Collectibles and Curiosities

Beautiful metal dog head, bamboo walking stick cane. Bought for you in Vienna Austria, European made at the end of the 19th century. Wonderfully expressive representation of a whippe...

This is an incredibly finely made and one of a kind silver 875 Hanukkah Menorah. Extremely detailed and intricate, it has an eagle on the top, two Stars of David on the left and righ...

19th Century Cast Iron Race Horse Bank by J & E Stevens Co. 1871 USA, Circa 1871 This rare 19th-century cast iron Race Horse bank by J & E Stevens Co., pat...

This is an outstanding and extremely rare hand crafted, solid sterling silver Mezuzah in the original leather and dark purple velvet box. It was made in Vienna, Austria between 1890 ...

This is a 19th Century Clark & Johnson Sewing Machine. It depicts an open octagonal shaped black painted iron manual hand crank sewing machine...

The printed and pivoted compass card and chapter ring centred by brass gnomon, in turned rosewood case with domed lid, (glass cover), 5cm (2in) diam.

Old English walking stick with silver handle, fron the early twentieth century, or older. The city stamps and the date are not legible. ref. O/4146.

Trepanning, also known as trepanation, trephination, trephining or making a burr hole (the verb trepan derives via Old French via Medieval Latin from the Greek noun of relevant meani...

This is a very good quality and complete English handmade hardwood "Weighted" Club Chess Set game of 32 pieces, in the Staunton Fierce Knight pattern, all within a jointed wood box ...

Unique Historical Framed Account Dating to the Early 1800's , signed Quaker Potts This is an original and one-of-a-kind enactment artisticaly presented on wood of George Washington kneeling in prayer at Valley Forge...

Pair of 12-inch table globes William Harris London, 1832 and 1835 Slight abrasions from use; few cracks lb 11 each (kg 5) The two terrestrial and celestial globes rest in their original Dutch style stands with four supporting turned wood columns. Each one measures 12 in in height x 16.5 in in diameter with the diameter of the spheres measuring approximately 12 in; 48 cm in height x 42 cm in diameter x 31 cm diameter of the spheres. The 12 inch measure was the most frequently used by British manufacturers of globes of this period. Each globe is composed of two series of twelve printed paper gores, aligned and glued onto plaster spheres. The brass circle of the meridian bears engravings...

Impressive handmade large and powerfully cast Japanese tripod bronze censer of the 19th century, made during the Meiji period and with mythical animals...

19th century Spanish Colonial carved giltwood Triptych of Virgin Mary & Christ Child Late 19th century, South America Of exceptional quality, the hinged three panel devotional ic...

We present a timeless treasure: the antique American cash register from the early 20th century, revisited and enriched with the charm of Italian lire! Enter a world where history an...

A large decorative brass Bible stand from a Catholic church. This versatile antique book stand has the ability to lay flat or to be used at adjustabl...

A Small Set of 8 Renaissance Classical Grand Tour Medallions. Possibly Have Been Put on A Modern Backing At Some Point Grand Tour Cameos Intagli...

19th century oil on board of a Blacksmith Of rectangular form, the papier Mache and ebonised cover is finely painted, covered in flowers and a circular motif to the central section...

Under-appreciated but exceptionally made Antique New Williams Company treadle sewing machine with leather belt and working mechanism. Inside it ...

Title: Rare 1864 Civil War Era Map of Canada with Great Lakes Detail Description: This finely detailed antique map, titled "Johnson's Canada," was published in 1864 by Johnson and W...

The New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: Translated out of the Original Greek and with the Former Translations Diligently Compared and Revised. New York: American Bibl...

This is a beautiful antique English silver plated pommel walking stick, circa 1880 in date. The striking stick features an ornate silver plated ornate tree trunk pommel having on a...

Traveler's pocket compass, Victorian-era turned brass, late 19th century England, rose on sixteen-twenty copperplate engraving paper complete with goniometric circle. Conservation s...

Charming jewelry box or case. The box has a compartment for rings and 3 compartments for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, stones. Very interesting opening mechanism with pusher syst...

This is an antique vineyard setter's compass. A French, brass surveyor's instrument with mahogany case and stand, dating to the late Victorian period, c...

This stunning hand-painted icon from the mid-19th century is a remarkable example of religious art steeped in tradition and spiritual symbolism. Icons have long held a significant role in Orthodox Christianity, serving as windows to the divine and tools for prayer and contemplation. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this piece exemplifies the skill and devotion of its maker. The wooden panel and frame are entirely gilded, lending the icon a luminous and reverent quality. The outlines of the Madonna have been finely etched into the gilding, while her face and hands, along with those of the Christ Child, are delicately painted in oil. This contrast between the warm glow of the gold and the naturalistic rendering of the figures creates a powerful visual and emotional impact. Adding to its authenticity, the base of the icon features a Cyrillic inscription, hinting at its origins and cultural significance. The craftsmanship and style suggest it was created during the mid-19th century, making it not only a sacred object but also an invaluable piece of history. This icon is a perfect addition to any collection of religious art or as a meaningful decorative piece for your home. It can be displayed in a devotional space, hung on a gallery wall, or placed on a shelf to create a focal point that inspires reflection and reverence. Whether you are an experienced collector or a first-time buyer, this gilded icon...

Old large pectoral necklace in the shape of a breastplate, originating from Tibet. Magnificent color work with a mixture of turquoise stones, red beads, silver and copper. The suppor...

Great Carved Black Forest Horn Lithophany, Germany ca. 1840 Museal rustic lithophany depicting finely carved chamoise in a mountain landscape. The f...

English Victorian black lacquered zither with gold floral stenciling and spindle handle (signed)

Steinway & Sons, Baby Grand Model L Piano, Refurbished Satin Ebony, 1911, 88 Keys, Serial Number 146562 This exceptional 1911 Steinway piano, Model 146561, has undergone a complete ...

This is a beautiful antique English brass helixophile's novelty system gadget walking stick, circa 1880 in date. The striking walking stick features an L-shaped stag antler handle ...

This is an antique French domino game in a wooden box Mid to late 1800s All complete with 28 dominoes The dominoes have a bone front, ebony backings and brass tacks The dominoes a...

Wooden antique ship model of a cargo-carrack, probably from Genoa, with three masts, end of the 19th century. Very good conditions. Measures: Length cm 70 - inches 28, height cm 56 ...

Russia / 19th century / Religious Icon / oak / Baroque / Antique An Antique traditional Russian Icon of the "Holy Apostle John the Theologian” in tempera on panel. This icon was han...

A rare collection of antique inlaid exercise clubs of various sizes from 22.5” tall to 15.5 “ high. 5” to 3” diameter A type of exercise equipment used for strength and mobility tr...

Antique prayer book in Hebrew ("Tephilath Israel" meaning "Prayer of Israel") published in Vienna in 1894 by Jos. Schlesinger. The book is made with a binding of celluloid over cloth...

Morris, Charles (editor). The Great Republic by the Master Historians. New York, Pittsburgh, Chicago: The R. S. Belcher Co., 1902. Rebound in 3/4 brown leather and marbled boards, wi...

A fully restored and working Swiss cylinder music box enclosed in a box of polished fruitwood featuring a central floral inlaid medallion on the hinged lid which opens up to reveal ...

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...

Antique large size sculpture and an impressive, religious work of art. Looking at Christ suffering like this, the crucifix (in our view) is a symbol of what 'telling people the trut...

Atelier mannequin graven and carved stone pine wood Italy, late 19th century Measures: H 102 cm x 25 cm x 14 cm H 40.15 in x 9.84 in x 5.51 in Weight: circa kg 4 State of conse...

This limited luxury edition has a issue of 200 copies, this set is number 98. Each book has a handcolored frontispiece, with tissue guards, each volumen averages 300 or more pages, ...

Early 19th Century Marionette Puppets A rare untouched example of two hand crafted early 19th century marionette puppets, likely to be French in...

A very rare unique example of British late Victorian 19th century Ivory and rosewood walking stick/cane. Carved Ivory clenched fist holding a r...

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

Antique Rowing Oar, 1897 Balliol College Oxford, 2nd Torpid. The full-length oar is an original traditional presentation rowing oar with gilt calligraph...

AUTHOR: FRANKLIN, Benjamin (John Bigelow - editor). TITLE: The Complete Works Of Benjamin Franklin. PUBLISHER: NY: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1887. DESCRIPTION: LETTER-PRESS EDITION. 1...

19th-Century English Barometer & Fahrenheit Thermometer in Mahogany Case Barometer in a mahogany case, dated to the 1st half of the 19th century, featuring a Fahrenheit thermometer,...

A five volume leather bound set titled "Beacon Lights of History" by John Lord published in New York in 1884 by Fords, Howard and Hulbert profiling various historical luminaries from...

Unused Antique Gutty Golf Ball. An exceptional example of a moulded mesh patterned Victorian gutta percha golf ball. The ball is in mint condition and is with the classic mesh patter...

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...

AUTHOR: LAMB, Charles and Mary (Arthur Rackham). TITLE: Tales From Shakespeare. PUBLISHER: London: J. M. Dent & Co., 1909. DESCRIPTION: LIMITED EDITION SIGNED BY RACKHAM. 1 vols....

A rosary complete made from hardwood in the 19th century each ball is decorated with turned cirkels and have a diameter between 1 and 1.5 cm The cross is 6.5 x 3.5 cm

Cameras are not my expertise but we could not pass up on this beauty. The camera is signed ANSCO and the large lens reads DARLO OPTICIEN, PARIS 35436. I'm told that this lens is the most valuable...

Complete 12 volume set of the Waverley Novels illustrated in the Abbotsford Edition. Leather over marbled paper boards. Raised bands, ornate gilt on spines, marbled edges. With illus...

John and William Cary Updated by George and John Cary Terrestrial Globe London, 1840 lb 22 (kg 10) Slight surface abrasions due to use. A small crack on the horizon circle. The globe rests in its original Dutch style stand with four supporting turned wood columns. It measures 26 in in height x 23.6 in in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 18 in; 66 cm in height x 60 cm in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 45.72 cm. The 18 inch...

Antique map titled 'Arkansas'. Original antique map of Arkansas, United States. This print originates from 'Encyclopaedia Britannica', Ninth Edition. P...

Madonna and child, Classical 19th century painting. This lovely oil painting was purchased in Spain. The artist is unknown. The painting still maintains its original finish and ha...

Antique map titled 'Johnson's California (..)'. Original map of California, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. This map originates from ...