Collectibles and Curiosities

A Rare ‘Adelie’ Penguin Egg from the Australian 1911-14 Expedition Egg, paper, wood Adelie Land, Antarctic Early 20th Century Size: 7cm high, 5.5cm dia. (max) - 2¾ ins high, 2¼ ...

A rare 1960's scale model of a Vickers VC10 in British United Airways livery mounted on original stand and with original wooden case. The Vickers VC10 wa...

Original Italian film poster for the 1966 movie staring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef, directed by Sergio Leone. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly remains one of the gre...

Published by Denoël, 1st English edition, Paris, 1989. Hardback with English text, translated from French by Elizabeth Thomas. Like perfume itself, this book plays on a multitude of levels, quotations from articles, novels and handbooks on good manners are set out alongside 150 years of images - relating to the tenuous world of Guerlain perfume...

An original hand-colored map of the Département d'Indre-et-Loire created by Victor Levasseur in 1856. As an antique steel engraved map, it showcases the detailed craftsmanship and technology of mid-19th century map making. The method of steel engraving allowed for precise and intricate details to be captured, making this map not only a navigational tool but also a work of art. The addition of outline hand colouring is particularly noteworthy. This technique, where colours are applied by hand to the engraved map, was a common practice at the time to highlight certain features such as boundaries, rivers, and cities. The hand colouring on this map would have been done meticulously, adding vibrancy and clarity to the engraved lines and making it easier to differentiate various geographical and political demarcations. The map's wide margins are characteristic of the period's presentation style, offering space for additional annotations or simply serving to frame the map aesthetically when displayed. Such margins also suggest that the map was intended for a discerning audience, possibly for educational or decorative purposes in a library or study. Victor Levasseur was renowned for his decorative maps, often embellished with artistic elements that went beyond mere geographical information. These elements could include vignettes, allegorical figures, and detailed illustrations surrounding the map itself, reflecting the cultural, historical, and economic aspects of the depicted area. While the description does not detail these decorative aspects, it's common for Levasseur's works to feature such embellishments, making his maps highly prized among collectors and historians for both their artistic value and cartographic accuracy. This map of Département d'Indre-et-Loire, with its combination of technical precision in steel engraving and the beauty of hand colouring, represents a fascinating intersection of art and science in the 19th century. It is a testament to the era's dedication to detail, craftsmanship, and the aesthetic presentation of information. The Département d'Indre-et-Loire, located in the central part of France within the region known as the Centre-Val de Loire, is rich in historical and cultural significance, with numerous important places highlighted on a map from 1856 by Victor Levasseur. Based on the region's known historical sites and cities, the following places are likely to be featured or of importance: 1. **Tours**: As the capital city of the Département d'Indre-et-Loire, Tours is a central hub of history, culture, and architecture. It is known for its old town, the Place Plumereau, Tours Cathedral, and its proximity to the Loire River, making it a likely focal point on the map. 2. **Amboise**: This town is famous for the Château d'Amboise, which is closely linked to French royal history and offers panoramic views of the Loire River. Leonardo da Vinci is buried here in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, associated with the château. 3. **Chinon**: Known for its medieval fortress, the Château de Chinon, this town has deep historical roots, including connections to Joan of Arc and King Charles VII. The fortress and town would be significant landmarks. 4. **Villandry**: The Château de Villandry is renowned for its beautiful Renaissance gardens, which are some of the most impressive in France. While the château might be less emphasized in an 1856 map compared to cities and towns, it's an important site in the region. 5. **Loches**: This town features the Château de Loches, a medieval castle, and the Royal Lodge, noted for its Renaissance architecture. The town's history and architectural landmarks make it a place of interest. 6. **Azay-le-Rideau**: The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is set on an island in the middle of the Indre River, showcasing the French Renaissance architectural...

This original hand-colored map is from the "Atlas National Illustré," a work by Victor Levasseur, a French geographer and cartographer known for his richly illustrated maps. The map is a steel engraving, which was a common and precise method for creating maps at the time. The inclusion of the publisher's name, A. Combette from Paris, and the addresses of the various contributors to the map's creation, like the engravers Laguillermie and Rainaud, adds to the historical context of the piece. The margins of the map are adorned with detailed illustrations that serve as a visual encyclopedic reference to the region's geography, economy, and notable figures. The use of color along the boundaries makes the map not only a tool for navigation but also an educational resource, providing insights into the department's landscape, economy, and cultural significance. The text included in the map's design provides statistical information, a map legend, and discussions about the land, local curiosities, notable personalities, products, and commerce, which would have been invaluable for education and reference at the time. The 'Atlas National Illustré' is celebrated for its combination of cartographic detail and artistic embellishment, making it a valuable cultural artifact. It represents the height of decorative map-making in the 19th century, alongside the works of John Tallis and Archibald Fullarton. This uploaded image is a detailed and colored map of the Département de la Gironde from Victor Levasseur's "Atlas National Illustré." Similar to the other maps from this series, it features a central map with the title 'Dépt. de la Gironde' at the bottom. Surrounding the map are decorative vignettes and elements that bring to life the cultural and economic aspects of the Gironde department. On the left, there is likely statistical information about the department and its subdivisions, reflecting the population and administrative details. This is framed by images that may represent the local industries and natural resources, such as wine, which is a central feature of the Bordeaux region located within Gironde. The right side of the map contains a textual history and descriptions of the region, coupled with portraits of notable figures, possibly historic personages or contributors to the region's cultural and economic development. The illustrations often include agricultural products, symbols of commerce, and scenes of daily life, as well as architectural landmarks. The presence of wine bottles, barrels, and vineyards in the illustrations would be indicative of the Gironde's prominence in wine production, particularly Bordeaux wines, which are esteemed worldwide. These engravings serve to emphasize the richness of the land and the sophistication of its products. Maps from this era, especially those by Levasseur, are notable for their combination of art and education, providing a snapshot not only of the geography but also of the societal and economic conditions of the time. The detailed engravings also suggest that this map was as much a decorative piece as it was a functional one, intended for display and reference by those interested in the illustrated region. The Gironde department in France is renowned for its significant contribution to the wine industry, particularly through the Bordeaux wine region. A bit more about the important places within Gironde and the types of wine the area is known for: 1. **Bordeaux**: The capital city of the department and the heart of the wine region. It's not only an urban center but also a hub for the wine trade. 2. **Médoc**: North of Bordeaux, known for prestigious châteaux and wines like Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, and Saint-Estèphe. 3. **Saint-Émilion**: East of Bordeaux, recognized for its full-bodied red wines and the picturesque medieval town. 4. **Pomerol**: Also near Saint-Émilion, smaller than its neighbor but equally renowned, particularly for Château Pétrus...

Hudson River Journey Images from Lake Tear of the Clouds to New York Harbor by Hardie Truesdale and Joanne Michaels. Signed Stated 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket by Countryman Pre...

Cirqus Voltaire is a 1997 pinball game, designed by John Popadiuk and Cameron Silver and was released by Williams Electronics Games. The theme involves the player performing many dif...

First edition, published by Booth-Clibborn Editions, 1998 A first edition of a book that has become a landmark fashion publication, reprinted several times, and groundbreaking in it...

This is an antique compendium book of Scottish history, Tales of a Grandfather by Walter Scott. An English language, hard bound title, printed in E...

Original British film poster for the 1947 Crome thriller Brighton Rock. This film was directed by John Boulting and starred Richard Attenborough, Hermonie Baddeley, William Hartnell....

Rare and collectable book about the Pierre Jeanneret & Le Corbusier's "The Indian Adventure" in Chandigarh, India. In good used condition. Published in 2010 in a limited numbers. Very sought after. LE CORBUSIER, PIERRE JEANNERET. L'Aventure Indienne / The Indian Adventure. Design, Art, Architecture. By Éric Touchaleaume and Gérald Moreau, with the collaboration of Martial Vigo. Editions Éric Touchaleaume, Architecture design du XXe siècle, Galerie 54...

Candle Triplex 6500 table lighter designed by IMCO. This is a brilliantly engineered, unusual and quite ingenious semi-automatic table petrol lighter designed by Julius Franz Meister in Austria, back in the 1950. This model was made by the IMCO company and was named Candle triplex 6500. Has been crafted in solid chromed steel, with aluminum parts and embellished with green lacquer. This lighter is in unused grade, never fired and in superb mint condition with the original box from the stated period. About the mechanic, there is a button on the inserted lighter - pressure solution for stone-flint change. The lighter has a sliding flame regulator or windshield, a space in the base-socket for reserve stones-flints and a special filling tank that you can either pull out for filling or you can pull out the bottom for filling. Stunning modernist design. Model: Triplex Candle Table lighter 6500. Materials: Chromed Steel, aluminum and green lacquer. Weight: All together 66.30 Grams. Measurements: 63.5 mm by 63.5 mm by 207 mm (2.50 x 2.50 x 8.15 Inches). Rarity: Rare in mint, never fired condition and with the original box. Marks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed as follow; "IMCO MADE IN AUSTRIA 6500". IMCO IMCO was a very important Austrian manufacturer of cigarette lighters. Established in 1907 by Julius Franz Meister, who was formerly a manufacturer of brass buttons for the Austro-Hungarian Army. The first IMCO lighters...

Mid Century Pipe Holder by Carl Auböck, Vienna. 1950s. The pipe holder was made in the Carl Auböck workshops from solid brass and leather. Outstanding quality. Fine decorative collec...

Kilim: The Complete Guide - History Pattern Technique Identification - Alastair Hull / Jose Luczyc - Wyhowska - 1993 Chronicle Books - 1st Edition. Black hardcover folio size cloth b...

Charlotte Moss Decorates: The Art of Creating Elegant and Inspired Rooms by Charlotte Moss. Hardcover with dust jacket published by Rizzoli International Publications. The interior d...

Antique pair hand cast pirate treasure chest sculptural book ends, circa 1930 Skull and crossbones hats. Designer: Hubley Dark original patin...

Antique Miniature Commode. English, Mahogany, Bow Front, circa 1820's in a Hepplewhite Style. 14.5" W x 7.75" D x 13.75"H. Good antique condi...

Modernist Virgin Mary and Child Jesus. Large 19-Inches Studio Pottery wall decoration. Interesting display of matte and glazed areas. Masterful color textures compositions on audacio...

Cute, Mid-Century, decorative sheep by Waldorf with genuine brown sheep wool and a carved wood face and legs. Vintage accent piece with leather ears and light patina. In original co...

Lacquered iron rocket France early 20th century Probably part of an old amusement park attraction. wooden stand included 37 cm Conditions: good overall conditions, a bit of rus...

A silver necklace and bracelet by the Danish jeweller and silversmith Niels Erik From (1908-1982). Initially his work was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement but by the 1960’s h...

Fine antique Russian Orthodox cobalt blue enamel and silver cross 19th Century Silver and cobalt blue enamel cross with trilobed terminals at the center of which is an engraved eight...

Vintage reproduction gauntlet, early 20th century. A left handed gauntlet with all fingers and thumb present, jointed and riveted with leather in...

Chain seal in silver vermeil, garnet and carnelian, England 1870. The seal features an oval carnelian board with a beveled edge, virgin. This is set in a straight invitation cushion ...

People, Passions, Pastimes, and Pleasures: Staffordshire Figures 1810-1835 – by Myrna Schkolne. First Edition 2006, limited to a run of 1000. The first comprehensive collectors’ r...

An English Gaff Cutter pond yacht from circa 1920, with solid hull. Step back in time to the George V period with this elegant English Gaff Cutter pond yacht, a remarkable creation f...

This is a rare large format German poster for the 1974 wart drama The Night Porter / Der Nachtportier. This film was directed by Liliana Cavani and st...

A rare Christmas ornament set off five mercury glass ball ornaments. Each is made from thin mouth blown glass, this would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tr...

AUTHOR: CHURCHILL, Winston. TITLE: A History of The English-Speaking Peoples. PUBLISHER: NY: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1956-56-57-58. DESCRIPTION: 4 vols., 8-1/4" x 5-3/4", title-pag...

19th century child’s mahogany Bagatelle table, circa 1840, mounted on a period custom base. The shallow rectangular mahogany case is hinged to open as ...

Antique 14 Kt. gold hidden watch key spinning carnelian seal. The matrix is made out of Cornelian never engraved, and rectangular shaped with beveled edge...

Modern art is the new intellectual currency, drawing the attention of media moguls, hedge-fund managers, and Hollywood darlings, granting them entry into an exclusive global community. Renowned art dealers Philippe Ségalot and Franck Giraud have curated The Impossible Collection of Art, an unparalleled modern art collection where anything is possible. These 100 extraordinary artworks, introduced by Joachim Pissarro, offer a unique perspective on 20th-century artistic achievements, whether hidden in a museum...

18th Century Portuguese CRAFTS with glass cruets decorated with gold "flowers". Wood and bone base. Small defects. Dim.: 31 x 23 cm original conditions

This is a pretty French barometer with pretty decoration. Made in the Late 19th Century.

First Edition Hardback in Dust Jacket, published by Thames & Hudson, London, 1969. Text in English. Extensively illustrated and explained with black and white photographs, diagrams ...

These unique 18K metamorphic gold French opera glasses are the epitome of both elegance and luxury. Exquisitely engraved with delicate floral motifs, these glasses fold up perfectly ...

Vintage Coin Operated Carousel Horse Ride Classic American Vintage 25 Cent Coin Operated Carousel Horse Children's Ride By Amusement Equipment Mfg. Ltd. Eldon, MO All Original, Operational When Plugged in, Not Set for Coin Rides...

A beautiful hand carved semi precious rose quartz stone crane pair, with carnelian beaks, fluorite crests, and brass legs. The pair of cranes are mounted on a rock crystal quartz min...

W.J. Campbell designed this art deco cocktail smoker in 1934 for the Climax Machinery Company of Indianapolis. The smoke stand and ashtray feature a ci...

This is an antique scholar's microscope. An English, brass and enamelled metal scientific instrument by Henry Crouch, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Appealing micr...

Beautiful brass frog game set very nice They are the pieces of the popular frog game These originally would be mounted on a piece of furniture, but it is...

A nautical signal flag representing pennant number "3" one. The flag has a sturdy canvas hoist that is fitted with a white rope and wood toggle. The linen field has panels of red, wh...

Published by Jonathan Cape, 1st edition, London, 2004. Hardback with English text. A wonderful association city inscribed by Mike Leigh to Jim Broadbent from their time together wo...

The Complete Works of Geoffrey Chaucer; Edited From Numerous Manuscripts By The Rev. Walter W. Skeat Oxford: The Clarendon Press, 1920 8vo, 7 1/2 x 5 1/2 in. (190 x 133 mm); pp xxi...

AUTHOR: CHURCHILL, Winston TITLE: A History of The English-Speaking Peoples. PUBLISHER: London: Cassell and Co, Ltd., 1956-8. DESCRIPTION: ALL FIRST LONDON EDITIONS. 4 volumes. Bo...

Published by D.A.P, New York, 2011 Perhaps the supreme instance of Polke’s political art is We Petty Bourgeois!, the ambitious series at the heart of this volume. Made between 197...

Fantastic bronze pipe from the Vienna tobacco museum’s collection, from Belgian Congo.

AUTHOR: KIPLING, Rudyard. TITLE: La Guerre Sur Mer. PUBLISHER: Paris: Payot et Cie, 1919. DESCRIPTION: FIRST FRENCH EDITION SIGNED. 1 vol., signed by Kipling above his name on th...

Mid Century Modern German record player, radio by Siemens , 1950s The radio is in fully functional. Dimensions: 43 D x 120 W x 111 H It is in good vintage condition, however,...

This is an antique laboratory microscope. A German, brass and enamelled metal scientific instrument by Carl Zeiss Jena, dating to the early 20th cen...

GOLDEN COCKEREL PRESS Suckling, Sir John A Ballad Upon a Wedding; With Engravings by Eric Ravilious Waltham Saint Lawrence: Golden Cockerel Pr...

Harvard Fraternal Medallion - Delta Kappa Epsilon DKE 1877 Robert P. Hastings Silver Medallion by the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity to Robert P. Hastings Harvard College 1873-1877 The Hastings College of Law was founded by Serranus Clinton Hastings, a man of diverse and magnificent accomplishments. Schoolmaster, lawyer, legislator, member of Congress, Chief Justice...

Large mid-century modern gymnastic pommel horse or bench vault. The bench features an oak frame covered with rich patinated cognac leather. The leather has a lovely aged patina with ...

AUTHOR: KIPLING, Rudyard. TITLE: Le Livre de la Jungle - with - Le Second Livre de la Jungle. PUBLISHER: Paris, Societe Du Mercure De France, 1899. DESCRIPTION: FOURTH AND FIRST ...

A nautical signal flag representing the code "Answer Pennant". The flag has a sturdy canvas hoist that is fitted with a white rope and wood toggle. The linen field is white and red. ...

Hammerhead style ship engine order telegraph. Highly polished aluminum unit, twin faceplate design with ships commands, astern and ahead copper makers plate. The head of the telegrap...

Large 12" terrestrial globe made by the famous Cary brothers, made with a wooden frame, refined plaster polished to perfection, and colored paper gores. The globe is supported by a f...