Edo Period Samurai Suit

This exquisite Tetsusabiji Uchidashi Gomai Dou Gusoku (Five-Plate Russet Iron Embossed Cuirass Armor), crafted in the 18th century, exemplifies the pinnacle of Edo-period samurai arm...

Complete with a lacquered surface and original silk straps, this Japanese Edo-period traveling hat, or jingasa, first emerged during the illustrious period between 1603 and 1868, a t...

This rare and authentic pair of Chilean spurs is stunning to behold. Traditionally worn by huasos, or Chilean cowboys, these silvered steel spurs, or esp...

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...

One of the most amazing timepieces we have ever acquired that offers far more than meets the eye, this incredible work of art blends the beauty of a painting with the mechanical complexities of both a cylinder music box and an automaton. While it is clear to see the integrated clock residing within the arched giltwood and gesso frame, when activated, this painting quite literally comes alive. As the cylinder mechanism within plays its lovely tune, every character in the farrier's shop becomes animated – from the group of farrier's toiling away at the forge and anvil forming the horseshoes, to the wagging of the charming terrier's tale. This musical automaton picture clock is attributed to Xavier Tharin of Paris who was the preeminent creator of this fantastical "moving pictures", especially this particular farrier scene. His process mixed oil painting and hand-colored lithograph images that were layered starting from the back, middle and foreground to craft the complex series of movements throughout the painting. A look inside this particular work reveals the complex mechanism (with the three gongs, pendulum and cylinder components immediately visible) which must run the timepiece, the cylinder musical component plus the multitude of moving elements in the painting...a truly incredible feat considering the technical prowess to create just one of these devices. Musical picture clocks...

This extremely rare, early Swiss fusée singing bird box by the renowned Charles Bruguier combines exquisite artistry with outstanding mechanical cra...

Spectacular Samurai Stirrups These spectacular samurai stirrups are a fine example of Japanese craftsmanship. They are made of iron with silver and b...

A Rare Leather Cover Decorated with Samurai Clan Crest This rare leather cover is a stunning example of Japanese craftsmanship. It is dated to the Mid Edo period, circa 17-18th cent...

Antique Japanese Samurai Manga book Edo period, circa 1840 Woodblack print book Book dimensions: 224mm x 156 mm There are damages becau...

JINGASA - ICHIMON-GASA EDO Period 19th Century Jingasa, flat-shaped Samurai headdress made of wood, the exterior covered with black lacquer depicting a brown kamon, a Japanese heral...

Elaborately made set of armor , reflecting high social status of the owner. It is appears austere and yet sophisticated with multiple gilded family crests and arabesque design on gilded copper fittings. Very fine 32 plate Kabuto helmet...

Excellent set of Samurai armor Edo period. According to the inscription on the Dou(cuirass), Armor was commissioned by a leading member of Wada Samurai family, Wada Masatada to a renown armor maker, Myochin Munetaka. 18th century. Pristine condition, with only minor abrasions and losses due to significant age. PRICE and other inquiries, please send a message. It holds prestigious Tokubetsu Kitcho Shiryo (especially important cultural item), papers by Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai (The Association for the Research and Preservation of Japanese Armor...