s Vintage Lightning Bolt surfboard shaped by Bill Barnfield. Features rounded pintail shape with bright green tinted deck, yellow bottom, and black rail-bolts. A striking example...

Devotional plaque with Saint Jerome. Bronze. Spanish school, 16th century. Rectangular devotional plaque made of bronze, with a frame and a ring at the top and a figurative decorati...

Original Wilhelm Zwick Golf Figure. A 1920's white metal sporting figure attributed to A. Wilhelm Zwick, depicting a male golfer in his follow through swing position. The golf figure...

Double desk box with lighter designed by Ronson. An exceptional and very beautiful desk box, created in New Jersey United States by The Ronson Co. during the art deco period, back i...

Written by well-known artist and best-selling art-instruction author with almost rock-star popularity in the contemporary world of representational art, beginning drawing atelier, with its unique workbook/sketchbook approach, and high-quality paper, offers a comprehensive and contemporary twist on traditional atelier art instruction practices. Atelier education is centered on the belief that working in a studio, not sitting in the lecture hall, is the best place to learn about art. Every artist needs to learn basic drawing skills. In this elegant and inspiring workbook, master contemporary artist and best selling author Juliette Aristides...

A brass ship's inclinometer, circa 1910. Scale in degrees from the vertical to 40° of tilt/list. An inclinometer, or clinometer, is an instrument used for measuring angles of s...

Having a double trestle base and a threaded press, the surface with a raised edge and a drain spout.

Mid-1970s Vintage Gerry Lopez Lightning Bolt surfboard. Features a vibrant yellow tinted deck with jet-black lightning bolt, ruby red single fin, and dia...

FOOSBALL TABLE RS2 GOLD DESIGNED BY RAFAEL RODRÍGUEZ for RS Barcelona 24k gold-plated game play, design and sophistication. The RS2 Gold is our most chic football table. It’s one of...

A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...

Armor Samuraï Maeda, ceremonial armor with handcrafted helmet and protects. Made with original japanese fabrics only use for samuraï armor confection, ...

Aeschylus. Edited by Willem Canter. Aeschyli Tragoediae VII. In quibus praeter infinita menda sublata, carminum omnium ratio hactenus ignorata, nunc primum proditur; opera Gulielmi C...

A large Akha Tribe woven silver bracelet with spiral design. This Tribal bracelet encompasses tradition Hill tribe silversmithing techniques with each silve...

Sotheby's; highly important Americana from the Stanley Paul Sax Collection. Sotheby's: New York, 1998. Unpaginated hardcover with dust jacket. The single-owner sale includes Stanley ...

This functional French antique is made of solid oak. Simply designed with a tilted surface for resting a book over a turned pedestal base with three splayed legs. Cleaned and polishe...

Patent 75086 - This is a large tobacco box with many purposes, (Child's Paint Set). Car in multicolored golden tin in classic brass. Almost new with all the original parts. Wonderful...

A nice scaled model of a turner cube made in the 1970s. This unique object, termed a Turner’s Cube, was traditionally an exercise given to a novice machinist to test their knowledge ...

A very interesting Baroque period carved oak figure of a saint or prophet said to come from a demolished Russian Orthodox church. This compelling figure is ...

Style African Music Custom Drum Table Goatskin Hide Wood 18w x 19 tall Original preowned vintage condition Refer to images

1834 Mexico & Guatemala map of published by H.S. Tanner, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Engraved by J. Knight. As found high end custom framing with carved wood frame, custom matting a...

Original 1950s Philadelphia Toboggan Co. Skee Ball Machine. Fully mechanical. No need to plug in! You roll the ball and when it enters one of the score holes...

Vintage and historical leather and painted wood horse collar from Barnum & Bailey Circus. Embossed in leather "Barnum & Bailey" and "King". Assuming the name of the horse was King. C...

This antique Dow Jones News Wire Broad Tape Ticker Tape machine from the 1930s-1940s. With its beautifully crafted design and historical significan...

A clever, charmingly quirky portrayal of painter Jackson Pollock – and the first in a series of picture-book biographies of contemporary artists Jackson Pollock was unlike any other ...

A rare 1946 Hamilton wristwatch with a No.9 mine 17 Jewel movement stamped 980 with a 14k gold-filled case, elegantly showcasing a unique modernist aesthetic. The 12-hour dial that h...

A fascinating survey of the enduring human love affair with the exotic and the strange in art, architecture and design, and its impact on Western culture Exotic explores our obsessio...

Picasso's Drawings, 1890-1921 : Reinventing Tradition by Marilyn McCully; Susan Grace Galassi. Yale University Press, 2011. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. 74 drawings with detail...

The legendary Schumacher design house presents an inspiring interiors survey exploring the versatile and transformative use of blue and white Let Schumacher take you on a tour of the best of blue and white decorating, featuring interiors that show just how versatile this color combination can be. Divided by style – charming, modern, boho, traditional, and more – the book features a guide to iconic blue and white colors from robin's egg, sky, and cerulean to oyster, alabaster, and porcelain, as well as a roundup of best-in-class product from tabletop to fabrics and wallcoverings. This definitive survey captures the most compelling use of blue-and-white interiors in a stunning variety of rooms by the heaviest-hitting interior designers and interior photographers in the world, including Mark D. Sikes, Redd Kaihoi, Tom Scheerer, Virginia Tupker, Veere Grenney, Bruce Budd, Todd Romano...

National Cash Register Co. Brass Cash Register, Model 442-E-L, Early 1900s, on wooden plinth. American. Brass. In 1908, National introduced a new numbering system that grouped their ...

Candy colors combine to perfection with the adorable Audrey on this charming Japanese B2 poster for a 1969 re-release of the perennially popular 'Breakfast at Tiffany's.' Holly Golightly would be Audrey Hepburn’s defining role, establishing her status as one of the greatest screen legends and style icons of all time. It seems unbelievable now that Truman Capote, author of the novella on which the movie was based, had his heart set on Marilyn Monroe for the part. Monroe pulled out of the running when her acting coach advised her not to play 'a lady of the night...

Paris: Librairie des Amateurs, 1892. Illustrations: Adolphe Lalauze (1838 – 1906) Preface: Philippe Gille Limited Edition 8vo, 9 1/8 x 6 inches (231 x 153 mm); xvi, 84, (3) pp.; pri...

Vintage sculpture representing a horse. In light brown leather with glass eyes. Presumably originating from Italy. Good condition with natural age-related patina.  

Stunning 18th century carved wooden religious shield, Italian early 1700’s, in gilt and green with the words ECCE NUNCDIES SALUTIS (This is the Day of Salvation) to the centre. Hist...