Metal Historical Memorabilia

Original Singer sewing machine with all original parts. USA, circa 1920.

A hanging Dolly Madison Ice Cream Lithographed Tin Flavor Board, circa late 1940s. Ice Cream and soda flavor boards were originally displayed in soda fountains and general stores ac...

Antique French pair of shell casings from the World War I Very typical of this war because the freedom of Alsace and Lorraine was one of the many issues at stake in this confrontati...

A very good antique Greek Revival cast iron kylix, by the celebrated sculptor Edward William Wyon (1811-1885), for the Great Exhibition at Crysta...

Huge 18th C. Venetian Larger Then California King Bed Crest Finials Panel Board. Imposing circa 1700’s Venetian bed detailed with cartouches. Composed of two smaller frames. Exquisit...

An 18th century wax seal in brass with boxwood handle with a nice aged old patina Important noble coat of arms Height 8.5 cm, surface area of the seal 3 cm, diameter top boxwood gri...

An important Italian-made Berkel prosciutto slicer model 330M. The slicer has two parts: the pedestal with 4 castors and the machine itself. The iconic flywheel mechanism helps the ...

This antique Victorian knife cleaning and sharpening machine was made by Kent's of London England in circa 1880 in the period Victorian style. The machine is composed of two sharpening stones...

A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...

A military grade forged metal shovel with a protective leather cover used by the Swiss Army mountaineers during World War II.

A rare Christmas ornament set from Germany or Austria. Each is made from mouth blown glass, one of pressed cotton, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. ...

A beautiful German Belsnickle / Santa Claus Candle. Was probably made before World War two in Germany. Scattered wear due to age. It is made of wax and is hand-painted. Nice addition...

Underwood ” Vintage manual typewriter The Underwood Typewriter Company was a manufacturer of typewriters headquartered in New Yor...

A 1960s souvenir building architectural model. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. A beautiful nice desktop item or just a display item in your collecti...

Unusual antique two-handled silver trophy cup with cast and hand chased detail including a cavalry horse riding scene depicting a competition of horsemanship inside an arena. There i...

Vintage telephone is an original design object realized in the 1930s/40s. A brass and wood vintage telephone. Fair conditions due to the time. ...

A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...

Antique vintage kodak wooden trimming board by Eastman. The wooden cutting surface measures 6 inches tall by 5 inches wide by 3/4 inches tall. Some of the original writing can be seen on the surface of the board and the ruler on the top is visible. This board was used for trimming photographs. Beautiful and interesting piece for your use or library decor...

Faisandiere or Daubiere or Chaponniere, Louis XIV, oval tripod in bronze, with a crenellated lid with a U-shaped handle, from the end of the 17th / beginning of the 18th century. Su...

An extremely rare ring that commemorates the naval hero, Horatio Nelson, who died in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar, fighting against the Napoleonic forces. Dr William Nelson, the admiral's brother, ordered 58 mourning rings for family and friends and every admiral and post-captain who fought at the Battle of Trafalgar . The ring is inscribed on the bezel ‘Trafalgar’; outside the hoop with Nelson’s motto in Latin, ‘Let him who earned it bear the palm [of victory]’, adopted by Nelson from a poem ‘Ad Ventos’ written in 1727 by John Jortin (1698-1770). Inside is the inscription ‘Lost to his country 21 October 1805, aged 47’. The initials N and B stand for Nelson and Bronte. Admiral Nelson was given the title of Duke of Bronte in 1799 by the King of Sicily and in 1801 became a Viscount. The two coronets above the initials refer to these titles. Tthe motto Palmam qui meruit ferat ("let him who has earned it, bear the palm") was added to his coat of arms in 1798 after the Battle of the Nile. Nelson was buried with full honours in St Paul's Cathedral. His cortege consisted of 32 admirals, over a hundred captains, and an escort of 10,000 soldiers. This ring is an example of only fifty-eight that were made by Nelson's jeweller John Salter in 1806. Thirty-one were for Nelson's close family and friends, the rest for pall-bearers and other dignitaries (see The Nelson Dispatch, vol.3 pt.XII, oct.1990). Three similar examples of this ring are held extremely prestigious museums in the capital. One is in the Greenwich National Maritime Museum in London, another in The British Museum in London and another in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, exhibited in the Jewellery Gallery, case 23, no. 8. The ring has a particularly special provenance, arguably like no other mourning ring of Admiral Nelson’s. The ring belonged to the Reverend Alexander John Scott. The Reverend Alexander John Scott (1768-1840) was a British naval chaplain. He was appointed to the flagship H.M.S. Victory in 1803 where he served as private secretary to Lord Nelson. He was with Nelson when when he was shot on the quarter-deck of the Victory at the battle of Trafalgar on the 21st October 1805. Scott attended his dying chief in the cockpit of the flagship, receiving his last wishes. He refused to leave Nelson's body until it was brought back to England and placed in the coffin to lie in the Painted Hall Greenwich. The ring, lock of hair and music book were passed down by the direct descendants of the Reverend Alexander John Scott's family and eventually gifted to the previous owners. The music book was a personal possession of the Reverend which gives watertight provenance of the person who owned the ring. It is not clear exactly what Admiral Nelson’s last words really were although Scott documents Nelson’s last words to be “God and my country“. However, it is also recorded that a statement during his last hours was "Thank God I have done my duty.” Perhaps these two statements uttered in the last moments sound similar when mumbled by a feeble dying man. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy is that Scott remained by Admiral Nelson’s side as he died and his version is probably the most reliable. The lock of hair is reputedly that of Lord Admiral Nelson. Without a DNA test there can be no conclusive proof of such. However, given that Reverend Alexander John Scott was with Nelson from the moment he was shot on the quarter-deck of H.M.S. Victory until the moment he was placed in his coffin, there is no reason to believe it is not a lock of Nelson’s hair. It is difficult to overstate the significance and rarity of Nelson’s mourning rings. With only fifty-eight made, the vast majority of them were given to close family members and only a few were given to close friends. A close friend who receives a morning ring...

A rare Christmas ornament set of twelve mushrooms. Each is made from thin mouth blown glass. This would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Found at an Es...

This beautiful telephone is made of crystal and brass. It's makes for a historical statement in one's home. A conversation piece from the past. The crystal is cut and shaped on the b...

Every year a well-known Danish artist designs the Georg Jensen Christmas Ornament. In its many incarnations over the years it has becom...

Extremly Rare South American Silver-Mounted Miquelet-Lock Blunderbuss Belt Pistol Late 18th century, Mexican With a roped silver band around the turned and belled muzzle, the forward sections polygonal and inlaid with silver fronds, octagonal breeches with silver foliage on the flats either side, a broad silver band at the rear, foliate engraved tangs, characteristic locks with fluted mount beneath the pan enclosing the steel-spring, full stocks inlaid with silver panels secured by silver pins and pierced and engraved with foliage inhabited by monsters, birds and a pair of rabits, the last forward of the trigger-guards, and studded with further silver pins. The fore-ends en suite and each inlaid with a silver panel pierced and engraved as a double-headed eagle, foliate engraved silver side-plates each pierced for an iron belt hook...

Although it may resemble a trampoline, this is an extremely rare fire safety net designed to catch those leaping from burning buildings. The net was patented in 1887 by Thomas F. Bro...

The telegraph apparatus made in early 20th century and equipped with electric motor (Københavns Elektromotor Fabrik) perhaps later ca 1925. The brass and steel instrument is state of the art creation by legendary Danish engineers. Very good, minimal age n usage wear, original state, very well preserved and likely functioning. Please study high-res pictures for cosmetic condition! Register serial 70868. app. 14,5 cm high (6”) 27 cm deep (11”) and 22 cm wide (9”). App. 6,2 kg weight it is going to measure some 9 kg packed for shipment. Wheatstone type transmitter was produced by The Great Northern Telegraph Company (Det Store Nordiske Telegrafselskab A / S) that was founded in Denmark in June 1869. It was set up as a merger of three recently established telegraph companies initiated by Danish industrial mogul Carl Frederik Tietgen. The aim of the firm was to create a worldwide telegraph company. The former headquarters of the GNTC on The Bund, Shanghai. The starting point of The Great Northern Telegraph Company (now GN Store Nord) was a concession agreement, which C.F. Tietgen made with the Russian Tzar...

This is an antique Calvary officer's field boot jack. An English, oak and brass campaign shoe pull with tools, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1800. Fascinating boot aid, ideal...

PRESENTING a FANTASTIC and HISTORIC Early 19C American Hepplewhite Virginian Secretary Chest with OUTSTANDING Provenance. This Secretary Chest was made in Virginia in the Early 19th Century, circa 1810. It is made of cherry, walnut and maple and is most definitely in the Hepplewhite Style of the period, with it’s original Hepplewhite brass drawer pulls. IT IS A REALLY INTRIGUING AND HISTORIC PIECE, ESPECIALLY, WHEN VIEWED IN CONTEXT WITH IT”S AMAZING PROVENANCE! This piece was originally owned by Major William Alexander Obenchain who ‘hailed’ from the State of Virginia. He was an engineer and was in the Virginia Corps of Engineers during the Civil War and served on General Robert E. Lee’s staff. It was acquired by him before the Civil War and we believe that this piece was on campaign with him during the War. We know for a fact that he fought at the Richmond Campaign in 1864, as we have, in our Collection, his original Field Map for that Campaign which ended the War. It has remained in family ownership ever since. It has come directly from the Family Estate, together with other VERY IMPORTANT items belonging to Major Obenchain and other IMPORTANT items that belonged to his wife, Eliza Calvert Hall-Obenchain. ALL these items contained in the Collection, are listed/posted individually on our Website. The top drawer is on retractable curved side hinge supports and pulls outwards and drops to reveal a secretary and writing area. The Bureau/Secretary Gallery has 6 drawers and 6 cubbies, a central tabernacle door with another drawer and 2 cubbies and this is flanked by 2 secret pull out compartments. The central tabernacle door has it’s original key and working lock. Closed, it is almost ‘flush’ like the rest of the drawers, with some very minor bowing through age. The 3 drawers underneath are graduated in size and it ends with a serpentine shaped base and sits on four hand carved legs with original metal casters, marked ‘Universal 3’. It has it’s original brasses and hardware throughout, save the addition to 2 contemporary replacement brass hinges to the drop down desk front, as the original hinges were broken, could not be repaired and were not supporting the weight of the drop down leaf. Some minor repairs but not noticeable. Otherwise, the piece is in it’s entirely, ORIGINAL condition! What makes this piece even MORE INTRIGUING and APPEALING HISTORICALLY, are the 2 ‘historic’ circular holes on the piece:- (1) in the back of the piece as seen in the photos. This hole is not symmetrical or fully round and appears to serve no purpose to the piece whatsoever. Sometimes, pieces have holes for wiring for lighting, put in them over the years, but this one never had such lighting or, indeed, any such explanation for this hole, AND (2) the rear hole is replicated, in the corner portion of the bottom drawer and someone (a very long time ago) has used a tin can top, to cover the hole in the back of the drawer. The tin can top is period to the Civil War Era and is embossed “Minimum Volume 1 Pint”. Our conclusion, is that (whilst we are, by no means ballistic experts) that these holes were created by musket balls, fired during one of the Major’s campaigns in the Civil War. It is entirely conceivable that this piece, being strapped into a covered wagon for carriage, would have been on it’s side. We are of the opinion that both holes, were caused or created by a musket ball entered the chest trough the base and back. We also believe that ‘the Major’, used what he had at his disposal on the battlefield, namely, a tin can lid to repair the hole in the drawer. SO THIS PIECE IS A VERY SPECIAL PIECE OF US HISTORY, INDEED! NOT ONLY IS IT AN EARLY 19th CENTURY AMERICAN PIECE, WITH A CONNECTION TO THE STATE OF VIRGINIA, THE CIVIL WAR, HISTORIC & IMPORTANT FIGURES IN THAT WAR AND IMPECCABLE PROVENANCE AND HISTORY! IT IS TRULY UNIQUE! William Alexander Obenchain. Born April 27, 1841 at Buchanan, Botetourt Co., Virginia. Parents: Thomas Jefferson Obenchain and Elizabeth Ann Sweetland. Entered VMI on July 18, 1859 as a member of the VMI (Virginia Military Institute...

Chinese Silver & Leather Theatre Opera / Wedding Tiered Phoenix Headdress, 1920s Silvered Metal & leather and embroidered Mandarin hat This Chinese silv...

Arrow set and quiver leather case historical collectible piece Includes four arrows Measures: arrow 16 long x 23.5 x 2.25 diameter Original vintage condition and presentation See our...

A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, marked Walter, Berlin and #1714. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolat...

A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, marked Walter, Berlin and #4572. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolat...

This beer stein has detailed displays that open the window into the dark history of anti-Semitism that existed in Europe in the 19th century. It was made in a town called Hohr-Grenzh...

A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...

Steins with anti-Jewish images were very popular in late 19th century Germany. The constitution of the newly unified Germany, adopted in 1871, emancipated all Jews. The following dec...

Judith Leiber miniature duck form purse with mirror, comb and change purse. Signed. Mid 1990's

A very fine antique Italian attributed grand tour bronze lidded censer applied with birds dating from around 1860. The censer stands raised on a square ba...

A rare Christmas ornament from Germany or Austria. It is made of Celluloid and very delicate, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. It is in nice conditi...

A leather and wooden gaming paddle from the mid-20th century. This vintage game paddle from India features a wooden handle and droplet-shaped body which has been wrapped in stretched...

Collection of Six vintage woodworking files United States 20th century Cast steel Height on custom display stands: 16.25 - 22.75 in. / 41 - 58 cm.

An extraordinary very rare Holy Sabbat oil lamp with the Hebrew language inscriptions which means “Holy Sabbat”. Made out of bronze and has an untouched patina. Those kind of Oil Lam...

Presented is an original pair of Civil War-used binoculars, with their original leather carrying case. The binoculars were used by Colonel Francis L. Lee of Massachusetts during the ...

A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...

The beauty is in the details of this Turkish antique Brass Shoe Stand. The details include accessories like an old shoe shine kit with bottles and...

This is an antique dog kennel club medal. A German, cast metal Dachshund breed award in carry case, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Th...

A delicate pair of handmade magnifying wire rim eye glasses from the American Civil War era, circa 1860. A great looking historical conversation p...

A Rare and Historic 1859 Elkington Silvered Bronze Victorian Centerpiece with Cut-Glass Bowl. Presenting a magnificent Victorian silvered bronze centerpiece of unmatched rarity and importance, crafted by the renowned Elkington Mason & Co., Birmingham, in 1859. This exceptional work, complete with its original cut-glass bowl, epitomizes 19th-century British craftsmanship and artistry. Hallmarked to the base, this centerpiece showcases intricate sculptural details, embodying a high level of technical prowess and aesthetic refinement characteristic of Elkington's celebrated works. The centerpiece's striking design features three meticulously rendered figures—a young hunter, a friar, and a fishmonger—each embodying elements of Victorian life and industry. At their feet, a loyal spaniel and various game highlight the naturalistic approach to the composition, enhanced by the masterful chasing and dynamic form. This sculptural ensemble rests on an elaborately decorated base, exuding both grandeur and narrative depth. Adding profound historical value are two engraved plaques. The first, dated “January 28, 1859,” reads: “Presented to William Johnson Esq. as a token of respect & esteem by the workpeople in the employ of Messrs Richard Johnson & Brother, Manchester.” The second, an inscription from 1941, states: “Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers, Alias Wire Workers of the City of London, Presented by Arthur Laurence Johnson M.A., Grandson of William Johnson, both Wire Workers, with his Daughter Eleanor Morton Johnson, a Freeman of the Company, to commemorate his Mastership 1941-42.” These inscriptions chart a rich lineage, connecting the Johnson family to pivotal moments in industrial history. William Johnson, alongside his brother Richard, assumed leadership of a wire-drawing firm in 1838, which would later become Richard Johnson & Nephew Ltd. Their contributions included providing galvanized armored wire for the historic 1857 transatlantic telegraph cable...

A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Clown Head is approx. 3 1/4" high and 1 3/4" at the widest point, think it is approx. 1940s or older. Lantern is approx. 2 5/8" high (1910s) and the little Santa...

Antique 19th century Victorian freight truck used to transport feed to local dairies, this metal carriage has a solid oak top, original wheels and tilt lever, later sign written for ...

Every year a well-known Danish artist designs the Georg Jensen Christmas Ornament. In its many incarnations over the years it has become a tradition representative of Danish handcrafts - and a much-loved decorations in many homes. The 1991 Christmas Mobile, "Christmas Deer", is the 8th in the captivating series from Georg Jensen. Once again, a Danish designer has sought inspiration in the classic Scandinavian...

Every year a well-known Danish artist designs the Georg Jensen Christmas Ornament. In its many incarnations over the years it has become a tradition representative of Danish handcraf...

Every year a well-known Danish artist designs the Georg Jensen Christmas Ornament. In its many incarnations over the years it has becom...

This grouping of some three dozen WW1 items come from the estate of CPL. D.C Stewart who served in the Infantry of the 21st Regiment of the Canadian Armed Fo...

Large and powerful binoculars made by the Japanese company Nikon in the 1950s An elegant and stylish piece for the study or library, and very suitable to take on board your yacht. ...

NYC Metropolitan Opera Opening Night Brass Ticket Key Chain, Lowell Sigmund, 1981

A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size always given for the tallest item...

Elaborately handcrafted, intricately decorated set of two late Biedermeier brass goblets/ mugs from the so-called "second period" aorund 1860 in Austria. This artfully made antique B...

This beautiful Art nouveau green and golden color cast iron Christmas tree stand, was made in Germany, in the 1910s. A nice addition for your Christmas decoration. It holds a stem up...