Collectibles and Curiosities

This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...

Antique German set of eleven Putz stick-legged sheep with a shepherd boy and his dog. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativit...

A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...

This rare vintage set of two different types of mushrooms, show Models which are native to middle Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools. Colorful...

This vintage Belsnickle Santa Claus candy container made of composition, cardboard and wood was made in the 20th century and is a charming addition ...

A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size always given for the tallest item...

20th century Erzgebirge German Noah’s Ark. A wonderful example of a 20th century Erzgebirge German Noah’s Ark, With 36 assorted hand carved figures. Typically, children played with t...

A massive nearly 10 foot tall by 5.5 foot wide antique Dutch ecclesiastical wooden cross. Hand-crafted in the Netherlands in the 19th century, very large sculptural Celtic cross for...

An antique Black Forest deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaque. We beliefe its from the Late 19th Century. A nice addition to your hunters loge, cabin, man cav...

Large decorative german folk art horse-drawn sleigh from the late 19th century. Dimensions: 87 cm high / 34.25 inch high, 250 cm wide / 98.42 inch wide, 106 cm deep / 41.73 inch d...

Popeye rare cloth rag doll USA 1950s Cloth, sponge, plastic pipe H 100 cm - 56 x 30 cm Conditions: overall good conditions consistent with age and use

A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...

2008 Alaska Duck Stamp Print 2008 Alaska Duck Stamp Print by Robert Steiner (American, b. 1949). Four Alaska Duck Stamp Prints are the focal point with "3...

Collection of Treen Kitchenalia, Butter Marker This is a great little Collection of Treen Kitchenalia, a Butter Marker, this has a naive cow carving, a lemon squeezer and a turned sycamore egg cup A good set for the collector, a bit of historical wood worm on the butter Stamp...

Assorted Small Black Forest Roe Buck Mounts, Early 20th Century Sold individually.

Antique Red Fox Skull Taxidermy, Germany ca. 1900s An antique taxidermied skull of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) mounted on an ebonized wooden turned ba...

A handmade wooden Artist mannequin model - all joints move as they should. Found on a Estate sale in Verona, Italy. Shows some wear - but looks beautiful on display! Some scratches a...

This rare and exquisite miniature antique German wooden Boule set of Chairs with fine golden transfers, dated about 1860s to 1890s. Made by one of the famous German toy...

A beautiful Bénitier en terre cross in polychromed metal is of French Origin. With beautiful carved details and vibrant colours. The piece is Circa 19th Century and displays a rugge...

A set of two antique Black Forest deer antler trophies on hand carved, black lacquered wooden plaques. They are from the 1890s or older. The size given in the dimensions section refe...

18th Century Naples, Italy nativity figure A larger than normal late 18th Century Italian nativity figure. Hand carved articulated pine joint limbs,...

A set of two vintage Black Forest deer antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. I think they are from the early 20th Century. Measurement'...

Such vintage sweetness!! I don't know if this is an early Peter Rabbit or Easter Bunny or just a Christmas ornament in the shape of a bunny but it is adorable!1 The ornament has been from clear glass into the bunny shape and is overpainted with the white & light brown fur, fun pink vest...

What an incredibly cute angel caroler Christmas ornament made from blown glass with textured yellow pieces glued to the head for hair and gold textured pieces glued down the front an...

What an adorable reddish brown shiny dog ornament. He is standing on his hind legs and is so cute, I just want to scratch his belly. There is white overpaint on his droopy ears, nos...

This rare and exquisite miniature antique German corner shelf is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beau...

Antique and large ex voto in the shape of a male figure, in silver, from the 1890s to the 1900s, Italy. Perfect vintage condition, there are no breakages or signs of repairs. Beautif...

Solid wood, with original patina from the time. Made by slaves, during the dark slavery times, to worship and pray. Dimensions: 18,70 inches W x 33,26 inches H x 10,62 inches D. ...

This rare and exquisite miniature antique German wooden Boule Bedroom Furniture set with fine golden transfers, dated about 1860s to 1890s. Made by one of the famous German toy companies. A very lovely Furniture set for antique dolls and for dollhouses. Measurements given in dimensions section refers to the bed. The small Vanity desk...

This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Bimini decanter set is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its b...

Antique Real Skull of a Badger, Germany ca. 1900s An antique taxidermied skull of the badger (Meles meles) mounted on an ebonized wooden turned base. ...

Large pair of vintage 1950s string marionettes, these magnificent Rajasthani Kathputli puppets came from the vibrant state of Rajasthan in northwestern India. Meticulously handcrafte...

Wonderful 1920s Ludwig & Ludwig Bass Drum / lamp, Folk Art,, Hand painted Art Deco woman figure,,spider web and spider.Collectable drum and an amazing piece of art,,

A set of four vintage Black Forest deer antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. All dated between 1906 - 1915. Measurement's given in dimensions section refers t...

PRESENTING a FANTASTIC and HISTORIC Early 19C American Hepplewhite Virginian Secretary Chest with OUTSTANDING Provenance. This Secretary Chest was made in Virginia in the Early 19th Century, circa 1810. It is made of cherry, walnut and maple and is most definitely in the Hepplewhite Style of the period, with it’s original Hepplewhite brass drawer pulls. IT IS A REALLY INTRIGUING AND HISTORIC PIECE, ESPECIALLY, WHEN VIEWED IN CONTEXT WITH IT”S AMAZING PROVENANCE! This piece was originally owned by Major William Alexander Obenchain who ‘hailed’ from the State of Virginia. He was an engineer and was in the Virginia Corps of Engineers during the Civil War and served on General Robert E. Lee’s staff. It was acquired by him before the Civil War and we believe that this piece was on campaign with him during the War. We know for a fact that he fought at the Richmond Campaign in 1864, as we have, in our Collection, his original Field Map for that Campaign which ended the War. It has remained in family ownership ever since. It has come directly from the Family Estate, together with other VERY IMPORTANT items belonging to Major Obenchain and other IMPORTANT items that belonged to his wife, Eliza Calvert Hall-Obenchain. ALL these items contained in the Collection, are listed/posted individually on our Website. The top drawer is on retractable curved side hinge supports and pulls outwards and drops to reveal a secretary and writing area. The Bureau/Secretary Gallery has 6 drawers and 6 cubbies, a central tabernacle door with another drawer and 2 cubbies and this is flanked by 2 secret pull out compartments. The central tabernacle door has it’s original key and working lock. Closed, it is almost ‘flush’ like the rest of the drawers, with some very minor bowing through age. The 3 drawers underneath are graduated in size and it ends with a serpentine shaped base and sits on four hand carved legs with original metal casters, marked ‘Universal 3’. It has it’s original brasses and hardware throughout, save the addition to 2 contemporary replacement brass hinges to the drop down desk front, as the original hinges were broken, could not be repaired and were not supporting the weight of the drop down leaf. Some minor repairs but not noticeable. Otherwise, the piece is in it’s entirely, ORIGINAL condition! What makes this piece even MORE INTRIGUING and APPEALING HISTORICALLY, are the 2 ‘historic’ circular holes on the piece:- (1) in the back of the piece as seen in the photos. This hole is not symmetrical or fully round and appears to serve no purpose to the piece whatsoever. Sometimes, pieces have holes for wiring for lighting, put in them over the years, but this one never had such lighting or, indeed, any such explanation for this hole, AND (2) the rear hole is replicated, in the corner portion of the bottom drawer and someone (a very long time ago) has used a tin can top, to cover the hole in the back of the drawer. The tin can top is period to the Civil War Era and is embossed “Minimum Volume 1 Pint”. Our conclusion, is that (whilst we are, by no means ballistic experts) that these holes were created by musket balls, fired during one of the Major’s campaigns in the Civil War. It is entirely conceivable that this piece, being strapped into a covered wagon for carriage, would have been on it’s side. We are of the opinion that both holes, were caused or created by a musket ball entered the chest trough the base and back. We also believe that ‘the Major’, used what he had at his disposal on the battlefield, namely, a tin can lid to repair the hole in the drawer. SO THIS PIECE IS A VERY SPECIAL PIECE OF US HISTORY, INDEED! NOT ONLY IS IT AN EARLY 19th CENTURY AMERICAN PIECE, WITH A CONNECTION TO THE STATE OF VIRGINIA, THE CIVIL WAR, HISTORIC & IMPORTANT FIGURES IN THAT WAR AND IMPECCABLE PROVENANCE AND HISTORY! IT IS TRULY UNIQUE! 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...

Pair of Neoclassical Apothecary Jars by Maison A Collin Porcelaines & Cristaux France, Circa 1870s Signed : Maison A Collin Porcelaines & Cristaux a Collin paris 90 Rue de Rivoli W...

All four toys cars are being sold for one price; as a lot. Please see descriptions below. Videos available on request (they display operation). 1) Early Vintage Chein Company All Tin Toy Wind-Up Limousine, American, Circa 1930 This is one of the earlier, New York City based, J. Chein Company, tin toy pieces. They started doing lithography in 1930. This toy wind-up sedan was made circa 1930 and is brightly lithographed and painted in red and yellow, with grey and red balloon wheels. All tin, this car is quite scarce and well proportioned and stream lined with a visor over the windshield, a fancy checkered, red and yellow running board, and three cut out windows to each side of the car; very luxurious and cool looking. Markings consist of "N.J.-44"; the word "Stop" in a logo of some kind; and Chein logo attesting to "Made in U.S.A." manufacture. (see image). Also "marked" and of note are the tires "Chein Balloon Cord" "U.S.A." and "33 x 6 00.6 Ply" Car is from my own collection and is in very good and all original condition with no touch-up paint or repaint, and no restoration of any kind; fabulous colors and presence. The car works fine; see video for operation of the limousine (on request).. Dimensions: 7 1/4" long x 3 1/2" wide x 3" high 2) Rare 911 Porsche Friction Tin Toy by Bandai Toy Co. Made in Japan Circa 1960's Offered here is a whitish/cream colored friction tin toy 911 Porsche circa 1960's, marked at the bottom; "Porsche" in addition to the Bandai Toy Company logo embossed, along with "Made in Japan" designation being noted. The Bandai Toy Company is a post war toy company established in Taito, Japan circa 1950 and is still conducting business today, albeit, it has shifted from toy manufacturing to video toy accessories. This is a very rare toy and is coveted by collectors of both toys and fast cars. Except for the odd and minor scratch here and there, the toy is in very nice, all original condition with absolutely no restoration or touch up to the paint or mechanism (see images). The action and friction functionality works well (see video on request). Motor and engine mechanics and nomenclature are colorfully displayed through the plastic rear trunk window (see image); while the colorful interior can be seen through the side window. Car is all tin, with rubber tires and plastic windows. Dimensions: 10 1/4" long x 4" wide x 3 1/4" high. Note that this toy doesn't become available very often and the few that have turned up in recent years , don't work. 3) Vintage Free Wheeling Green Lithographed All Tin Racing Car. French, Circa 1930 Circa 1930's free wheeling green lithographed all tin racing car, with attached pressed steel driver; it is probably of French manufacturer (the only time I have seen for sale was from a French toy dealer). This scarce toy has markings resembling early racing cars with the streamlined style graphics in yellow and green; standard grill; exhaust four manifolds to each side, and a spare tire attached to the rear; looks like an early Le Mans type car with the spare (see images). Other markings include the number "3:" on each side; "510 x 1" on the rear tire"; and probably the makers mark and logo, which I can't identify, on the top right behind the driver (see images). Not being a wind-up or a friction toy, this racing car was pushed across the floor by hand or/and used as an accessory in a toy train layout setup. The car is in excellent and all original condition (remarkable for a nearly 100 year old floor toy), with no dents, no touch-up paint and absolutely no restoration.. Provenance: From my own collection of toys and banks, having been purchased 33 years ago in 1990. Dimensions: 8 1/4" long x 2 1/2" wide x 2 1/2" high 4) Lehman Auto "Ito" Sedan, Germany, circa 1913 This hand-painted German tin toy was manufactured by the "Lehman Toy Company" in Brandenburg, Germany beginning in 1913. It was made for a number of years after that, enjoying about a 20 year run. Entitled "Ito" it operates by winding up the attached key wind mechanism, placing it on the floor, and watching it go. The car is in very good all original condition with no repairs and no repaint. It runs well. There are a number of markings on the car including "Lehman" with the corresponding logo and the number 679 on the rear. The side of the has the patent information "Pat'd 12 May 1903; 13 Sept. 1904; and U.S.A. 2 Dec. 1913". Hand-painted nicely in red and black with black and gold trim; the hand-painted driver is in blue with flesh tones to the face. Dimensions: 7" long x 3" wide x 3 1/2" high. Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and banks; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...

We offer this original Mexican ex voto. Michoacán México 1958 J. Jesus Huaracha Orejel da gracias a dios nuestro señor que por intersección de San Nic...

Set of four glass snuff bottles, very rare from the 1960s/70s, made of one of the glassworks - probably Joska Kristall, in the Bohemian Forest, Germany. These are collection items t...

Antique Real Skull of a Duck, Germany ca. 1900s An antique taxidermied skull of the duck (Anas platyrhynchos domestica) mounted on an ebonized wooden ...

This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Flower Stand Basket is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful intricate design, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. The set includes also a bouquet of flowers and the stand, all in very good condition. Made of high-quality gold-plated metal and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this Erhard & Söhne dollhouse toy...

Original 1960s hand painted Hippie hardhat, embellished with Peace Signs, Flowers and the words Peace, Love and Hi. Painted with green, silver, white and pale blue. The brim has cont...

Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator Buechner, Thomas S. Published by Abrams, NY, 1970. Hardcover. #F/58 of 1000. Signed by Buechner and Norman Rockwell on the limitation page. Publisher's full blue leather and marbled paper slipcase. Large oversized heavy book. Book is fine, slipcase shows some edge wear, a few dings, and a some tiny spots of loss to the paper, but is otherwise very good. Title: Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator Publisher: Abrams, NY Publication Date: 1970 Binding: Hardcover Condition: Very good Signed: Signed by Author Buechner and By Norman Rockwell. “AN ARTIST OF REMARKABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS… BELOVED BY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE”: SIGNED LIMITED NORMAN ROCKWELL: ARTIST AND ILLUSTRATOR, RICHLY ILLUSTRATED, ONE OF ONLY 100 ARTIST'S PROOF COPIES BUECHNER, Thomas S. Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator. New York: Harry N. Abrams, (1970). Large thick folio, original full navy morocco, tan morocco spine label, marbled endpapers, original slipcase. Signed limited first edition, one of 1100 copies signed by both Rockwell and Buechner, with over 600 illustrations, including hundreds in color and many folding. "A lifelong chronicler of personalities and events, Rockwell… was an artist of remarkable accomplishments who possessed an extraordinary eye for detail and was beloved by the American people" (ANB). This comprehensive survey of his career not only showcases his celebrated Saturday Evening Post covers (it includes all 321 of them) but also explores other facets of his work, including advertising, book illustration, patriotic contributions to the United States' effort in World War II, and poignant and challenging portrayals of America's changing postwar society. Buechner, director of the Brooklyn Museum, was the first art who devoted serious attention to Rockwell's work. The hundreds of illustrations in this volume include over 80 color folio images, many of which are two-page or folding. As the signed limitation page explains, Rockwell supervised the pulling of 10 collotypes from his paintings, each in a limited edition of 110 copies, designated with letters A-J and each letter numbered 1-100. Ten Artist's Proofs of each collotype were designated AP-A through AP-J, numbered 1-10 for each, reserved for Rockwell. Rockwell signed...

A handmade wooden Artist mannequin model - all joints move as they should. Found on a Estate sale in Verona, Italy. Shows some wear - but looks beautiful on display! Some scratches a...

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...

Chess Set with Crusader and Saracen Figures An interesting slant on the game of chess, these large figures are made in a stone and resin compound, they have been hand painted and ar...

A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size alw...

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

Of American manufacture, by the J. Chein Toy Company in New York City; this early 1930's vintage tin toy depicts a World War I "Doughboy" or American infantryman wearing his back pack and green "fatigues", and when wound up and released on the floor, he walks along (more like waddles along) in a "happy go lucky" manner ------works great! (see attached video). The toy is in excellent and completely all original condition with no restoration and no touch up paint. The lithography and paint is bright and shows little wear except for a couple of superficial scratches on the back (see images). Dimensions: 6" high x 2 3/4" wide x 2 3/4" deep. Provenance: From a recently acquired prominent collection of vintage tin...

This is a good quality handmade Miniature or travelling wood chess set game of 32 pieces in its own inlaid hardwood box, which we date to the early 20th century, circa 1920. This piece is all handmade. The chess set is complete with 32 wood pieces having pegged bases. The jointed box is handmade of hardwood, possibly walnut with line inlays of a lighter wood to the top and the base. The lid is a good fit to the base and the box has brass hinges and a brass fastener to keep the lid securely closed. The inside of the lid has a fabric pad to keep the chess pieces in position when the lid is closed. Overall a quality handmade, complete, travelling chess set...

San Francisco trolley toy Friction cable car; made of all tin; important to note because this was the first of it's kind having been made in the 1950s. They were all tin (no plastic); 7 1/4" long (not shorter); green (not red or multi-clored); "Bay and Taylor St" placard; #504" and most importantly the figures are actual FIGURES made of formed pressed steel and then hand painted and lithographed. Cheaper later models were simply lithographed into the flat sheet steel. Also, my example works (see video). It is a friction toy...

Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator BY NORMAN ROCKWELL. Buechner, Thomas S. Published by New York, Harry N. Abrahams, 1970. Large heavy oversized hardcover coffee table book. Fir...

Set of four early glass snuff bottles, very rare from the 1920s, made of one of the glassworks in the Bohemian Forest, Germany. These are collection items that were made to a master...

Antique paper mache doll circa 1930s. A French antique doll made of hand-painted papier-mâché with stone hands. Beautiful painted eyes, eye...

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. ...

Made in Tokyo, Japan by The Haji Company (see image for mark/logo), this all tin vintage wind up toy, circa 1958, depicts a "Monkey Riding A Horse". It ...

A set of two vintage Black Forest deer antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. I think they are from the early 20th Century probably betw...