Rock-Ola Ten Pins Bowling Machine

A triumph of ingenuity and craftsmanship, this Swiss cipher machine is a fabulous example of mechanical precision. Cipher machines are used to encrypt a...

Considered the first step into the world of modern photocopying, the copying machine was among the first widely used devices to successfully produce an ex...

Rock Crystal and Gold Agnus Dei Late 16th, early 17th century Case made in Milan Agnus Dei in wax from the Vatican Among the most significant religious artifacts of the Renaissance, the Agnus Dei medallion exemplifies the height of Catholic devotional culture. Believed to hold sacramental blessings and even miraculous power, these sacred wax objects were crafted from the melted remains of the Paschal candle used in Rome and personally blessed by the Pope. Their rarity was compounded by their fragility—few survived intact, making them among the most coveted religious items of their time. This extraordinary example, dating from the late 16th to early 17th century, defied the odds of survival. Encased in its original rock crystal and gold setting, among the most luxurious materials available when it was made, the wax itself features subtle yet remarkably preserved imprints—an almost impossible feat given its delicate nature. It is the only known example outside of a museum, with possibly two others in institutional collections. Made for a patron of exceptional wealth, this late Renaissance masterpiece marries religious significance with extraordinary craftsmanship. The oval rock crystal frame encases the wax Agnus Dei, encircled by exquisite gold mounting with black enamel detailing and twisted gold cord. Rock crystal caryatids shaped as dog heads with gold collars transition into female busts that curve into scrolls, resting on teardrop elements adorned with vibrant enamel. Two elegant gold scrolls wrap around back-to-back dog muzzles at the top, crowned by an enamel-decorated knob and suspension ring—creating a devotional object of unparalleled artistic refinement. The fragile composition of Agnus Dei medallions meant that most were easily damaged—cracking, collecting dirt or crumbling over time. Their pristine whiteness held such sacred significance that in 1572, Pope Gregory XIII issued a Papal Bull...

This charming musical jewelry and sewing box is a work of sublime artistry. Almost certainly German or Austrian in origin and crafted of deep, ebonized...

This rare and unique game is in excellent all original condition with it's original, highly lithographed colorful box, This seemingly little used pre-war game is completely intact an...

A very cool MCM wood bowling pin trophy - "Hoboken Women's Industrial League", circa 1950s. The pin is in good vintage condition and measures 3"D x 9.5"H. Unique piece! #4243

Handcrafted of Canaletto walnut, this portable bowling set includes three balls and six stylized pins with biscuit leather details. A sophisticated gift fo...

Rare and possibly unique imposing bowling andirons. Cast iron with an old black painted surface. American, circa 1925.