Collectibles and Curiosities

Rectangular cigarette case with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fire-enameled and hand-painted miniature by painter Renato Dainelli depicting a pheasant....

Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for her unique IDEA and creations back in 2013 - featured in the likes of the Financial Times, and first selling here on 1stdibs in 2016 - our creations are of the absolute top most quality, craftsmanship and finesse. Thank-you for looking. Title: Vintage French Cartier panther bracelet silk...

French Caudron - Renault Desk Airplane Model. Late 1930´s. Made of Lacquered Wood and Polished Aluminium The C.710 were a series of light fighter aircraft developed by Caudron-Re...

Stunning contemporary reproduction of a vintage racing car from the 1930s. The streamlined body, exhaust pipes, wheels and dashboard are all faithfully reproduced and highly detailed...

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...

Circa 1930-40s seaweed oceanic motif beaded evening bag. A woven strap with frayed ends is loose in the bag. Some minor bead losses. Bag excluding handle: 7 3/4" x 5 1/2". Whitehall...

For you consideration is this stunning Art Deco ladies powder bowl made in alabaster. Originating from France and dating to the 1930's is this beautifully coloured and beautifully hand painted ladies...

A handmade wooden Artist mannequin hand model - all joints move as they should. Found on an Estate sale in Vienna, Austria. Shows some minor wear - but looks beautiful on display! So...

A beautiful double deck set of vintage game playing cards in black and gold with Greek-Key design, circa mid-20th century, Europe, possibly Italy. This set of two decks reside in ori...

Attributed to German jeweler Ernst Gideon Bek (1872-1945) 10K gold beautiful pink floral design enamel locket pendant, with a single pearl in the middle and two black and white pictures of a couple inside. Measure's 1.6 cm round, 2 cm to top of clasp. German Jewelry Designer Ernst Gideon Bek Born on April 18, 1872 in Pforzheim, Ernst Gideon Bek (1872-1945) was best known for making mesh handbags in silver, gold and platinum. Pforzheim in Germany, like Providence in the United States, was the center of jewelry manufacture at the time. Young Ernst had the opportunity to study jewelry and gain good practical experience in well-known local companies and workshops. In particular, at Rothacker, Kinzinger in Pforzheim and Baer in Hanau. A talented jeweler, he was CEO of the Pforzheim jewellery industry at the Chicago World’s Fair at the age of 24. At the age of 25 he founded his own company with branches in Birmingham, Paris, Toronto, New York, and India (1897). Noteworthy, Ernst’s wife, Emily, was the sister of one of the founders of the American jewelry company Binder Bros...

Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 66 cms. alt. without base 55, and 22cm aroung...

Vintage Metal Fencing Set 3 Swords and Leather Lined Face Mask - 4 Pcs. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: Longest sword; 40" H x 5.5" W x 5.5" D.

The Savory lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill. This is a rare petrol pocket lighter, created in Switzerland by La Nationale for the Alfred Dunhill Company in Paris, back in the 1936. This semi-automatic full-size lighter is the iconic and popular Savory model, crafted with art deco patterns in solid .925/.999 sterling silver and decorated with engine turned barley patterns. This very early Dunhill lighter is highly collectible. This model was originally marketed with two names, The Savory in France and The Handy in the rest of the world Brand: Dunhill-Paris. Model: Savory Semi-automatic, full size. First Produced: 1936. Material: Solid .925 Sterling silver. Weight: 56.2 Grams, (36.03 Dwt). Measurements: 50 mm by 34 mm by 12 mm (1.97 x 1.34 x 0.47 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the silver and signed in full as follow, "ALFRED DUNHILL PARIS FAB. SUISSE STERLING MECAN AD SAVORY BREVETTE No-806949". Alfred Dunhill He inherited his father’s London saddlery in 1893. Following the increase in motor car ownership, Alfred developed the business to include motoring accessories, which he called ‘Dunhill’s Motorities’. This included goggles, timepieces, picnic sets, and leather coats, and it wasn’t long before the brand became associated with men’s general motoring attire. They opened two shops in Mayfair and had a catalogue of over 1300 items. Between the 1904 and 1905, Dunhill introduced their ‘Windshield Pipe’, to help drivers combat the effect of wind and travel on their ability to smoke. This marked both the end of the ‘motorities’ focus and their entry into the world of smoking ephemera, and they shortly opened their first tobacconist in 1907 on Duke Street. The proximity to several esteemed Private Members Clubs around the Mayfair, St James’ area ensured that the venture was a success. (From Nicholas Wells With Thanks). Literature: Blei-Bottoni, The Dunhill Petrol Lighter "A Unique Story", Unique SRL 2004 first edition. Figure-500 Pp-256-259 for this model illustrated in several materials and finishes. Note: This pocket lighter is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier. This lighter just need a new flint and proper lighter fluid. Was tested and is in working condition. Collateral: This lighter is accompanied by a presentation pouch. Condition: The overall condition of this Alfred Dunhill lighter...

Large 1940s magnesium bodied tether race car. Speed chief.

"Boar" Lighter Gabriella Crespi Italy, 1970s Silver metal. Perfect working order "Grabriella Crespi" signed.

A truly spectacular and important piece of historical American film art. A group of Dwarf Masks from the 1937 Theater Land on stage revue of the new movie "Snow White and the Seven D...

French Art Deco Virgin holy water font by PONCET, France, ca.1920. Madonna - Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes. Bronze, marble and glass. Height : 11"(28cm), Width : 7.1"(18cm), Depth : 1.9"(4.8...

L'Architecture des Années 30 a Paris (1930s Architecture in Paris), French book by Jean-Marc Larbodiere. The International Style comes from the Modern Movement (Bauhaus in Germany, L...

Hand-made unique piece. Beautiful French Art Deco mother & child statue by René MERCIER, France, 1920s. Wood. Hand carved.. Height : 16.1"(41cm), width : 9"(23cm), depth : 9.8"(25cm)...

Large French Art Deco three-masted barque ship by Anthoine Art Bois, France, 1920s. Wood and metal. Painted white metal sails, wood hull and painted black base

Rare 1940s Aluminum Amperite RBLG ribbon MICROPHONE,, tested and working,, missing on/off toggle switch,Super unusual design, Art Deco, Machine Age,, Modernist,, The Amperite RBL...

Rene Lalique black glass 'Grosses Graines' necklace. 9 beads. Book reference: Marcilhac 1500.

Rare Dunhill Salaam Namiki Cigarette Lighter With Arc de Triomphe Motif A Collaboration between Jaeger LeCoultre and Dunhill in the 1940's described as t...

The Classic Jumbo desk lighter with bridge scoring by the Clark Brothers. This is a very nice desk-petrol table lighter created in England during the art-deco period, back in 1930. ...

A handmade wooden artist mannequin model - all joints move as they should. Found on an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. Shows some wear - but l...

Fabulous 1990s Dolce & Gabbana designer women's Oval Fly Sunglasses with black frame & rose lenses. Marked on frames : Dolce & Gabbana 511S, Made in Italy. Inside dims between ar...

For your consideration is this virtually mint condition Art Deco ladies combination compact dating to 1928. This is a classic Art Deco Richard Hudnut Le Debut Cloisonné Powder, Rouge...

Décors éphémères: Les Expositions Jeux d'Eau et de Lumière, (Ephemeral decorations: water and light games exhibitions,) French book by André Granet, Original edition 1948, Preface by...

One of only a handful ever made, this Double DeLuxe Violano Virtuoso, created by the Mills Novelty Company, is an extremely rare example of American musical automata, featuring not one, but two brilliantly tuned violins. Singled out by the U.S. government in 1909 as one of the eight greatest inventions of the decade when it was introduced at the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition, the Mills DeLuxe Violano-Virtuoso stands as one of the most important and incredible musical devices ever made. The “Double Mills,” as it was nicknamed, plays classical, operatic and popular music. It can play on a single or up to 15 nickels and has the ability to run for approximately an hour. It produces exceptional sound with a crisp tonal quality and melodious notes. Housed in a beautiful quarter-sawn oak case, each violin produces 64 notes and is accompanied by a 44-note piano. It is truly rare to find a historical musical mechanism so complete, with such remarkable sound quality and in excellent condition. This particular Violano has been updated with a digital player system that allows song selections to be made over a WiFi connection. This gives the user a choice between digital downloads or traditional paper rolls for added convenience. Perfected and patented in 1912 by Henry K. Sandell, the Violano-Virtuoso was produced in limited quantities until 1929 and could be found in the very finest restaurants, hotels and oceanliners. In fact, the Violano-Virtuoso was one of the few American-made mechanical musical devices to be distributed worldwide to the most exclusive international clientele. The below testimonial was sent to the Mills Company by the Governor of Idaho, aptly describing the incredible music produced by the Violano-Virtuoso. Dear Sir, Have just had the pleasure of listening to your wonderful Automatic Violin and Piano on exhibition at the Government Building here. This marvelous instrument certainly far surpasses anything that I have eve heard in automatic music. The tone and expression of the violin and the piano are so perfect and clear that is really hard to believe but that there is the human hand playing..." Indeed, for the price of a nickel, the Mills Violano...

Willie Kool desk-table petrol lighter. This is a beautiful bar or desk petrol lighter, created as a promotional item by the Kool Cigarette Company, back in the 1938. The sculptural and elusive lighter has been crafted with the iconic figure of the company Willie Kool, in solid steel and decorated with green, black and white paint. The figural penguin is in pretty very good shape, in working condition and should be a gorgeous addition to any collection. This will be a great conversation item. Willie The Penguin Willie the penguin was introduced in 1934 by The Ted Bates Advertising Agency. During the time there were several other cartoonish spokespersons like Kellogg’s Snap, Crackle & Pop, Reddy Kilowatt, and the Campbell’s Kids. Willie’s product line included salt and pepper shakers, ash trays...

A ball table lighter designed by Ronson. Very beautiful RonDeLight Junior desk lighter, created in Newark United States by Art Metal Works Inc. for The Ro...

Beautifully handcrafted and meaningful religious plaque. This heavy and high quality bronze wall plaque depicts Christ with a realistic crown of thorns and a stylized Art Deco halo ...

Art Deco style oval 14K white gold diamond and ruby ring. Oval ruby surrounded by 90 round cut diamonds makes for an elegant dazzling ring for any occasion. Oval Ruby approx. weight ...

Desk butane lighter designed by Dunhill. This is an exceptional beautiful lift arm butane desk lighter, created in London England by the Alfred Dunhill Company, back in the 1980-199...

French Mid-Century (1940s) pink mirrored rectangular miniature cabinet with 2 doors and bevelled trim on lacquered base with mahogany interior

A silvered Venetian goldola, a handsome smiling gondolier, a beautiful couple embarking on a romantic voyage, a fabulous French Art Deco period lamp by Pierre Sega. Circa 1920 Silv...

Spitfire pocket lighter designed by Evans. Rare automatic spitfire pocket lighter, created in America by the Evans Company, back in the 1940. This very handsome piece has been craft...

Art Deco period penny scale by Mills Novelty co. Period green porcelain pedestal with cream colored foot hold.

Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair With Jewelry 1st Edition Hardcover Book. Edited by Ruth A. Peltason. 280 illustrations, including 175 color photographs by John Bigelow Taylor. DIMEN...

The Art of Giving 1987 hardcover book by Steve Lovi. Published by Harry N Abrams Inc, 1987. A richly illustrated tribute to the art of imaginative gift giving involving some of Europe's most fascinating people, including Sophia Loren, Prince Rainier, Salvador Dali, Audrey Hepburn and Rudolf Nureyev, to name a few. 235 photographs, 186 in full color. A glamorous look at celebrity gift-giving on an international scale features imaginative gift giving involving some of Europe's most renown people, Steve Lovi was the photographer. He has photographed a number of Kaffe Fassett's beautiful books. Stuart Jacobson's book was a wonderful discovery. Each page is a story about a gift from one famous person to another. With each story is a photograph of the gift. Steve Lovi's photographs also tell a story. This is a book to be read slowly; one gift at a time. " In the intriguing pages of this strikingly handsome and superbly illustrated book we come close to many of the outstanding personalities of our day - individuals who have achieved renown in the realms of literature, science, art, film, theater, statecraft, finance, fashion, high society. In every case there is the story of a cherished gift, and the text sparkles with anecdotes - romantic, touching, and funny in turn. How could it not, with a cast of characters that includes - to make a random selection - Twiggy and Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Jackie Stewart and Herbert von Karajan, Pope John Paul II and Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida and Shimon Peres, Audrey Hepburn and Marcel Marceau, Anthony Quinn and Giorgio Armani. These are only a fraction of the talented and titled, the brilliant and successful gift givers who fill the pages of The Art Of Giving with romance and sentiment - and history. The author of this book has discovered what should have been obvious: that people's tenderest, most intimate, and most glamorous memories are tied up with gifts that they have given and received." The book includes 235 photographs, including 186 plates in full color. "The Art Of Giving" by Stuart E. Jacobson, Text by Drusilla Beyfus, Photography by Steve Lovi, and Design by John Lynch...

The Ruba Rombic ashtray, produced by the Consolidated Glass Company, stands as an iconic example of Art Deco design. Crafted in Jade green cased glass, this stunning piece features b...

This antique religious icon is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Italy and date to approximately 1920 and done in the period Art De...

Collection of three Folk Art handmade male characters dolls. Each one a character in and of itself yet three together make quite a trio. I love the tiny details- a single spectacle o...

Rare, unique and exceptional perfume atomizer. This beautiful and sculptural atomizer is representative of its period. Clean lined and modernist in presence, this piece is a function...

This is a vintage specimen collector's chest of drawers. A French, solid walnut four drawer executive desk box, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930. Exceptional figuring and f...

A ronson elephant two pipe holder with a chrome elephant and accents with a black powder coat base. It is listed in advertisement "Ronson - the World's Greatest Lighter" as "Extremel...

Classic Cartier Silver Plated Cigarette Lighter With A Red Cartier Presentation Box Fully Serviced working makes for an ideal gift.

This large advertising store display 'Nipper' dog was made by the Old King Cole Company of Ohio, and dates to approximately 1920 and done in a period Art Deco style. The sculpture is done entirely of a molded paper mache which has been hand painted with a white ground, and black accents with some gold finish on the collar. This RCA advertising store display has been restored at some time, as evidenced by the re-painting of the entire sculpture. There is some overall wear as presented in the photos and consistent with age and use,. This figural advertising 'Nipper' dog is clearly signed with a red paper label for the 'Old King Cole Company' inside the hind quarter with the crown logo. These store display Nipper dogs were done for several years for RCA, and the first ones were done in paper mache, and later done in fiberglass and the last renditions done in a molded plastic. This advertising sculpture...

Beautiful antique Venetian / Murano hand blown blue, white and gold flecks Italian art glass ballet slipper. The delicate shoe has a soft quilted pattern, with white rim and flower d...

Art Deco ashtray stand by Demeyere This beautiful and rare Art Deco Ashtray Stand from the 30s/40s is in the streamline modern art deco style. The designer of this extraordinary obj...

Collectors reference book showing many Art Deco and Art Nouveau lamps from the period. In good condition. Private art dealers collection.

Two delightful English Art Deco pottery novelty dog figures with glass eyes made by Fielding’s and Crown Devon and dating from the 1930’s. The small figures portray two small puppy d...

Vintage Cast Iron Still Bank Uncle Sam Novelty Bank Book of Knowledge. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 11.5" H x 5" W x 4" D.

Vintage Cast Iron Owl Mechanical Coin Bank - Book of Knowledge Collection. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 7.25" H x 4" W x 3" D.

Art Deco ashtray stand This beautiful and rare Art Deco Ashtray Stand from the 30s/40s is in the streamline modern art deco style. The designer of this extraordinary object has succ...

This Art Deco-style pendant embodies elegance with its luxurious aventurine centerpiece and radiant gold accents. Designed with a classic stepped pattern, the pendant captures the ge...

Crocodile hornback overnight bag or large handbag with exceptional, deep and richly pigmented scales. Made from one skin with complete osteoderms (back scales) wrapping from front to...

Intimate Chanel. Foreword by Gabrielle Palasse-Labrunie. Photography by Francis Hammond, Isabelle Fiemeyer.Rizzoli, 1st edition Sep 13, 2011 - 208 pages.The most personal account of ...