Collectibles and Curiosities

French Modernist Art Deco piano and bench by Pierre-Paul Montagnac, a variant of the model used in one of the luxe apartments, the Caen, on the great French oceanliner Normandie in 1935. Created in rosewood and sycamore, and carefully and correctly restored, including the fine Erard (#127208) instrument. 56” wide x 60” deep. Documented in numerous sources, including the July 1935 issue of Art et Decoration. Pierre-Paul Montagnac (1883-1961) Born in Saint-Denis, France on 9 May 1883, Pierre-Paul Montagnac was equally talented as a fine artist and a decorative artist. He was educated in both disciplines, studying with Eugene Carriére as well as at the Académie de la Grande Chaumiére, both in Paris. His inaugural exhibition was at the 1912 Salons – and at the 1920 Salon d’Automne he received a traveling scholarship. In 1918 he began working in the firm of André Mare and from 1922 collaborated with Maurice Dufrene at La Maîtrise, the famous design studio of Galeries Lafayette. From 1921 he exhibited at the Salons of la Société des Artistes Décorateurs, Salon des Architectes Modernes, and internationally, in Barcelona and Leipzig. He designed suites on the grand French oceanliners, l’Atlantique, Normandie and Pasteur. At the 1925 Paris International Exposition his work was in a standout class. At the 1937 Exhibition he organized the pavillion of the Artistes Decorateurs and personally won a Grand Prix. For the New York Exhibition in 1938, he was a member of the international jury, organized the group of Decorators, and, as architect, organized the exhibitions of jewelry and perfumes. He became a member of the Society of Modern Architects and executed important and numerous architecture and decorating projects including the luxury apartments on the great French oceanliners l’Atlantique, Pasteur, and Normandie. Vice President and then President of the Societe des Artistes Decorateurs from 1930-1938, he was also President of the Salon d’Automne and Vice President of the Committee of the Exhibition of Arts and Embellishments of Life; member of the steering committee of C.T.I. and Artistic Property, member of the Board of Directors of the Central Union of Decorative Arts. He was also an Officer of the Legion of Honor and received the Cross of War. MONTAGNAC was the son of an engineer and he had a taste for geometry and science that predisposed him to the rigors of architectural laws. Multi-talented, he worked independently as a painter – who had paintings acquired by the French government – while also working in the related fields of architecture and decoration. His work included homes, apartments, galleries, luxury shops, banks and the aforesaid oceanliners. As a designer/decorater, Montagnac had the taste for quality, luxurious furniture, using precious woods, bronze extensions, ivory inlays, mother-of-pearl, metal and coral. He advocated for a resolutely modern style and, free of all pastiches, focused on beautiful cabinetry, the challenges of furniture design, particularly from 1940 to 1945, captured all his attention. The tireless activity of Montagnac, whose varied works are represented in official museums and residences, was also recognized from a professional and social point of view. He was a remarkable organizer, devoted to the cause of art, to the defense of the trade and his colleagues. It was Montagnac who, in 1939, with Anatole de Monzie, took the initiative to found the ENTRAIDE to Artists (which provides support to talented young French artists). MOBILIER ET DECORATION, September/October 1953 ERARD An illustrious piano manufacturer, Sebastien Erard began building superior harpsichords in Paris in the mid-1700s, produced pianos for the French Court, and received a multitude of patents, many of which are still in use in piano manufacturing. Erard pianos were marketed as the finest pianos in the world and were owned by Queen Victoria, Franz Liszt, Chopin, Verdi, Ravel, and Felix Mendelssohn among many others. They continued to enjoy international success well into the 20th century. They were known for their unique sound quality, similar to the American square grand piano...

Originally released in 1970 as 'A.k.a. Cassius Clay', this boxing documentary film followed the life and career of legendary former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali. Directed by Jim...

A spectacular, visually rich monograph on one of the most visionary architecture firms of the 21st century led by 2016 Pritzker Prize-winner Alejandro Aravena Elemental, based in San...

American Mid-Century Modern extruded aluminum chess set with 32 stylized figures in the original presentation box. (Stamped: Austin Enterprises 1962, made by ALCOA) Case measurements...

Dutch Delft Tile Large Picture of A Fleet of Ships, 19th Century The Framed Twenty blue & white Dutch Delft tin-glazed earthenware picture depicts ...

2 American Victorian-style wood and etched metal stereoscope.(PRICED EACH)

Very fine English early 19th century mahogany architectural model of a church, the multiple steeples flanking a faux carved slate shingled room, wh...

A taxidermy red patas or hussar monkey (Erythrocebus patas) Mid 20th century, including CITES H. approx. 40 cm Provenance: Private collection, the Netherlands The patas monkey lives in multi-female groups...

This curved sword has a blued steel German blade with an ivory cross-hatched grip bearing silver and gilt mounts in the form of a lion’s head and mane. ...

English Victorian brass and blue telescope on adjustable mahogany tripod base.

This exquisite Moroccan bracelet is a stunning example of traditional Jewish bridal jewelry, meticulously handcrafted from silver and adorned with intricate blue enamel inlay. The hi...

70 years of Dior history set against the bustle of Times Square: this was Peter Lindbergh’s concept, extraordinary both in scope and dimension, for which the house allowed an unprece...

Italian Modern sterling silver figural fruit orange lighter. Ovoid with furrowed and irregular skin and leafing stem. Underside inset with detachable lighter. Marked “Buccellati / It...

England, 19th century Provenance: Private collection, Belgium The kea, indigenous to New Zealand’s Southern Alps, was considered a cunning trickster by the Māori. It is perceived i...

This PH Grand Piano, serial number 4600, was manufactured between 1935 and 1938. It is an excellent-conditioned vintage instrument that has been careful...

Keith Haring Iconic Pop Shop Magnets, c. 1985 — Set of 6 Sold at the Pop Shop in New York, c. 1986 (dated 1985). New and unopened, still sealed in the original plastic wrapping. Feat...

15 Volumes. Charles, Dickens. Complete Works. Bound in 3/4 tan calf, marbled boards, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt, red and green labels, ornate floral gilt on spines, illustrate...

T1 is a billiard-pool table made entirely of glass, where the playing surface is specially treated reproducing the friction of traditional cloth. The feet are sheets of glass bevelle...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique French silver vesta case in the form of a mussel; an addition to our diverse smoking related silverware collection This exceptional antique French silver vesta case has an elongated asymmetrical form, realistically modelled in the form of a mussel shell. The anterior and posterior surfaces of the vesta are embellished with engraved decoration replicating the contours of the natural shell. This fine antique silver vesta...

Over the years, British design company Linley has developed expertise in creating scaled versions of famous architectural buildings including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Opera House. In this instance, Highclere Castle...

‘The Ten Commandments’ silver medal set by Salvador Dalí Spanish, 1975 Height 0.5cm, diameter 10cm The unusual and rare collection of pure silver medals was designed by Salvador Dal...

This elegant dressing table cabinet uses precious materials on a delicate scale, resulting in a piece that is both practical and luxurious. ...

A global guide to the 500 works of permanently installed modern and contemporary art worth traveling to experience Enjoy a world tour from the comfort of your reading chair or plan a detailed and engaging art itinerary for your next trip with Destination Art...

Limited Edition #95/99 Gufram presents the miniaturised version of the Shroom CACTUS® created in collaboration with A$AP Rocky and the artist’s new design studio HOMMEMADE Exactly a...

- All prices are listed ex works. - 5 year guarantee. - We regularly crate, ship and install PH Pianos worldwide with full insurance. The Poul Henningsen designed PH Grand Piano PH150 Excellence...

An extremely rare giant Victorian taxidermy Loggerhead sea turtle England, 19th century The extremely large animal with a nice patina, with some parts professionally restored and...

Steins with anti-Jewish images were very popular in late 19th century Germany. The constitution of the newly unified Germany, adopted in 1871, emancipated all Jews. The following dec...

24 Volumes. Joseph Conrad, The Works. Limited signed edition. Bound by James Macdonald Co. in 3/4 tan morocco and green linen boards. The covers and raised band spines are gilt-toole...

Vintage ship's wheel with distressed brown and beige finish with red painted accents and heavy patinated bronze center.

OHIO STATE FLAG WITH CIVIL WAR VETERANS' OVERPRINT FROM THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC POST IN COLUMBUS, MADE IN MOURNING OF THE 1925 PASSING OF NATIONAL G.A.R. COMMANDER IN CHIEF DANIEL M. HALL, WHO ALSO SERVED AS COMMANDER OF THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF THE G.A.R., AS WELL AS THE LOCAL CHAPTER Flag of the State of Ohio, printed on oilcloth-like cotton, affixed to its original wooden staff. Made for Civil War veteran's use, the flag bears a stamped overprint in the striped field that consists of an open wreath of laurel branches, inside which is the following text: “GAR [Grand Army of the Republic] Post, Dan Hall, Columbus, OH”. Born on October 20th, 1842, Daniel M. Hall enlisted with the Union Army as a Private at the age of 18 on August 25th, 1861. On October 8th of that year he mustered into the Co. H of the 2nd Ohio Cavalry. Discharged for disability on June 28th, 1862, he reenlisted approximately 17 months later, on November 11th, 1863, and mustered into Co. F of the 12th Ohio Cavalry at Camp Cleveland. He was at some point promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and, on February 21st, 1864, to the rank of Corporal. He mustered out at Nashville on November 14th, 1865. Hall mustered into the Hamlin Post of the Ohio G.A.R. on May 23rd, 1883. He would go on to serve not only as Commander of the Dept. of Ohio for the organization, but as National Commander of the entire Grand Army of the Republic. The Grand Army of the Republic was the primary veterans association for Union Civil War soldiers. Founded in 1866, its members dressed up in Civil War uniforms, attended parades and reunions, and the organization was somewhat more fraternal in nature than today’s VFW or American Foreign Legion. Flags overprinted for the purpose of advertising are a specialized form in American flag collecting. A flag with a basic G.A.R. overprint is the most common type. This might be accompanied by a post number and a date. More elaborate the overprints are more highly desired, such as this one, which is the only variation I know of that honors a particular person who was not the namesake of the chapter itself. It is of interest to note that a sister variety of 48 star parade flag is known, printed on the same fabric, that bears the same overprint, accompanied by the words: “We Mourn Our Comrade." From the additional text on the 48 star variety, one can extrapolate that the flags were made to mourn the passing of this important leader of Civil War veterans on October 19th, 1925, just one day before his 83rd birthday. The State Flag of Ohio was designed in 1901 by Cleveland architect John Eisenmann, who designed the Ohio building for the state's exhibition at the Pan American Exposition World's Fair in Buffalo, New York. It was officially adopted by the Ohio legislature on May 19th, 1902. It's elements are centered on a red disc, set against a circular white ground that forms a letter "O." This simultaneously represents a buckeye, the fruit of the state tree and an iconic Ohio symbol. The flag's 5 stripes are said to represent the state's waterways and roads, while the triangular shape of the union is said to illustrate hills and valleys. The presentation of 13 stars along the hoist end, arranged in a semi-circular medallion with two off-set stars above and below, reflects the original 13 colonies. The diamond of stars, towards the fly end. bring the overall count to 17 to reflect Ohio's admission. When the design was adopted by the state legislature, the position of these stars was changed slightly, moving them further around the circle to form a wreath. Flag expert Whitney Smith, who coined the term Vexillology in the late 1950's (the accepted term for the study of flags), pointed out that the format of the flag itself was reminiscent of Civil War cavalry guidons, carried by Ohio regiments throughout the state. These were of swallowtail form, though with 13 stripes, all horizontal and 90 degrees to the hoist. Most often these had circular star patterns around an open center, which makes them even more similar to the Ohio flag...

England, third quarter of the 19th century On two scrolling foliate feet with casters, above which a rectangular two-side glazed frame, with on top a two-sided shield with initial...

Made of pressed steel and in excellent all original condition, this wind-up toy has just about all of it's original strong paint with zero touch-up and no restoration (see images). It works great (video available upon request), and is quite substantial and sturdy in stature and size at 14 1/2" long; almost has the feel of a keystone or buddy L piece. Girard made an almost identical vehicle, so it is my feeling that Marx bought the patent from them and manufactured under their own name. There are no scratches or dents and the original gold stenciled writing to the doors and engine hood states "Fire Dept...

A pair of extremely rare Victorian display cabinets with taxidermy resplendent quetzal (PHAROMACHRUS MOCINNO), cotinga and hummingbirds, attribute...

100-Record Retro American Seeburg Select-O-Matic V-200 Jukebox, American, c. 1955 Dimensions: Height 149cm, width 91cm, depth 68cm This stylish vinyl jukebox is a classic American Select-O-Matic V-200 by Seeburg. Inspired by car design, the coin operated jukebox features a distinctive metal exterior, with the front appearing almost like a car grill. The cabinet form features painted burgundy and turquoise accents, brass metal fixtures, shiny chrome trim, and a large glass dome. The mechanism features burgundy record rack side covers and strong 'High Fidelity' sound system. This revolutionary mechanism plays 45 RPM records vertically using two separate needles, allowing the jukebox to play both A and B sides of 100 different records without flipping. All the labels are displayed in a rotating title barrel, which includes great names including Billy Fury, Dusty Springfield...

19th century English carved wooden polychrome large ship figurehead of Lord Nelson.

This is a rare and historically significant Roman Provincial silver tetradrachm, minted in Jerusalem during AD 134–135, under the rule of Emperor Hadrian. Struck at the height of the...

Early Israeli Mezuzah on velvet mounting with ornate silvered body, and with gilded top and base. Decorated with colored glass and with gilded bell hangin...

5 Volumes. Austen, Jane. Novels. With notes, Indexes & Illustrations from contemporary sources.Bound in 3/4 blue calf by Sawyer, marbled boards, all edges gilt, raised bands, gilt pa...

Perhaps the most popular X-rated movie of all time, Gerard Damiano's 1972 sexploitation classic 'Deep Throat' was one of the first pornographic films to in...

California Illustrated by J. M. Letts Published New York: R. T. Young, 140 Fulton Street. Later edition, published 1853. Rebound in 3/4 blue calf with marbleized boards and end paper...

1:8 scale miniature reproduction of the iconic "Nemo" head-armchair, designed by Fabio Novembre and manufactured by Driade. Made in ABS and available in gold or silver metallic colors. DIMENSIONS: D. 3", W. 4.3", H. 6.6" FABIO NOVEMBRE uses furniture design to tell intense and fascinating stories in which the protagonist is often the human figure. This human figure is capable of becoming abstract and universal, able to propose a mythical beauty as occurred in Greek art. So that Nemo, a face with classic features, is hollowed out to create an inhabitable space. The result is a head-armchair to be lived from the inside. Like a mask, it simultaneously conceals and reveals its inhabitant. Fabio Novembre said about Nemo: "In 2010 it happened that the name "Nemo" immediately evoked the famous little fish, protagonist of the movie of the same name, made by Pixar in 2003. If this question had been asked at the end of the nineteenth century, the answer would have probably been Captain Nemo...

Hallmarked in London in 1877 by Samuel Smily, this handsome, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Communion Set, is in the Gothic revival style. ...

A fine presentation sword given to Lieutenant Charles Peake as a token of gratitude by the Men of His Ship when recommissioned for Foreign Service i...

4 Volumes. Cervantes. Don Quixote. Translated From The Spanish by PA. Motteux. Bound in full green morocco, top edges gilt, raised bands, gilt panels, marbled endpapers. Hand-Colored...

Ciclotte Bike is an innovative exercise bike, designed and made in Italy, that combines idea, form and technology rethinking the traditional aesthetic an...

These pistols have been beautifully decorated with finely chased and engraved silver, and gold-damascened work. They were crafted in South-Eastern Europe in the 19th century. The pis...

This scale model of a Hastings lugger is very similar to the one described in E.W. White’s book as typical of this type of fishing vessel. She has an extremely wide beam, centreboard...

Rare 100 year old French toy in it's original box depicting two acrobats attached to a wire frame with brown barrel weights, cascading down a green metal ladder. Once assembled (loop...

Chinese rose quartz, agate, and nephrite flower model in a cloisonné enamel pot Chinese, 20th Century Height 43cm, width 74cm, depth 27cm This stunning flower model showcases the s...

The definitive collection of EC’s seminal science fiction magazine. When Bill Gaines inherited EC Comics from his father, the legendary publisher M. C. Gaines, at just 25 years old...

A Scandinavian Modern Finish silver bracelet in silver by Bjorn Weckstrom for Lapponia, 1971. Weckstrom's work is famous for his unique patination treatments and surface textures. Me...

Vintage Mickey/ Minnie Mouse Toy Wind-Up pre-war handcar (train car) circa 1934; by The Lionel Train Company in collaboration with Walt Disney Enterprises. The wind-up toy car features Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse pumping alternatively, up and down as if moving the car across the tracks or floor. It actually works by winding up the car by the winding stem with the original vintage clockwork key. When wound, place down on the floor or on train tracks (O Gauge) and the handcar will move across the floor while a bell chimes (see video attached to listing). It is okay to simply leave the key on the stem. The car is in original red hand paint with Mickey and Minnie in colors of black, white, green dress to Minnie; red outfit on Mickey; both have oversized original orange boots, while Minnie is sporting a wooden red hat. They both have their original tails. Both figures are 4 1/2" resin composition and in full paint, excellent coverage with very little paint lacking, if at all. All four legs are restored, which is the case with almost all examples. The car itself is metal and painted red with a gold manufacturing logo in the center stating "Mickey Mouse Handcar" copyright "Walt Disney"; "The Lionel Corporation, New York"; "Made in U.S. of America". "No. 1100". Great working; great looking iconic cross collectible antique toy...

A collection of 18th and 19th century Arabic astrolabes and quadrant Persian, 18th/19th Century Largest: height 23cm, width 13cm, depth 3cm Smallest: height 6.5cm, width 4.5cm, depth 1.5cm This excellent set of antique astronomical instruments is a selection of five Persian brass astrolabes...

Antique English gold mounted walking stick English, 1809 Height 91cm, diameter 2.5cm This charming walking stick, created in 1809, is adorned with symbolic motifs. At the top ...

The works of Robert Burns in 8 volumes bound in full blue calf and printed in Waterloo, 1834. One volume as is. Spines sun faded to green

This silver presentation vase is a small replica of the classical Roman ‘Warwick Vase’. The body is cast and chased with fruiting vines below the rim. The central field has a continuous band with bearded Bacchic heads floating above a lion’s mask and pelt. The applied handles comprise gnarled twisted vine stems. The spreading stem is set on a square foot which in turn sits on an ebonised wooden plinth base. The plinth is applied with two vacant laurel wreath cartouches and two rectangular plaques, one finely engraved with the Royal Coat of Arms and the other inscribed “Plymouth, Devonport and Cornwall Races 1845, the gift of her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, Augustus Coryton Esqr, W. R. Fortescue Esqr, Stewards” and “Her Majesty’s Vase, value 100gs., for three-year-old and upwards – Heats, about two miles, starting at the T.Y.C. Starting-post, once round, to the Grand Stand Winning-post.” Fully marked and stamped on the side of the foot ‘Hunt & Roskell Late Storr & Mortimer 2225’. English, assayed for London 1845. Provenance: Her Majesty Queen Victoria. Sir John Barker-Mill, Baronet of Mottisfont.Thence by descent. John Barker (1803-1860) was created 1st Baronet ‘of Mottisfont in the County of Southampton’ on 16 March 1836. A noted racehorse owner, Barker won numerous prestigious trophies with Giantess, Cymba, Miss Ellis and Pugilist. His most prestigious horse, Leviathan, sire of Giantess, won 16 of 21 starts and was sold to George IV for 2,000 guineas. Plymouth, Devonport and Cornwall Races were held from 1828 until 1930. The racecourse was a flat, oval course of 12 furlongs with a straight run-in of 2 ½ furlongs. ‘Royal Plates...

- All prices are listed ex works. - 5-Year guarantee. - We regularly crate, ship, and install PH Pianos worldwide with full insurance. This very special PH Grand Piano...

A rare Japanese export lacquer medical instrument box Edo-period, 1650-1700 L. 19 x W. 6 x H. 8.5 cm This unconventionally shaped lacquer b...