Collectibles and Curiosities

A very attractive and charming 18th century, George II Period, walnut and oak miniature bureau, having elegant inlaid decoration and original brasswea...

An English 17th century lantern clock made of brass and iron, circa 1665-1670. The clock consists of going and striking trains, as well as a...

This is a historical sea chart titled "Carte Generale des Costes d'Irlande, et des Costes Occidentales d'Angleterre avec une Partie de celles d'Ecosse," which translates to "General Map of the Coasts of Ireland and the Western Coasts of England with a Part of Scotland." The map was first published in 1693 in the atlas "La Neptune Francois," created by Jaillot and published by Pieter Mortier in Amsterdam. This initiative was started by the French minister Colbert to improve maritime navigation. Details of the Map: 1. **Geographical Coverage:** - The map primarily focuses on the Irish coast. - It also includes the west coast of England and Wales. - Parts of the west coast of Scotland are also depicted. 2. **Inset Map:** - There is a detailed inset map showing the area around Chester and the course of the River Dee. 3. **Features:** - **Depth Soundings:** The Irish Sea is detailed with depth soundings to assist in navigation. - **Coastal Towns and Islands:** Numerous coastal towns, islands, and geographical features are indicated. - **Rhumb Lines:** The map includes extensive rhumb lines, which are lines used by navigators to plot a straight-line course. - **Key:** There is a key describing the quality of the terrain along the coast, important for navigators to understand the nature of the coastal landscape. 4. **Labels and Annotations:** - **Coastal Settlements:** Ports, forts, and villages along the coast are labeled. - **Geographical Features:** Islands and other significant features are marked. 5. **Artistic and Practical Elements:** - The map is printed on thick paper and is hand-colored, reflecting contemporary coloring techniques. - Detailed lines and soundings are included to help ships navigate around the numerous small islands and narrow inlets safely. 6. **Historical Context:** - The map was part of a significant French maritime project aimed at improving navigation and charting European waters more accurately. - It reflects the high level of cartographic skill and knowledge of the late 17th century. This map would have been a valuable tool for mariners of the time, providing them with crucial information about the coastal features, depth soundings, and safe passage routes around the complex coastlines of Ireland, England, and Scotland. About the Makers and the Atlas **1. Alexis-Hubert Jaillot (1632-1712):** - **Background:** Jaillot was a prominent French cartographer and publisher in the 17th century. He was known for his detailed and accurate maps and atlases. - **Work:** He collaborated with other notable cartographers of his time and played a key role in improving and publishing detailed maps. Jaillot's work was characterized by its precision and artistic quality. - **Contribution:** He was instrumental in the creation of "La Neptune Francois," a maritime atlas aimed at improving French naval navigation. **2. Pieter Mortier (1661-1711):** - **Background:** Mortier was a Dutch engraver, publisher, and mapmaker based in Amsterdam. He was well-known for his high-quality prints and maps. - **Work:** Mortier published several important atlases and maps, often collaborating with other cartographers and engravers. His work was recognized for its detailed craftsmanship and accuracy. - **Contribution:** Mortier published "La Neptune Francois" in Amsterdam, making significant contributions to maritime navigation by providing highly detailed sea charts. About the Atlas "La Neptune Francois": **1. Purpose:** - The atlas was created as part of an initiative led by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the French minister of finance under King Louis XIV. The goal was to enhance the accuracy and availability of maritime charts for French naval and commercial vessels. - "La Neptune Francois" was designed to be a comprehensive and detailed reference for navigators, covering various European waters with a focus on the French coast and adjacent regions. **2. Content:** - The atlas includes a series of sea charts, each providing detailed information on coastal regions, depth soundings, rhumb lines, and other navigational aids. - The maps were printed on high-quality paper and hand-colored, reflecting the artistic standards of the time. **3. Historical Significance:** - "La Neptune Francois" was a landmark in the history of cartography, representing a significant advancement in the accuracy and detail of maritime maps...

Antique map titled 'Carte de la Tartarie Chinoise. Projettee et assujettie aux observations astronomiques par M. Bonne, Hydrographe du Roi. A Paris, Chez Lattre Graveur, ordinaire de...

This is a woodcut city view of Worms, published in Sebastian Münster's *Cosmographia* around 1578. The image depicts a bird's-eye view of the city of Worms, located in Rheinland-Pfal...

12th century extremely rare romanesque wood sculpture of the Virgin Mary. Magnificent wood hand carved sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding a book to her chest. It is an extremely rare survivor of the 12th century. The style is European, possibly French or English. This statue is a testimony to beautiful religious art from about 1150. A truly rare Romanesque sculpture...

A superb quality 18th century mahogany George II Period miniature table having well figured circular Tilting top over vase turned central stem with Elegant bold tripod legs terminating on Pointed pad feet (Almost certainly made as a travelling salesman...

Presented is an June 1783 issue of London's "The Gentleman's Magazine," containing significant historical content relating to the end of the Revolutionary War, the 1777 Flag Resoluti...

19th Century copy of 18th century portrait of Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford, (born 1661, London, died 1724, London). He was a British statesman who headed the Tory ministry from ...

This is an old large Spaniard hand painted and carved wood nude baby Jesus. He has hand painted large expressive eyes and eye brows. His abundant hair is bro...

The map titled "The Island of Jamaica and Cape Gracias a Dios with the Banks (Shows Moskito Kings Party)" illustrates a significant historical period marked by shifting colonial infl...

A FINE CARVED GERMAN OR AUSTRIAN 18TH CENTURY STAGS HORN POWDER FLASK - The front face expertly carved with two hunters in a wooded river bank scene with hounds and two flighting duc...

Set of two 16th century oak panels, one representing a character accompanied by a dog, the other a character in flames, probably saints. These ...

Title: Nieuwe Kaart van’t Koninkryk Hongaryen en Zevenbergen by Isaak Tirion, 1753 – Antique Map of Hungary and Transylvania Description: This is an antique 1753 map titled *Nieuwe Kaart van’t Koninkryk Hongaryen en Zevenbergen*, created by the notable Dutch cartographer and publisher Isaak Tirion. The map showcases the Kingdom of Hungary and the region of Transylvania (referred to as "Zevenbergen") as they appeared in the mid-18th century. Tirion’s maps are well-known for their clarity, precision, and attention to geographic detail, making them highly sought after by collectors of antique maps. This map provides a detailed view of Hungary and Transylvania, including borders, towns, cities, rivers, and mountain ranges. It was created using the latest discoveries and updates of the time and reflects the political landscape of the region, which was part of the Habsburg Empire during a period of territorial changes and consolidations. The map’s borders are highlighted with color to distinguish different regions, and significant cities such as Buda, Pest, and Debrecen are clearly labeled. Isaak Tirion was one of the most prominent Dutch publishers of the 18th century, particularly known for his *Nieuwe en Beknopte Hand-Atlas* (New and Concise Hand Atlas) series, which included a wide range of maps of Europe and beyond. His works were appreciated for their cartographic accuracy and artistic quality. This map is a valuable piece for collectors interested in 18th-century European maps, particularly those that highlight Central Europe, Hungary, Transylvania, and the Habsburg Empire. It is a fine example of the craftsmanship of Isaak Tirion and offers insight into the historical geography of the region. Condition: Excellent for its age, with finely preserved hand-coloring and wide margins. Slight edge wear typical of maps from this period. Effective keywords that may help attract collectors or enthusiasts interested in historical maps of Hungary, Transylvania, and Central Europe: - Antique map of Hungary - Historical map of Transylvania - 18th-century map of Central Europe - Habsburg Empire map - Isaak Tirion map - Nieuwe Kaart van’t Koninkryk Hongaryen en Zevenbergen - Kingdom of Hungary map...

Title: Bird's-Eye View of Blâmont in Lorraine by Braun and Hogenberg, 1597 This copperplate engraving, published in 1597 by Braun and Hogenberg, depicts a bird's-eye view of the t...

La Terre Sainte, The Holy Land, Tiree Des Memoires De M.De.La Rue. Par N. de Fer. Geographe de Sa Majeste Catoliq et de Monseigneur le Dauphin. Avec Privil du Roi 1703 Detailed map of the Holy Land from Nicholas de Fer's L'Atlas Curieux ou le Monde. East is oriented at the top. MAKER Nicolas de Fer 1646-1720 The French cartographer and engraver, Nicolas de Fer, was a master at creating maps that were works of art. The maps that he published were printed during the Baroque period when the decorative arts were characterized by ornate detail. De Fer’s detailed maps and atlases were valued more for their decorative content than their geographical accuracy. Nicolas de Fer was born in 1646. His father, Antoine de Fer, owned a mapmaking firm. At the age of twelve, Nicolas was apprenticed to a Parisian engraver named Louis Spirinx. The family business was starting to decline when his father died in 1673. Nicolas de Fer’s mother, Genevieve, took over the business after the death of her husband. In 1687 the business was passed on to Nicolas and the profits increased after he took over the firm. Nicolas de Fer was a prolific cartographer who produced atlases and hundreds of single maps. He eventually became the official geographer to King Louis XIV of France and King Philip V...

Antique George III period square piano by Beck English, 1788 Height 81cm, width 148cm, depth 52cm This elegant instrument is a square piano, a type popul...

This is Gilpin's third in his series of works tracing picturesque beauty in British natural landscapes. In it he portrays the landscapes of Scottish Highlands, and describes them lyrically in his text. Prefacing the list of Prints at the end of the second volume, the author says "With regards to the prints, which adorn these volumes, I can only say..... that few of them pretend to be 'exact portraits.' They in general 'only characterize the countries,' through which the reader is carried." The illustrations, based on Gilpin's sketches, were etched by his nephew William Sawrey Gilpin using the newly invented aquatint process. This volume also includes a technical discourse about drawing and the mixing of colors, including a chart (vol. 1, p. 131-134) William Gilpin (1724 – 1804) was an English artist, Church of England cleric, schoolmaster and author. He is best known as a travel writer and as one of those who originated the idea of the picturesque. Gilpin's tour journals circulated in manuscript to friends such as the poet William Mason and a wider circle including Thomas Gray...

Persian Manuscript Page depicting a garden scene. Circa 18th century. Hand painted scene depicts a hilly outdoor landscape where people are congre...

This map, titled 'Royaume des Amazones', was created by Alain Manesson Mallet and published in 1684 in a German edition of *Beschreibung des Gantzen Welt-Kreisses*, a renowned work d...

Rare antique Italian kneeler, Mid-17th Century Louis XIV. Made of solid walnut with relief decoration carved into the wood. In the part dedicated to the knees there is a compartment. Of great value all the hand forged iron part of the escutcheons and fantastic large antique keys...

Thomas, Antoine Jean-Baptiste Un an à Rome et dans ses environs; Recueil de dessins lithographiés, représentant les costumes, les usages et le cérémonies c...

Embroidered Holy Spirit panel. Antique embroidered doubled sided panel in paper with original antique seeded glass and gilt carved frame, Italy, l...

Antique map titled 'Le Royaume de Porutgal divisé en cinq grandes Provinces (..)'. Rare and very decorative map of Portugal. It shows the territory of ...

Antique print titled 'Das rennen und stechen'. Engraving of a Medieval tournament. This print originates from 'Thurnier Buch. Von Anfang, Ursachen, ursprung und herkommen (..)' b...

This map titled *Pascaret van Schager-Rack de Bælt en de Sondt* was created by the prominent Dutch cartographer Johannes van Keulen and published in Amsterd...

Antique map titled 'Judia, De Hoofd-Stad van Siam'. Antique plan of Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam (Thailand). This print originates from 'Oud en Nieuw Oost-...

A stunning and exceptional 17th century ecclesiastical lectern from the north of Italy. The solid wood column has a polychromed faux marble finish a...

Immerse yourself in the allure of history with this captivating Antique Chinese Hand Carved Jade Bangle Bracelet. Crafted with skill and precision, the jade bangle boasts an enchanti...

Author: Robinson, Mary. Title: Hubert de Sevrac, a Romance of the Eighteenth Century. Publisher: London: for the Author by Hookham and Carpenter, 1796. Description: First edition. 3 vols., 6-13/16" x 4-7/16", errata at the end of each vol., advertisement leaf at the end of vol. 3, vol. 2 M6 with early repaired tear at foot, without the half-titles, bound in fine contemporary full speckled calf, floral gilt decorated spines, gilt lettered red and green spine labels, covers ruled in gilt. Condition: Internally clean and bright, armorial bookplate of Sir John Eden to front pastedowns, extremely minor foxing to first and last leaves, inner and outer hinges fine, head and foot of spines fine, a handsom set. Additional information: An exceedingly rare gothic novel by Robinson (known as "the English Sappho") set during the French Revolution. In her lifetime Robinson was better known as an actress and lady of fashion as well as for a string of prominent affairs, including with George IV whilst he was still Prince of Wales whose portrait she wore encrusted with diamonds throughout her life but who she did not hesitate to blackmail for £5000 pounds when he cast her off. Her literary output, though derided at the time, has since been reassessed and Robinson herself now seen as a proto-feminist. Mary Robinson was one of those independent 'viragos' who upset so many conventional men at the end of the eighteenth century. She was admired by Mary Wollstonecraft...

Rare icon with three chosen Saints most likely the patron saints of a family consisting of a father, a mother and a son. The inscriptions which could identify the saints are gone but most likely the depicted saints from left to right are: Saint George, Saint Dimitri and Saint Paraskeva. In the background we see the icon of the Old Testament Trinity; the three angels visiting Abraham and Sarah...

Dutch print with the title: Platte Grond van t'Fort Tricoen male met de daar aangelegen Pagoods-Berg (Trincomalee, Sri Lanka) The map is taken from: 'Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën' van François Valentyn. 1) Ottens, Frederik (engraver / etcher) 2) Braam, J. van (publisher) 3) Linden, Gerard onder de (publisher) MALABAR COAST...

This is an antique kitchen mortar and pestle. An English, bronze apothecary or chemist's shop aid, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1780. Useful kitchen or apothecary aid from ...

Antique map titled 'Carte de la Perse, de la Georgie, et de la Tartarie Independante'. Map of Persia, Georgia and Kazakhstan. This map shows current days Georgia, Iran, Irak, Kaz...

This is an antique map of Styria (referred to as “Stiria” or “Steyrmarck”), published by the renowned Dutch cartographer Willem Janszoon Blaeu (often simply “Blaeu”). The first editi...

An antique map of the Tuscan city of Pisa engraved for The 'Itinerarium Italiæ Nov-antiquæ' by Matthäus Merian the Elder and printed in 1640....

A magnificent rustic Spanish Colonial antique, circa 1725, church altar with remarkable patina and detailing. Hand-crafted in the first half of the 18th century, most likely commissioned by the Spanish Empire for use in a Colonial religious Mission, now fashioned with later antique elements and repurposed for use as a sideboard. The scarce Baroque period ecclesiastical architectural church altar presents with a raised gallery shelf back topped with a single board, over a massive, thick pine plank wooden slab top, featuring impressive rich patina, rustic charm and antique character. Mounted over the distinctive architectural trapezoid shaped molded base with rich hand carved and polychrome painted decoration, including the sophisticated original Italian / European inspired trompe-l'œil marbleizing finish, which was a variety of faux painting techniques used only by highly skilled artisans to create the distinctive and varied patterns of marble, in an effort to reproduce the colors, veining and luster of real marble or other building materials. Rising on solid supports enhanced with recessed paneling, smooth rounded corners and edge work and stepped molded trim. Beautiful, nicely aged patina over the whole, highly desirable heavily worn, naturally distressed, chippy paint craquelure finish that has been stabilized to minimize further loss, that does not detect from the aesthetics or functionality, but only adds to the overall elegant warmth and rich historical depth, that can only be acquired over three centuries. Very strong, sturdy, stable. Delivered cleaned, hand waxed, luminous polished French patina finish, ready for immediate use, and many more years of generational enjoyment. Dimensions: (approx) 37.25" High, 62" Wide, 27" Deep The large size, and substantial proportions, make this excellent for a variety of different uses, including as a distinctive buffet table or server, credenza, oversized console, farmhouse kitchen...

This map, "Asiae I Tab:", features the region corresponding to modern-day Iran and Iraq, intricately depicted in Gerard Mercator's edition of Claudius Ptolemy's "Tabulae Geographicae...

A large crest with shell and scroll carved frame enclosing an azure ground with gilded coat of arms featuring a cross with four birds over lions and fleur de lis and Tudor roses. Onl...

Antique map titled 'Dominia Anglorum in praecipuis Insulis Americae ut sunt Insula S. Christophori, Antegoa, Iamaica, Barbados nec non Insulae Bermudes vel Sommers dictae. Die Englis...

An early 18th Century Italian Baroque Kneeler or kneeling stool in walnut. This rare antique from a church has a drawer as well as a door with a shelf inside. In the interior of this piece, the bible or other catholic religious items...

Antique map titled 'Africae Pars Borealis.' Very decorative antique map of the northern part of Africa by Heinrich Scherer. The map is full of the spurious geography of the perio...

Beautiful map of Italy, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. Highly detailed, showing towns, rivers, some topographical features and political boundaries. Published by R. Bonne, circa 1780.

This 18th-century pewter Purim plate is a rare and historically significant item associated with Jewish traditions. It features decorative engravings likely used for collecting alms,...

Virgin with Child. Carved and polychrome wood. Spanish school, 13th century. It has faults. Polychrome wood carving that shows the Virgin sitting on a throne, with her right hand r...

Antique print titled 'Belegering van Jerusalem door Nebucadnezar (..)'. This original antique print shows the siege of Jerusalem by King Nebucha...

Pair of late 18th early 19th century South American carved wooden stirrups. Known as estribos, each are carved from a solid block of wood. Decorated with wonderful carvings of horse heads and grape vines, these are truly charming pieces. With wrought iron stirrup rings and the original leather straps. Rich chocolate patina that only comes from age and use. Worn by Chilean huasos, highly skilled horsemen akin to America's cowboys. Prized by collectors of horse memorabilia...

This map, created by Giacomo Cantelli da Vignola in 1695, represents the "General Government of Guyenne and Gascony" in southwest France. Cantelli da Vignola was a renowned Italian c...

Antique map titled 'Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio'. Beautiful map of China and Korea, much detail troughout the map. Including the Islands of Formosa (Taiwan) and Hainan. The Great...

Early Woodcut Bird's Eye View of Rouffach, France, by Sebastian Münster, 1554 Description: This rare 1554 woodcut is a bird's eye view of Rouffach, a town in the Haut-Rhin departmen...

Description: Antique map titled 'Sumatra ein grosse Insel / so von den alten Geographen Taprobana genennt worden'. Beautiful map of Sumatra and the southern part of Malaysia, with Si...

Carte de l'Isle de la Barbade by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703–1772), Circa 1759 This rare antique map of Barbados, titled Carte de l'Isle de la Barbad...

Antique map titled 'Indes IVe Feuille'. Very decorative original antique map of the East Indies. Covbers from the Gulf of Siam (Gulf of Thailand) and Malacca (Malaysia) eastward to i...

18th-century silver Russian icon.

Antique map titled 'Karte von Fes und Marócos (..)'. Original old map of Fez (or Fes) and Morocco. Also shows the Strait of Gibraltar. By Friedrich Gottlieb Canzler, published 1799.

Antique map titled 'Partie Meridionale Des Etats de Castille (..)'. Decorative and highly detailed map of the southern part of Castile, Spain, including a decorative cartouche. Publi...

The art of decorative stone work - known as Pietre Dure, or polychrome hardstone inlay resurfaced in Rome in the sixteenth century with the flowering of the Italian Renaissance. Tabl...

A very good copy of Bleyswijck famous description of the history, topography, institutions, and commercial life of Delft in the 17th Century. The plates are exquisite depiction's of ...