Collectibles and Curiosities

Antique map titled 'Dordrecht'. Map of the city of Dordrecht, the Netherlands. Bird's-eye plan view of the city, with many ships and two coats of arms in upper corners. This map orig...

A silver 'V.O.C. AMSTERDAM' ingot circa 1738, with monogram and the assay mark of the Amsterdam Grill family With V.O.C. monogram and the A for Amsterdam. L. approx. 15.5 cm Weight approx. 2000 grams Note: The ingots were salvaged in 2004 from the wreck of the VOC indiaman Rooswijk, equipped by the Amsterdam VOC Chamber. The Rooswijk sank on its second voyage to the Dutch East Indies off the English coast on the Goodwin Sands...

19th C. French 'Ave Maria' Bénitier / Holy Water Font, Devotional Reliquary  France, circa 1890s, artist signed 'Ale'  A stunning late 19th-century French Bénitier/Holy Water Font D...

Antique print titled 'Copenhagen. Die Königl. Residenz und Haupt Stadt in Dänemark'. Panoramic view of the city of Copenhagen, Denmark. This print, most likely, originates from the s...

Antique map titled '14th Chart of the Coast of France, from Port Vendres to the Petit Rhône'. Original map with later hand coroling of the coast of Southern France. The "14th Chart of the Coast of France, from Port Vendres to the Petit Rhône" is an antique map that offers a detailed depiction of the southern coast of France, specifically highlighting the Mediterranean coastline. This map, which dates back to 1793, was originally part of "Le Petit Neptune Français; Or, French Coasting Pilot," a publication designed for maritime navigation along the French coastlines. Key Features of the Map: 1. **Geographic Coverage**: - The map covers the southern French coastline from Port Vendres in the west to the Petit Rhône in the east. - It includes notable regions such as Languedoc, the Gulf of Lyon, and parts of Catalonia (Spain). 2. **Notable Places**: - **Montpellier**: A major city in the Diocese of Montpellier, an important cultural and economic center. - **Narbonne**: Located in the Diocese of Narbonne, a historical city with Roman heritage. - **Agde**: Situated in the Diocese of Agde, known for its ancient Greek colony origins. - **Béziers**: Part of the Diocese of Béziers, another city with deep historical roots dating back to Roman times. - **Port Vendres**: A critical port near the Spanish border. - **Catalonia**: Including parts of northeastern Spain, emphasizing the coastal connection between France and Spain. 3. **Dioceses and Regions**: - The map is marked with various dioceses such as Montpellier, Agde, Narbonne, and Béziers, indicating ecclesiastical boundaries. - It highlights the broader region of Languedoc, a historical province known for its wine production and medieval history. 4. **Navigational Aids**: - The map features a compass rose with radiating lines, a common navigational aid in maritime maps...

"1716 Moullart-Sanson Map of the Holy Land and Sacred Geography of the Old Testament" This engraved map, created by Pierre Moullart-Sanson and reissued by Robert de Vaugondy in 1740...

A Polynesian hardwood Ula tavatava or throwing war club Fiji, probably 18th century All-over decorated in incised pattern, the bulbous top seems to have a stone grown into it. H. 42 cm Including museum-quality powder-coated stand. Provenance: Private collection, France Polynesian culture is traditionally a culture of power and prestige, and there was a fine line between battle and ceremony. Warrior people par excellence, the Fijians had at their disposal a large panoply of weapons, each for a specific use. The elegant Gata are called gun-sticks by Europeans due to the recognizable form. However, they are designed after a snake, gata in Fijian language. The Ula throwing clubs...

Wonderful and detailed reliquary holder with its beautiful weathered original silver, Italy, circa 1750. Weathered and small losses and old repairs.

Antique print titled 'Abbildung der Statt Rom/wie sie under Keyser Vespasiano und zu Plinii zeiten gewesen'. Woodcut of ancient Rome. This print originates from Munster's Cosmographi...

Bird's-Eye Views of Dunkerque, Gravelines, and Bourbourg by Braun and Hogenberg, 1597 This antique print, published in 1597 by Braun and Hogenberg, showcases three detailed bird's...

Wonderfully ornate gilt gesso over carved wood processional cross, probably northern Italy late 18th century. The large floral wreath with carved gilt ribbons, a small cross to the c...

A large hand-crafted wood and copper altar vase, late 18th century with stunning patina. Wear commensurate with the age of the piece. The antique fan coral will only be supplied ...

Attractive and early map of the area around Venice, Italy. With South-Tirol in the North, areas of Krain (Slovenia), Croatia, Ferrara, Modena and Piacenza. In the east with areas aro...

This map, titled "Novam Hanc Territorii Francofurtensis Tabulam," is an exquisite hand-colored engraved map from around 1663, created by the renowned cartographers J. and C. Blaeu of...

Antique print titled 'Nicaea Civitas'. Original antique print with a view of the city of Nice, France. Rare in this edition. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engraver...

Sword with Wrought Iron Blade with Traces of Gold on Hilt with Leather Cover Sheath

18th century map by Italian engraver Giovanni Maria Cassini (Italy 1745-1824). Map of Part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and Part of the Kingdom of Genoa: Rome. This is a hand colored a...

The text on the map "La principaute de Dombes; J. van den Eynde sculpit.; La Principavte de Dombes" indicates that it is a map of the principality of Dombes, engraved by J. van den E...

1579 Ornate Map of Burgundy County by Ferdinand de Lannoy Description of the Map: This is a beautifully detailed map of the Burgundy region, titled "Bvrgvndiae Comitatus Recentiss....

This is an antique lithography map of Oxfordshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest by Robert Morden, dating to the late 17th century and later. Superb l...

Portable temple custody. Gilded silver, glass. 16th century, possible restorations. Custody made of gilded silver (the finish has been lost in some points) composed of a base, an ax...

The map of Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) from 1681, attributed to Frederick de Wit holds significant historical importance for several reasons: Historical Context 1. Colonial Era: This map dates back to the Dutch colonial era when Batavia served as the administrative and commercial hub of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The VOC was a powerful trading entity that played a crucial role in the global spice trade and colonization in Southeast Asia. 2. Strategic Importance: Batavia was strategically located on the northwestern coast of Java, providing the Dutch with a critical base for their maritime operations. The city became the center of Dutch political and military control in the region. Cartographic Significance 1. Detailed Urban Layout: The map meticulously details the layout of Batavia, including its fortifications, canals, streets, and significant buildings. This level of detail provides insights into the urban planning and architectural styles of the period. 2. Military Engineering: The fortifications shown on the map illustrate the advanced military engineering techniques used by the Dutch to protect their valuable colony. The walls, bastions, and moats indicate the strategic considerations taken to defend against potential invasions. 3. Maritime Activity: The depiction of ships in the harbor highlights Batavia's role as a major maritime center. The VOC's fleets were essential for trade routes connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia, making Batavia a crucial node in global commerce. Artistic and Cultural Value 1. Artistic Elements: The decorative elements, such as the lion holding a shield and the intricate cartouches, reflect the artistic trends of Dutch Golden Age cartography. These embellishments were not only informative but also served to display the cartographer's skill and the map's prestige. 2. Cultural Exchange: Maps like this one provide evidence of cultural exchange between the Dutch and the indigenous populations of Java. The blending of Dutch and local influences can be seen in various aspects of the map and the architecture of the city. Rarity and Preservation 1. Rarity: Maps from the 17th century, especially those in good condition, are relatively rare and highly valued by collectors and historians. Each map provides a unique snapshot of historical geography and urban development. 2. Preservation of History: This map serves as a historical document, preserving knowledge about Batavia's cityscape, infrastructure, and colonial governance. It helps historians and scholars understand the socio-economic and political dynamics of the period. Conclusion The map of Batavia from 1681 is special due to its detailed depiction of one of the most important colonial cities in Southeast Asia during the Dutch Golden Age. It reflects the strategic, economic, and cultural significance of Batavia, serving as a valuable resource for understanding the history of Dutch colonialism and its global impact. The map's artistry and precision make it an important artifact in the history of cartography. --------------- The map is an original and historical map of Batavia (present-day Jakarta) on the island of Java, dated 1681. There are several details to consider when evaluating its origins and possible authorship: 1. **Style and Detail**: The intricate details and style are reminiscent of maps created by Frederick de Wit, a prominent Dutch cartographer and engraver of the 17th century. He was known for his detailed city maps and sea charts. 2. **Lack of Signature**: The absence of "F. de Wit, Excudit" could indicate either an omission or a different engraver. However, it is essential to note that some maps from that period were reproduced or copied by other engravers and cartographers. This was not uncommon, as map-making was a collaborative effort, and copies of popular maps were frequently made. 3. **Map Characteristics**: - The depiction of ships and the detailed fortifications are typical of Dutch cartography in the late 17th century. - The decorative elements, such as the lion holding a shield, are also characteristic of Dutch map engravers. 4. **Other Possible Engravers**: While Frederick de Wit is a strong candidate, other notable Dutch engravers from that period include Joan Blaeu and Willem Janszoon Blaeu. They also produced highly detailed maps and could potentially be the creators or inspirers of this map. To determine the precise authorship, you might consider: - **Comparing** this map with other confirmed works of Frederick de Wit and his contemporaries to identify stylistic similarities and differences. - **Historical Records**: Consulting historical records or publications related to Dutch cartography in the 17th century might provide more context or even direct references to this particular map. If you have access to additional details or higher-resolution images of specific sections, it might help further pinpoint the map's origin and authorship. ------------- Frederick de Wit (1629–1706) was a prominent Dutch cartographer, engraver, and publisher known for his detailed and decorative maps, atlases, and globes. He played a significant role in the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, contributing to the wealth of geographic knowledge and artistic achievement during this period. Here are key aspects of his life and work: ### Biography - **Early Life**: Frederick de Wit was born in Gouda, Netherlands, in 1629. Little is known about his early years, but he moved to Amsterdam, the epicenter of Dutch cartography, in the mid-17th century. - **Career Beginnings**: De Wit began his career as an engraver and publisher, initially producing maps that were reissues of earlier works by other cartographers, such as Joan Blaeu and Willem Janszoon Blaeu. ### Contributions to Cartography - **Mapmaking**: De Wit was known for his meticulous attention to detail and artistic flair. He produced a wide range of maps, including world maps, regional maps, city plans, and maritime charts...

Title: 1685 Alain Manesson Mallet Map of Hokkaido, Iesso, and Company’s Land Description: This engraved seventeenth-century map, titled Terre de Iesso, was published in 1685 as pa...

Russian (18/19th Cent) ornately painted and carved sleigh with carved shell front sleigh

Framed crest with Latin inscription " Spero Meliora". Translates to I hope for better things. Seems to relate to the Moffat Clan of Scotland.

JESUS CHRIST CRUCIFIED Indo-Portuguese sculpture from the 18th Century in ivor..... The figure is represented in agony, with cendal draped around the waist. Cross in rosewood wood ...

Antique map titled 'The Counti of Warwick the Shire Towne and Citie of Coventre described'. Map of Warwickshire, England. Includes inset town plans of Warwic...

Antique map titled 'Britain as divided under the Saxon Heptarchy'. An antique copper engraving map of England and Wales by Joseph Ellis depicting the period of the Saxon Heptarchy. E...

For samurai warriors, the functionality of their armor was as vital as its striking beauty—both elements held equal importance. This orange-laced armor is one of the rarest and most stunning complete Edo-period samurai suits ever crafted, designed for a military leader to convey the gravity of his power and warrior spirit at a single glance. This particularly rare armor...

A beautiful and scarce 'Bell's Edition of Shakespeare', the vanishingly scarce large paper variant, illustrated with engraved plates. The very scarce complete twenty volume set. A large paper edition, uniformly bound in full morocco. In 1785, John Bell began to issue the 36 separate plays of Shakespeare individually, collecting them here in twenty volumes in 1788 as the 'Dramatick writings of Will. Shakspere'. The set is scarcely found complete. The first two volumes here are a remarkably comprehensive and broad 'Prolegomena' to Shakespeare's works, and offer interesting analysis of Shakespeare from an era where many of his plays were often interpreted differently, both in their production and in their critical reception. The subsequent eighteen volumes consist of the plays themselves, along with notes from Samuel Johnson and George Stevens, a highlight of this particular edition. Volumes I & II: Prolegomena To The Dramatick Writings of Will. Shakespeare. Nine plates to volume I, and eight to volume II. Volume III: The Tempest and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Four plates. Volume IV: The Merry Wives of Windsor and Much Ado About Nothing. Four plates. Volume V: Measure for Measure and A Comedy of Errors. Four plates. Volume VI: Love's Labour's Lost and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Four plates. Volume VII: The Merchant of Venice and As You Like It. Four plates. Volume VIII: The Taming of The Shrew and All's Well That End's Well. Four plates. Volume IX: Twelfth Night and Winter's Tale. Four plates. Volume X: Macbeth and King John. Four plates. Volume XI: King Richard The Second...

18th-Century Russian Icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, circa 1780 A finely painted and richly gilded Russian Orthodox icon depicting St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, dating to th...

Description: Antique map titled 'A New Chart of the Coast of New England, Nova Scotia, New France or Canada, with the islands of Newfoundland, Capte Breton, St John's (..)'. Map stre...

A magnificent, rare, one of a kind, ancient Asian temple stone architectural panel, likely frieze fragment. Born in Asia, pre-18th century, most likely mu...

Antique map titled 'Nubie et Abissinie'. Original antique map of Nubia, a region along the Nile river, and Abyssinia or the Ethiopian Empire. This map o...

This original antique map titled "Le Gouvernement de l'Isle de France" represents the Île-de-France region, which historically was one of the provinces of France and contained the ci...

17th century Polychrome wooden Niche with Angels and Pilasters.

Untitled print depicting various Egyptian objects including statues. Originates from the first Dutch editon of an interesting travel account of Northern Africa titled 'Reizen en Aanm...

Skelton, John The Tunning of Elinor Rumming, a Poem London: Printed for Isaac Dalton, and sold by W. Boreham at the Angel in Pater-Noster-Row, 1718. Second Edition. Octavo, 7 5/8 x 4 5/8 in. (194 x 117 mm). pp. [8], 31, [1]. From the title page: by Skelton Laureat. Original unbound, rebound in modern pink paper over boards, leather spine label with gilt title. Some toning to last few leaves.boards All text is legible, some spot tanning throughout. In near fine condition. Rare. [ESTC N46064 ] ESTC shows two U.S. copies only: Henry E. Huntington Library and Yale University Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library; and two British Isles copies only: Oxford University Bodleian Library (both copies). This poem was printed multiple times in the 16th century, including by William Caxton's successor, Wynken de Worde. Rare as a separate volume. John Skelton (c.1463 - 1529) was a remarkable, unusual poet and priest, who had been the tutor of the Tudors, Prince Arthur...

Antique portrait titled 'Majorinus Numida'. Portrait of Majorinus, a bishop of Carthage in dispute with Ceacilianus. He favored the so-called Donatist sect. He died ca. 329 AD. This print originates from 'Historie der kerken en ketteren van den beginne des Nieuwen Testaments tot aan het jaar onses Heeren 1688 ... In het Neederduyts vertaald' by G. Arnold. Artists and Engravers: Gottfried Arnold (1666 – 1714) was a German Lutheran...

Polychromed and Gilded Plaster Carved and Gilded Frame in the Baroque Style Hispanic World 18th-19th Century This beautiful bust figure of the Virgin Mary is carved in relief on liv...

A fine example of a double barrel flintlock sporting gun by Probin, London. The browned barrels and the locks are both signed, good colour walnut stock. circa 1795 Barrel length 83c...

Antique map titled 'Amerique ou Indes Occidentales (..)'. Vaugondy's map of America, pre-dating information from any of the Cook Voyages. The NW Coast of Amer...

Antique map titled 'The Countie of Nottingham (..)'. Map of Nottinghamshire, England. Includes an inset town plan of Nottingham. This map originates from 'Theatre of Great Britaine' ...

This map, "Westmoria Comitatus; Anglice Westmorland", was created by the esteemed Dutch cartographer Willem Blaeu and was published around 1645 in 'Le Theatre du Monde ou Nouvel Atlas'. It provides a detailed look at Westmorland, a historic county in northern England, based on John Speed’s earlier map. The map features numerous place names, parks, and estates, including Brigster Park, Colnhead Park, Crosbye, and Midleton, along with a detailed depiction of Windermere (spelled Wynandermere) and the surrounding regions. Additional Features: - Hand-colored map, with vibrant and detailed colors that bring out the topographical and decorative features. - Includes intricate cartouches, such as the royal coat of arms, a decorative title cartouche topped with putti (cherubic figures), and six coats of arms (two left blank). - Depicts the region’s rich landscape, including the rolling hills and mountainous terrain of northern England. - French text on the verso, indicative of the publication period from 1645-1648, part of Blaeu’s highly sought-after atlases. - Map shows precise details of small towns, estates, and parks, such as Brigster Park, Colnhead Park, Crosbye, and Wynandermere (now Windermere Lake). This map would be of particular interest to collectors of English county maps, antique maps of northern England, 17th-century cartography, and the decorative works of Willem Blaeu. Blaeu's maps are renowned for their accuracy, artistic beauty, and historical significance. Keywords: Willem Blaeu, Westmorland map, northern England, 17th-century map, antique map, English county map, John Speed, Windermere, decorative cartography, hand-colored map, rare map, antique cartography...

This is a historical map titled "L'Empire Du Mogol, Et La Presqu Isle De L'Inde En Deca Du Gange." An original authentic map, created by Rigobert Bonne (1727-1794), an influential ...

Antique print titled 'Views of the Coast of Kamtschatka (..)'. Print with coastal views of Kamchatka including volcanoes. Originates from an edition of Cook's Voyages. Artists and ...

Antique map titled 'A General Map of Eastern and Western Tatary, commonly call'd Tartary; drawn from the Particular Maps of the Jesuit Missionaries'. Rare antique map of Tartary, C...

Voyage to the Cape of Good Hope, towards the Antarctic polar circle, and round the world, but chiefly into the country of the Caffres, from the year ...

18th century Welsh cider flask that farmers took with them to the fields for their lunch Small wrought iron carrying handle to carry it or hang it on the horse Wrought iron reinforce...

This antique map, titled "A Map of Old & New Castile from the Observations of Rodrigo Mendes Silva and others," depicts the regions of Old Castile and New Castile in Spain, along with the Kingdom of Leon, Estremadura, La Mancha, among others. The map dates back to the early 18th century, a period marked by significant political shifts and territorial changes in Europe, particularly illustrated by the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714) that reshaped Spain’s governance and regional boundaries. The map itself was published in 1714 by John Senex, a prominent English mapmaker, surveyor, globemaker, and geographer of the early eighteenth century. He was apprenticed as a young man to bookseller Robert Clavell and collaborated with notable mapmakers such as Jeremiah Seller and Charles Price. In 1728, Senex's contributions to geography and mapping were recognized when he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, an exceptional honor for a mapmaker, underlining his significant role as the Society's engraver and a publisher of maps by Edmund Halley and other notable figures. John Senex is renowned for his English Atlas, first published in the same year as this map, 1714, and continued to be printed until the 1760s. Following his death in 1740, his widow Mary Senex managed the business until 1755. Afterward, the stock passed to William Herbert and Robert Sayer for maps, and to James Ferguson for globes. The map serves not just as a geographical record but also as a historical document, reflecting the territorial divisions significant to Spain's political and economic structure at the time. The focus on Old and New Castile underscores their importance during a transformative era in Spanish history. Here are some potentially significant places and features of this map: 1. **Old Castile (Castilla la Vieja)**: Historically significant as part of the former Kingdom of Castile, this region includes major cities such as Burgos and Valladolid. These cities could be popular search...

Antique map titled 'Carte de l'Amerique Méridionale'. Original antique map of South America. Note the 'Laguna de Xarayes' is illustrated as the source of the Paraguay river. The laguna is now known as Pantanal, world's largest tropical wetland area. This map orginates from 'Abrégé de l'histoire générale des Voyages' by J.F. de la Harpe.

George III Mahogany Banjo Barometer By Edie & Son. Edinburgh Alexander James Adie FRSE MWS (7 November 1775, Edinburgh – 4 December 1858, Edinburgh) was a Scottish maker of medical ...

A 18th Century figure of the Pietà or the ''Virgin of Mercy'' , carved in polychrome chestnut wood. Our Lady appears seated on the throne with her head covered by a mantle supporting...

Antique map titled 'La Hongrie suivant les Nouvelles Observations (..)'. Antique map of Hungary with decorative title cartouche. Artists and Engravers: ...

Antique map titled 'Accurata Scaniae, Blekingae et Hallandiae Descriptio per F. de Wit Amstelodami'. This map shows South Sweden with an inset of Halmstad and vicinity. Contemporary ...

Antique map titled 'Comitatus Marchia et Ravensberg'. This map depicts two historical counties of the Holy Roman Empire: Marks and Ravensberg. Major cities, towns, mountains, and riv...

Antique map titled 'Ducatus Uplandiae cum Westmanniae Sudermanniae (..)' This map shows parts of Finland and Sweden. Originally published by Frederick de Wit in the late 1600's. ...

Hand bell or bell, “from Malinas”. Bronze. 16th century. Hand bell with clapper made of bronze and decorated on the outside with a slight relief. The base has, between bands, an ins...