Collectibles and Curiosities

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...

An exceptionally rare, museum quality Maltese, Neoclassical walnut chest of drawers with ebonised & fruitwood inlaid maltese cross on the top and drawer fronts Maltese furniture of this period is exceptional reflecting the status and affluence of the island. Given the size of the island relatively little Maltese furniture was made in comparison to Europe & American mainland. Minature furniture is rare made either as a model or an apprentice's piece so it is extremely rare to find a minature piece from Malta bearing the Maltese cross. This minature commode is highly original with beautiful proportions, ornamentation and patination. The 'H' shaped top with a large centered inlaid Maltese Cross and a border of stringing. The breakfront fitted with three drawers each with stringing and inlaid six point stars centrally positioned behind the wooden knobs. The uprights with two continuous vertical bands of stringing ebonised and fruitwood from the top to the bottom of the drawers in walnut to match the front of the chest and then reverting to ebonising and fruitwood down the feet. Terminating in tapering feet. The panelled sides with a repeat of the double banding on the uprights and rectangular borders within the panels. The oak lined drawers with the original 18th century blue paper lining. Measures: length 27 cm 10 1/2", height 24 cm 9 1/2", depth 20 cm 8". Maltese Cross: The Maltese cross is a symbol that is most commonly associated with the Knights of Malta (also known as the Knights Hospitallers...

Pair of large carved wood faux Malachite Obelisks. Offered is a stunning pair of Hollywood Regency style carved wood obelisks. This pair of large scale hand decorated neoclassical f...

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

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

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

Monumental fifteen foot 42 star American flag, circa 1889-1890. The 42-star flag is rare because only a limited number of 42-star flags were produced after Washington became a state on Nov. 11, 1889. But it takes a more intimate knowledge of flag trivia to know just why it happened this way. White stars are added to the blue field of the star-spangled banner on the Fourth of July after a state is admitted to the union. In the fall of 1889, several western territories became states. Dakota was admitted, and then split into North and South Dakota, on Nov. 2, 1889, which made them state and star numbers 39 and 40. Montana was named the 41st state on Nov. 8, followed by Washington, on Nov. 11. Only a few flag manufacturers began producing 42-star flags before the official addition of the 42nd star on July 4, 1890. Those who tried to jump the gun by being the first to produce an up-to-date flag were surprised when Idaho was admitted to the United States on July 3...

A beautiful cobalt blue trinket box with a hinged lid. The top features a scene of the Madonna and Child, with a wreath of gold surrounding the edges. The body is decorated with gold floral accents. The lid is hinged in a bronze hue. The bottom is marked "Limoges China...

Antique miniature watercolor portrait of a woman in a neoclassical style, set without glass in a brass frame. Measures: 1.875” x 0.125” x 1.87...

This birdcage is a large, custom-made enclosure that was painted in a beautiful duck egg blue color and made during the mid-20th century. The design of the cage is modeled after the...

Decorate a music room, den or office with this elegant and colorful antique wall mounted lyre. Crafted in Italy circa 1780, the large Classical Roman musical instrument featured two ...

Classic Superbikes from Around the World Coffee Table Book Hardcover 2003. by Mac. McDiarmid. The cool thing about Mac McDiarmid’s book Classic Superbikes from Around the World. The book not only gives us a look at some rare specimens most will never see, it also includes some classic superbikes that we have probably seen here or there or may even have in the garage. For example, McDiarmid included the still-popular Yamaha RD350, Suzuki GT750, Bridgestone 350 GTR, Kawasaki Z1, Kawasaki 750 H2, Yamaha XS-1, Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide and Honda CB750 and Honda CB450 “Black Bomber.” Less common classics such as the Indian Chief, Velocette Venom Thruxton, Norton 650 SS, BSA 650 Spitfire, Munch Mammoth, Douglas Dragonfly, Sunbeam S7/S8, Ducati 750 SS, Ariel Square Four, and Royal Enfield...

Vintage mid 20th century Italian 14k yellow gold and carved shell cameo bracelet with open box clasp, featuring seven discrete neoclassical scenes of Greek / ...

Four groups of colored paper collectible sports cards mounted on blue paper pierced in the margin for placing in a notebook. Now mounted on off white card and custom framed. The cards include images of boxers Al Kaufman, Mike Sullivan, Gans and Nelson and many others. Along with images of track and field and swim athletes. Some faded black printed faded paper ones with portraits of boxers e.g Jack...

Devotional pendant made in silver with a Latin cross shape, decorated on the outside with simple scrolls, spikes, pearls and other elements of classicist inspiration, as well as a ri...

Vintage Special League S48W horsehide baseball signed by members of the 1949 Cleveland Indians baseball team. Ball includes approximately 26 signatur...

Unsigned Maritime oil painting. Very good quality, by the hand of a professional painter. The painting is soiled from 100 years of exposure. The frame has some losses (chips) to the ...

Rare 19th C handheld muffin bell town crier fire alarm bell. The bell features two Brass domes mounted back to back with iron, a turned wood handle, and a b...

Napoleon III style, sometimes referred to as The Second Empire style, was greatly influenced by the Neoclassical aspects of the Louis XVI period. This giltwood barometer from Paris w...

Antique balancing Nautical / ship / boat wine/champagne cooler holder with glass inner bowl. This superb combination is in very good condition. Rare bottle...

Rare golden angel head, to hang: in the entrance as a welcome, in the bedroom for sweet dreams. Intact, without any retouching.

The Showstopper is the world’s most opulent guitar strap ever crafted. Made from high-quality premium leather, it's embellished with over 1 kilogram of 18...

This pewter trophy was awarded to the Yacht Mistral for a win in the Manhassett Bay Yacht Club Fall Regatta in 1900. The prestigious MBYC was founded in ...

Bronze clad bust of George Washington, after Houdon, A well executed bronze clad ( bronze over plaster) bust of Washington, after a work by F...

Cadillac Limited Edition: 110 Years by Assouline. Kremer, Esther, Ed. New York: Assouline Publishing, 2012. First Edition; Second Printing. Hardcover. In celebration of 110 years of one of the most iconic brands in the world, Assouline presents the first luxury book on America's foremost luxury car. Cadillac takes readers on a visual journey through all the decades of its history. Here are presidents and Hollywood stars, closed-body cars and concept cars, the classic and the cutting-edge. Cadillac enthusiasts and car collectors...

Jewish ritual objet Besamin TOTEM Silver spice tower Origin Germany Circa 1900 at its base it has the silver seals Possibly a flag missing 95 g of weight.

Crucifix adorned with a micro mosaic of colored glass Chromed brass Around the Christ on the cross, you can see monuments of Vatican and of Rome ( Saint Peter's Basilica, Pantheon...

Spectacular America Hardcover Book 1994 Large horizontal format - 16 x 12 inches featuring 180 color plates and accompanying text. Spectacular America conveys all the grandeur of t...

This trade scale was made in the 1940's in France. It was used to weigh food. Oak Shipping: L50 P57 H28 18,1Kg.

Unsigned Maritime oil painting. Very good quality, by the hand of a professional painter. The painting is soiled from 100 years of exposure. The frame has some losses (chips) to the ...

From the Land: Backen, Gillam, & Kroeger Architects Hardcover Book. October 8, 2013 by Erhard Pfeiffer (Photographer), Stanley Abercrombie (Afterword), Diane Keaton. Elegant rustic...

Wonderful work of art attributed to the splendid art of Monsiau Nicolas-André (1754-1837) in the 18th century. The work is a round framed painting...

This is a real unique map made by the famous Rand McNally Company. This rare schoolmap is probably made in the late 1920's. The map of all the ...

A delicate pair of handmade magnifying wire rim eye glasses from the American Civil War era, circa 1860. A great looking historical conversation p...

Sundial with compass and case. Bronze. BION, Nicholas. Paris, 18th century. Polygonal sundial with a bird-shaped gnomon and engraved triangular piece, which presents, on one side, ...

Mirror with angel heads. Carved and polychrome pine wood. Spanish school, 18th century. Rectangular panel of carved, polychrome and gilded pinto wood that presents two ovals framed ...

A set of three framed original Race Horse Chromolithographs originally published in the “Illustrated Stock Doctor and Livestock Encyclopedia” in 1882. In hand-painted wood frames secured with small nails, with metal hanging rings. Captioned as follows: “Black’s Hambletonian” One of the finest and best blooded trotting stallions of the day. Property of S. Baxter Black, Compassville, Pa. Cost when a weanling colt $3500. Sired by “Rysdyk’s Hambletonion”; dam “Long Island Black Hawk” “Maud S." The Queen of the Turf. Record 2.10 1/4. The fastest trotter the world has yet known. Owned by William H. Vanderbilt Esq. who has refused a cash offer of $100.000 for her. Foaled at Woodburn Farm, Ky. March 28, 1874. Trainer and driver W.W. Bair. “Iroquois” Winner of the Derby. (Epsom Derby...

Finely carved and detailed with a mix of silver and gold leaf together. Overall width is 18.5" Dated and signed on back side.

Cigar humidor in blackened wood and brass nets XIX. This slightly curved box on the front has four cigar racks and a drawer. Two brass cartridges adorn...

Compass with pocket sundial, with case. Bronze. BUTTERFIELD, Michael (1635-1724). Paris, circa 1700. Pocket sundial made of engraved metal, with a gno...

This Classic, antique scale with original plates was created in Dijon France, circa 1870. Rectangular in shape, the fruit wood scale embellished with marquetry fillet decor, features the original removable brass plateaus...

The Well-lived Life: One Hundred Years of House & Garden by Dominique Browning. Assouline Publishing, Inc. 2008. Large hardcover coffee table book. Size: 12 1/8" x 9 1/2" x 1" 1/4. House & Home - 238 pages. Few magazines can lay claim to a century of history or to having published work by some extraordinary and distinguished photographers and writers as House & Garden. Now, straight from the pages of this well-loved periodical, The Well-Lived Life presents a lavish chronicle of a country and a culture coming into its own, documenting America's continuing education in matters of house, home and garden over the course of the 20th century. Selecting high points from the magazine, this book surveys the growing confidence and imagination reflected in American interiors and entertaining over the last century -the dinners, picnics and parties of a country dedicated to welcoming others- and the changing definition of home. It also illuminates the joys -sedentary or sporting- Americans have always found in the out-of-doors. The Well-Lived Life surveys the landscape of our lawns and gardens...

19th century French turned wood crucifix with a porcelain bisque figure of Christ and coordinating cream details. The cream carved wood finials on t...

Large brass mounted and carnelian-plated obelisk. In the style of Emilio Terry. By Maison Jansen, France 1970.

A very fine and scarce French pair silver Baptismal oil containers in its original leather fitted travelling case dating from 1850. The two cylindrical shaped oil containers are conjoined and both have tight fitting covers mounted with crosses. The oil containers have engraved initials OC and SC probably denoting oil and incense which would have been used in the baptismal ceremony. The identical lids too are similarly marked to ensure that these are not mixed up. The containers appear to have a slightly gilded finish to the interior and the oil containers are engraved to the bases and date 1850. They come in their original leather case with a small brass hook...

Marked mystic seaport Member's Edition #136/736 on the frame's plaque. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the ship. Includes a framed swatch of the sh...

Stunning antique bronze of the goddess of hunting, of women and of the moon. She also is a great talking piece. The original Diana of Gabii is a lifesize marble statue...

A silver and gold monstrance with travel case (c. 1890). Also known as an ostensorium, this vessel was used as a reliquary for display in the private r...

An antique nautical map with hand-painted color accents entitled "Potomac River (in four sheets): Sheet no. 4, from Indian Head to Georgetown". Created b...

Great pair of Hollywood Regency brass obelisks. These beautiful midcentury neoclassical style brass obelisks have a naturally occurring patina that could be polished if desired. Perf...

Texas a Salute from Above Fehrenbach, T. R 1985. Title: Texas: A salute from above Publisher: Brand: Texas Books, World Pub. Services, Inc. Publication Date: 1st Edition 1985 Language ? : ? English Hardcover ? : ? 280 pages Binding: Hardcover large coffee table book. A birds-eye view of the vast state of Texas: Mountains, cities, stadiums, plains, etc. in full color with text by T.R. Fehrenbach. Look with new eyes upon Texas. Its sweeping diversity is seen from another perspective--the view from above. Texas Books, 1985. First Ed.. Hardcover. History; Texas; The Trans-Pecos Region, The Panhandle, West, North, Central and East Texas...

Sundial and compass with case. Bronze. SCHRETTEGGER, Johan. Augsburg, Germany, around 1800. Sundial with a polygonal shape made of bronze, engraved with plant elements on the front,...

Fabrics The Decorative Art of Textiles Spectacularly illustrated with richly colorful, sumptuously textured photographs, Fabrics is an enthusiastic trip through the history, technol...

Charles Betout was the principal costume designer for the Comedie-Francaise in Paris for twenty years until his death in 1939. This is costume was designed for the 1926 production of...

Exquisite Pair of fine Antique Gilt Bronze Mounted Tortoiseshell Inlaid Ebonized Boulle Marquetry Instruments by Gervais-Maximilien-Eugene Durand. Originals featuring exquisite bronz...

Neoclassical rosewood & brass clarinet table lamp mounted on a round metal base made in France. Comes with harp and carved gilt wood finial an...

A fine antique French Edition miniature globe. By C. Abel-Klinger. On a turned wooden stand with an uncalibrated brass half meridian. The globe is marked with an integral l...

A musical movement distinguishes this wonderful early 19th-century gold vinaigrette box. The vessel is covered in delicate engraving highlighted by bl...