A group of three English Regency straw bonnets circa 1820

About as exotic and decorative as they get, this magnificent playing card or games box has a deep red or burgundy background which is smothered in the most exquisite fine penwork wit...

American cast iron copying press with a circular three spoke cork screw wheel, flanking scrolled support arms, pressure plate, and resting on the original r...

This very elegant pair of English Regency period classical bronze urns are of small proportions and made to a very stylish and sophisticated design. They stand on plain square bases ...

Antique English Regency Period Rosewood Inlaid Box, Circa 1820.

English Regency flanking dolphin door knocker with figural face. Early 19th Century

This is a set of three little spill vases made by an unknown Staffordshire maker in circa 1820, which was the Regency era. Two of the vases are cobalt blue, one is salmon, and all three have beautiful gilding and hand painted flowers. Spill vases were used for match sticks to kindle the fire. Match sticks in 1820 weren't what they are today: they were short hand-cut sticks of wood and came in bundles. Everyone had a "spill vase" on the mantle piece or on a little side table next to the fire, so that the fire could be kindled at any moment. In the early 19th century there were at some point 300 potteries in Staffordshire, and artists would move from pottery to pottery, attracted by competitive wages. Unless items are clearly marked, it is often difficult to identify them and I have not been able to clearly identify these three spill vases as everyone made them. The two cobalt blue vases are clearly from the same maker; the salmon colored one is slightly shorter and different in shape, but basically the same. All have nicely shaped rims and three charming lion's claws as feet. There is beautiful gilding and stunning hand painted flowers in the reserves. Condition report: All vases have some wear; one of the cobalt blue vases had a foot broken and restuck (this is stable and not very visible when in position) and the salmon vase...