Metal Collectibles and Curiosities

A perfectly Pop Art 1980s pouring paint can piggy bank/sculpture. Metal paint can with a quarter-sized coin slot in its bottom appears to be defying gravity by resting on a pouring ...

Antique maritime navy compass in very nice original condition.

Rare nautical survey magnetic compass, brass pocket, signed Gruchon & Emons Paris No. 81 1918, made for U.S Engineer Corps and in use by officers during World War I. This is a smal...

A French bronze armillary sphere depicting Atlas carrying the world from the late 19th century with verdigris patina. Created in France during the last quarter of the 19th century, t...

Impressive sterling silver chess board medieval style chess set. The chess board, made by ARVAL ARGENTI VALENZA, was made in white marble and sodalite is supported by a STERLING SILVER frame made with the casting method and finished with a chisel, subsequently burnished and reproducing the bricks of a wall of a fortress. This "frame" is supported at the four horses two tone...

Collector’s Edition Book (No. 401–2,400), numbered and signed by Sebastião Salgado, with corresponding bookstand designed by Renzo Piano exclusively f...

A Very Fine German 19th Century Louis XVI Style Burr Walnut Bechstein Concert Grand Piano, Serial No. 5655. The beautifully crafted Grand piano, raised on three tapered barrel shaped legs, with an intricately carved ornate music desk and original keys. Circa: 1872. Length: 80 inches (203.2 cm) Width: 59 inches: (149.9 cm) Height (top closed): 38 5/8 inches (98.1 cm) C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik AG (also known as Bechstein) is a German manufacturer of pianos, established in 1853 by Carl Bechstein. Before Bechstein Young Carl Bechstein studied and worked in France and England as a piano craftsman, before he became an independent piano maker. His first pianos were made for other companies. C. Bechstein C. Bechstein piano factory was founded on 1 October 1853 by Carl Bechstein in Berlin, Germany. Carl Bechstein set out to manufacture a piano able to withstand the great demands imposed on the instrument by the virtuosi of the time, such as Franz Liszt. In 1857, Hans von Bülow (Liszt's son-in-law) gave the first public performance on a Bechstein grand piano by performing Liszt's Piano Sonata in B minor in Berlin By 1870, with endorsements from Franz Liszt and Hans von Bülow, Bechstein pianos had become a staple in many concert halls and private mansions. By that time three piano makers, all of which were founded in 1853, became established as the industry leaders across the world: Bechstein, Blüthner and Steinway & Sons. In 1881 Bechstein began supplying pianos to Queen Victoria. A gilded art-case piano was delivered to Buckingham Palace, followed by several more Bechstein pianos to Windsor Castle and other royal residences. By January 1886 they were among the piano manufacturers holding a Royal Warrant as a supplier to the Queen. Several British embassies across the world acquired Bechstein pianos. In 1885, Bechstein opened a branch in London, that eventually grew to become the largest showroom and dealership in Europe. By 1890 showrooms had been opened in Paris, Vienna, and Saint Petersburg. On 31 May 1901, Bechstein Hall, built at a cost of £100,000, was opened next to the company's London showroom at 36-40 Wigmore Street. Between 1901 and 1914, C. Bechstein was the largest piano dealership in London. At that time, Bechstein was patronized by the tsars of Russia, the royal families of Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Austria and Denmark, and other royalty and aristocracy. The list of royal clients of Bechstein may be found on the soundboard of vintage Bechstein pianos made before the Second World War. The list is part of the original Bechstein trademark logo; it can be seen under the strings in the center of a piano's soundboard. The signature of Carl Bechstein The years from the 1870s through 1914 brought Bechstein their most dramatic increase in sales. In 1880 a second Bechstein factory was opened in Berlin, and the third factory was opened in 1897 in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Production reached 3,700 pianos annually in 1900, and 4,600 in 1910, making Bechstein the largest German manufacturer of high-end pianos. At that time, about three quarters of production went to international markets, especially Britain and the Commonwealth, and Russia. Carl Bechstein died in 1900, and the Bechstein company continued to operate under the management of his sons. Between 1900 and 1914 C. Bechstein was one of the leading piano makers in the world, employing 1,200 craftsmen and workers by 1913 and making five thousand pianos per year. First World War C. Bechstein suffered huge property losses in London, Paris, and St. Petersburg during World War I. The largest loss was in London. Although the company's position in the United Kingdom was initially unaffected, with the company still listed as holding a Royal Warrant in January 1915, Warrants to both King George V, and his wife Queen Mary were cancelled on 13 April 1915. Bechstein was not the only musical concern to be affected by growing anti-German sentiment: there were earlier attempts, led by William Boosey, to boycott German music altogether. In 1915, despite being a Baronet and Privy Counsellor, Sir Edgar Speyer, who was then funding the Proms, was forced to leave the country. Following the passing of the Trading with the Enemy Amendment Act 1916 the British arm of the company was wound-up on 5 June 1916, all Bechstein property, including the concert hall and showrooms full of pianos, were seized as "enemy property" and closed. In 1916 the hall was sold as alien property at auction to Debenhams for £56,500. It was renamed Wigmore Hall, and then re-opened under the new name in 1917. All 137 Bechstein pianos at the Bechstein showrooms were confiscated too, and became property of the new owner of the Hall. After a dispute with his brother, Edwin Bechstein left the company and was paid off. Eventually the Bechstein factory resumed full-scale production during the 1920s. At that time, technical innovations and inventions of new materials and tools, as well as improvements in piano design and construction, had allowed Bechstein to become one of the leading piano makers again. The most successful models were the updated "A"-185 and "B"-208 grand pianos. The upright pianos became more popular after the war, and C. Bechstein were successful with its upright pianos Model-8 and Model-9, both of which have been considered the finest upright pianos. As the company was changed into a joint-stock company 1923, Edwin Bechstein and his wife Helene, bought themselves back into the company as shareholders. In 1930 the company collaborated with German electrical goods manufacturer Siemens under Nobel laureate Walther Nernst to produce one of the first electric pianos...

A beautiful vintage floor ashtray, made of brass, with beautiful onyx elements. The ashtray has a turning system, when you press the top button, the bowl in the middle turns around a...

A fine puukko knife & sheath from the 1960's. Designed by Tapio Wirkkala and produced by Hackman. The puukko comprising a stainless steel blade, brass fittings, and a black nylon ...

1940s Vornado vintage antique electric fan powerful and silent. Art Deco era electric table desk top fan with modern industrial design. Has one ...

This is an antique French domino game in a wooden box Mid to late 1800s All complete with 28 dominoes The dominoes have a bone front, ebony backings and brass tacks The dominoes a...

Mechanical vesta matches box designed by Asprey & Company. This is a very rare and unusual mechanical vesta-box for matches, created in London England by Asprey & Company Limited, b...

This beautiful antique Holy Book was printed in England circa 1870. The impressive Victorian family Bible, titled "The National Comprehensive Family Bible", was edited by Rev. John E...

These petite bronze tools date to the late 19th century and were originally among the many accessories that comprised an opium smoking kit. Both tools are ...

A wonderful model of an Arts & Crafts period house, hand painted and constructed out of metal and wood, with front porch, glass windows, and front dormer and chimney, with great surf...

We present a timeless treasure: the antique American cash register from the early 20th century, revisited and enriched with the charm of Italian lire! Enter a world where history an...

Rare English silver-gilt book-form chess and backgammon game board, circa 1976. This exceptional and rare solid silver chess board converts into a backgammon board and can also be placed in a bookshelf to add more opulence. (3 in 1). This was most definitely a private commissioned piece by the House of Garrard...

ABOUT Price per item. Vintage saws with hand carved wood handles, brass labels, brass screws and steel blades. Two have brass backs. CREATOR Diss...

Classic 1950s Kay M 1 Upright String Bass, Standard 3/4 size........ a bass that needs no introduction. Kay's laminate stand-up basses are workhorses that always deliver and sound a...

ABOUT An Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Black and silver Art Deco design on both sides Show...

Rare and completely ridable. Bike: 57.5" H x 27" W x 66" D Base: 70" W x 15" D

From the exuberant 1980s, this new old stock, in the original box vintage Gucci gold plated perfume bottle necklace / pendant is ready to be worn for the first time. Perfume tube has...

Handbag cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fire enamel. Opening with spring button. Size cm. 6.3 x 9.7 x 1.5. Weight gr. 215. Created in Art Deco style for Cartier...

This is an antique technical drawing set. A German, architect's or cartographer's instrument case by Wichmann, dating to the early 20th c...

Fabulous Mexican Taxco abstract modernist .970 silver bracelet by Antoñio Pineda, circa 1960s. This piece is not only a ready to wear creation but also a dynamic piece of modern scu...

Carl Auböck Model #5615 'Star' solid brass keyring with signature. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricate...

Italian Medieval / Renaissance-style (19th Century) metal life size suit of armor with fluted breast plate on a square wooden base. Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use...

18kt Gold and Natural Diamonds "Universal Geneve" Manual Winding Women's Watch, 1970s Manual Winding. Working clock. Elegant and functional. 18kt yellow gold and 0.72ct natural dia...

A highly important engraved Islamic combination locking brass casket, based on a design by the 12th Century Arab inventor & artist Ismail Al Jazari. Circa...

Edwardian Royal Caledonian Curling Club Silver Medal. An unused, silver, district curling medal with blue ribbon and bar from the Royal Caledonian Curling Club. The curling medallion has no hallmarks or makers marks but comes in a Hamilton and Inches, 88 Princes Street, Edinburgh cardboard box. The reverse embossed 'Royal Caledonian Curling Club, Instituted 25 July 1838, District Medal, front depicts a curling match in play with the Scotland Coat of arms...

Automa Animato Tedesco Gabbia Con Uccellino del 1920 circa costituito da una gabbia rotonda in ottone dorato con al suo interno un uccello animato canterino su di un trespolo con un ...

London: John Murray, 1904. First, Limited Edition. 4to, 9 5/8 x 7 3/4 inches (244 x197 mm); xxv, map, 328 pp. Wide margins, printed on hand-made unbleached Arnold paper. 48 full-pa...

Wonderful Art Deco Amsterdam School gong or bell. Striking Dutch design from the 1930s. Patinated wrought iron. In very good condition with a beautiful patina.

Antique industrial block and tackle pulley / hook by Madesco Products, circa 1930s. The two piece system is in good vintage condition and the larger piece measures 5"W x 4.5"D x 15"H...

Great item for toy collectors and those who collect aeronautical items. Being offered is a very rare German Penny Toy from the 1920’s, manufactured by the well known, and quality toy...

A set of 6 hand crafted antique cross pendant. Each pendant is different in style and shows Native American design in the style of pendant is mad...

Shipbuilder's model of the motor tanker VIBIT, made in 1963. 1 : 150 scale. Model made by: AB Sverre, Gothenburg, Sweden. The motor tanker Vibit was built by A/B Götaverken, Goth...

Under-appreciated but exceptionally made Antique New Williams Company treadle sewing machine with leather belt and working mechanism. Inside it ...

Antique English nautical ship / Yacht / lifeboat gimbal compass / binnacle. Copper and brass body with single oil lamp on one side for illumination. Gimbal Sestrel compass...

Gorgeous mid/late 1800 religious art for the collectors and enthousiasts. In antiques it very often is the case that how older the piece is, the better the quality and the details. ...

A Japanese portable ship's foghorn in original case. By the Tokyo Siren Co. Circa 1975. Type: SH-180 The foghorn is hand cranked, and is in full working order, emittin a loud ton...

An 18K Gold and Gem Set Bust of a King, by George Weil London, circa 1970 This magnificent 18K gold and gem-set bust of a king, crafted by George Weil in London, stands as an embodi...

Very cool vintage Empire State building model in metal, circa 1960s. The piece has a great well worn patina and measures 4.25"W x 2.75"D x 11.5"H. #4369

Impressive handmade large and powerfully cast Japanese tripod bronze censer of the 19th century, made during the Meiji period and with mythical animals...

A vintage Industrial flameproof ceiling striplight / tube light made by Wittenburg of Germany. Originally designed for hazardous areas in factories and on cargo ships. The build i...

Vintage Indian large Silver beaded necklace large silver beads on woven cord Darjeeling India early/ mid 20th century High grade silver. Measure: length 58 cm 23.5 inches, Per...

Antique French style telephone. Decorated in the Asian style. Hand chased gilt brass. Inset with carved jade moth plaque. Bakelite and brass handset. Signed. Circa 1920's. Made by Be...

Wonderful display piece Made By Marx Toys, USA Working order Obvious signs of rusting Fre UK Shipping

ABOUT An early 20th c. wooden foosball table top with distressed, painted metal Mexican soccer players, rubber handles and metal "Gebar" branded ashtrays on each end. Original paint...

Great looking and patina antique Gothic trunk, made of solid elmwood. This impressive looking and practical size chest shows a number of deep and...

Large size gold gilt wooden ceremonial fraternal Masonic Crook perched on a long painted wooden pole. Supported by a decorative three-footed metal base, the gilt wood crook itself me...

A mid 1960's French "babyfoot" table football, by ZAK3. With working pull rod mechanism for ball release, and abacus scoring. In working order. The history of table football: ...

SMALL FRENCH PISTOL FLASK, 19TH CENTURY A finely crafted brass and copper flask, measuring 11.5 cm overall, featuring a heavily embossed design of a Cup...

ABOUT A "No. 1 Pocket Kodak" folding camera. The body of camera is all leather with a leather handle and it folds smoothly closed to 1.25 inches. This camera has retained its orig...

Stunning and sculptural, Arts & Crafts era, church bible or book stand. This late 1800s bible stand has beautiful details and it is in remarkably good condition. The stunning overal...

A beautifully carved early 20th-century English model of a racing yawl, featuring an elongated hull in richly varnished wood with graceful overhangs and a classic lead keel. Twin mas...

For your consideration Ring by Antonio Pineda Mexican Modernist. Amethyst Sterling Silver Mexico circa 1960s Beautiful clean modern lines. 1 H x .88 W x .75 D Ring size 7.75 Please...

Wall decoration stellar aircraft engine with propeller with Jacobs aircraft engine. From Italy. Handcrafted chrome engine, exceptional art work on air...

Backgammon Bluesky with genuine grained leather and with upholstered padding and lining in dinamica microfiber. With details in solid polished brass in nickel-plated. Bottom feet in solid polished brass in nickel plated. Backgammon including 1 doubling dice...

Very Rare Antique Sonora Victorian Quartersawn Oak Tabletop Phonograph Record Player. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 13" H x 22" W x 18" D.