Collectibles and Curiosities

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 nice radio design by the Eames office. Model 578A. Mahogany veneer case with plastic face and dials.

A set of dried, pressed and framed botanical specimens, plants and flowers with botanical descriptions Calligraphed in Latin and French. These old pieces are elegantly floated in off...

Zeiss German Jumelles WW2 12 x 60 Binoculars . These Zeiss Binoculars were primarily used by Luftwaffe Flak Artillery ground crews for spotting and identifying enemy aircraft and directing the crew served Rangefinders, Searchlights and Flak Cannons of the Anti-Aircraft batteries based around many German and occupied ports, cities and industrial centres. Due to their superb optics they naturally also proved useful on the battlefield for tactical observation and from the outset of 1939 were used in many theatres of war by the German Army. Presented here are a very high quality set of binoculars, manufactured by Zeiss bearing the marker of 'Jumelles 12 x 60' , indicating that they would have been made between 1942 and 1944 in occupied France. This set are unpolished in original dark grey with red stripe and are fitted to a polished cradle. They are fitted with adjustable and variable light shades (marked farbglasser) for use in all daytime and darker light conditions and have the later war style rain shield...

AUTHOR: PARKER, Joseph W. TITLE: Doctor Crosby's Strange Experience. PUBLISHER: Kansas City, MO, The Peerage Press, 1935. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION. 1 vol., 7-11/16" x 5-1/4", 9...

Orfèvrerie Christofle for "Ile de France" 1949 Compagnie Générale Transatlantique Paquebot A set of six silvered metal cups Monogr...

Architectural Art Deco stylized money bank and thermometer fashioned out of bronze. It depicts the entrance of the Danish insurance company Baltica. This item was designed and patent...

Five brasses have been meticulously polished and lacquered. Warm Lighting has been installed inside. A lantern housing is fitted to the hood. Brass bolts a...

This elaborate map of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania served as a historical tribute to the city's first volunteer fire departments. It was drawn by J...

Beautiful brass butterfly bush leaf dish by Virginia Metal Crafters. It is one of a series of botanical leaf sculptures designed by artist Oskar Hansen....

AUTHOR: PULLEN, Mrs. Harriet S. TITLE: Soapy Smith Bandit Of Skagway How He Lived; How He Died. PUBLISHER: Juneau: Stroller's Weekly / Skagway Tourist House n.d., (c1933). DESCRI...

Panels for the Walls of Heaven, a square octavo volume of poems, abstract illustrations (based on paintings by the author) and outre typography, by experimental poet and artist Kenneth Patchen, published by Bern Porter...

Rare and charming set of wooden dolls by Kay Bojensen from his own workshop. The dolls were designed in the 1930s and was named Lise (female) and Ole (male) as these were the most co...

Big Game Taxidermy, Waterbuck. This prepared big game trophy skull mount is of a Water Buck, it may not be antique but it is very impressive. The taxidermy ...

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...

Whether displayed as a standalone decorative element or incorporated into a maritime-themed setting, this WW2 deck cleat becomes a unique focal point that captures the spirit of the ...

A splendid pair of 'lorgnettes' (long-handled opera, or theatre, glasses). Lorgnettes, eye glasses held in place by long handles rather than resting on the bridge of one's nose, were...

This extremely rare example of World War II-era Art Deco/Moderne design, produced by the Chad Valley Company in England, served as a coin bank, with a slot on one side to accept coins by young men and women motivated to save their pennies. The painted metal bank...

Six spoke ships wheel by Simpson Lawrence of England. Varnished wood frame with inlaid brass trim rings and brass hub cap. Cap has Simpson Lawrence and their company logo on the hub....

Alden blueprint of Motor Yacht Gypsy which was a 101 foot yacht built in 1927. This is a hull lines drawing of this plum bow vessel. Weight is 16 pounds. 20" H x 53" L .

Nice antique ship model of an American brig. Deck details include cannons on carriages, capstan, anchors, longboat, gratings, etc. The model is rig...

Monumental Art Deco throne chairs, manufactured by The Henderson Ames Co. amazing design! Wonderful scale and proportion. I believe these to be out of ...

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...

This seemingly simple wooden vase is a design object of infinite beauty and elegance that can be placed in either an antique or a modern or contemporary setting. They are Indian arte...

Vintage Art deco Peugeot Freres Coffee Grinder This Vintage Peugeot Freres Bakelite manual coffee grinder an art deco classic from Peugeot brand. The hand crank mechanism perfect f...

Well tooled and embossed leather western riding saddle. Possibly a junior size. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.

Chinoiserie decorated circular barometer, circa 1930s. Black background with gold decoration,  Depicting, houses, temple, figures, trees & foliage, Brass face, Badge on back, re...

Sterling silver cigarette case with decorative enamel face. Art Deco design. The case is beautifully enameled in a blue and black geometric pattern with a silver finish. The interior of the cigarette case is marked "Alfred Dunhill Paris...

This terrific wind-up toy is called "The Dog Patch 4" and features Lil' Abner and the gang playing music and dancing. Made in the mid-1940s by the Unique Art Manufacturing Company In...

A stainless steel lighter designed by Ronson. Very beautiful Rondette desk lighter, created in New Jersey United States by The Ronson Co. during the art deco period, back in the 193...

3-449 hand crafted wood architectural model of a windmill. Detail of grinding stone on lower level and stairs to each level. Missing 2 of the...

A silvered bronze Poudrier "Le loup et le renard" (The wolf and the fox). by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1940s. The square box features a relief cast of two s...

Art Deco era Etched zigzag steel cylinder Lighter named "The Executive" By AR. Circa 1930, Measures: 3.5" tall X 2" diameter.

A large cast bronze powder box (poudrier) by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1945-1950. The box called "Feuille" (Leaf) features an irregular leaf form wit...

A Savory lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill. This is a very scarce petrol pocket lighter, created in Switzerland by La Nationale for the Alfred Dunhill Company in Paris, back in the 1935. This semi-automatic full-size lighter is the iconic and popular Savory model, crafted with art deco patterns in solid silver-plate with high polished finish. This very early Dunhill lighter is highly collectible, is decorated with linear patterns and is accompanied by the Dunhill's fitted box. This model was 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: Plated .925 Sterling silver over brass. Weight: 48.95 Grams, (31.40 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 and signed in full as follow, "ALFRED DUNHILL PARIS FAB. SUISSE MECAN AD SAVORY PATENT". 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-52 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 the designer's presentation fitted box Condition: The overall condition of this Alfred Dunhill lighter...

Model in enlarged section of a Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a syconium). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the thirties. Measures ...

Netherlands Black and red bakelite speaker by Louis Kalff for Philips, 1930s Round iconic bakelite tabletop audio speaker painted black with red spots. The triangular base of the spe...

Art Deco Aviation Model Boeing 314 Airplane Pan-American 'Clipper', circa 1938 A superbly crafted rendering of the legendary transoceanic Boeing 314 Pan-Ame...

JP Morgan's New York Yacht Club Burgee that flew from his elegant steam yachts "Corsair". This is from a set of special occasion silk dress flags that were flown on Corsair II, Corsa...

Art Déco French silver and enamel vanity compact necklace/pendant with mirror, 1940s By: unknown Material: silver, metal, enamel, mirror Technique: silvered, polished, metalwork, ca...

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

Original US film poster for The 1948 Film Noir Raw Deal. This film was directed by Anthony Mann and starred Dennis O'Keefe and Claire Trevor. This poster is conservation linen backed...

Huge Red Coral Necklace Huge polished red coral beads complete this fascinating 67cm long necklace. The largest red coral bead is: 35 x 34 mm .436 grams in weight

Highly polished boat porthole with hinged door with two latches. Great nautical relic. Clear glass. Weight: 14 LBS Overall Dimensions: 2” H x 21” L x ...

AUTHOR: CAIN, James M. TITLE: Serenade. PUBLISHER: New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1937. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION PRESENTATION COPY. 1 vol., inscribed on the front blank endleaf “To...

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...

Post war lift arm chrome pocket benzine lighter by Reliance Text on bottom of lighter: "Reliance Made in occupied Japan".

A superb Art Deco Model of a Boeing 314 Clipper Aeroplane Circa 1938. The Boeing Clipper was a long range Flying Boat made by the Boeing Aircraft Company i...

Massachusetts Beautiful by Wallace Nutting. Old America, Garden City Publishing Company, Inc. 1935. First Edition Thus Signed hardcover no dust jacket. Part of His "States Beautiful" series. With many black and white photographs and illustrations of localities throughout the state of Massachusetts...

This rare original British animation poster was designed to advertise Walt Disney shorts. In England posters were not produced for every short cartoon, ...

AUTHOR: CAPOTE, Truman. TITLE: A Tree Of Night and Other Stories. PUBLISHER: NY: Random House, 1949. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION PRESENTATION COPY. 1 vol., 8-3/8" x 5-3/8", inscri...

Northwest Passage, Limited 2 Volume Edition By Kenneth Roberts. Published by Doubleday, Doran & Company Inc., Garden City, N.Y., 1937. 1st Ed hardcov...

AUTHOR: CHURCHILL, Winston S. TITLE: Marlborough His Life and Times. PUBLISHER: London: George G. Harrap, 1933, 34, 36, 38. DESCRIPTION: ALL FIRST EDITIONS. 4 vols., 9-1/16...

Highly polished engine order telegraph by Bendix of New York. With painted faceplates with ships commands full, half, slow, stand by, stop, ahead and astern. Twin face design, two ha...

Bronze Vienes miniature living room set Miniature with enamel Origin France Circa 1930 Materials Bronze and enamel in perfect condition Rococo style 7 pi...

AUTHOR: MILNE, A. A.. TITLE: A fine ALS mentioning Christopher Robin and Pooh. PUBLISHER: Chelsea, 1931. DESCRIPTION: AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGN...

James Shore's Daughter by Stephen Vincent Benét. Publisher: Doubleday, Doran & Company, Inc, Garden City, New York 1934. Stated 1st numbered Ed (#3/307) Signed by the author with sli...

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