American Classical Models and Miniatures
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Style: American Classical
Narcissa Ward Miniature "Christmas Morning" Diorama c.1933-1942
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A highly detailed diorama titled "Christmas Morning" featuring a French living room scene during Christmas morning. Almost every piece of molding, furniture, rugs, and accessory items that are contained in the room is designed and created by hand. Original signed tag on the back. Comes with two booklets by Mrs. James Ward Thorne (Narcissa Ward), an original photograph signed by the artist and newspaper clippings.
CREATOR Narcissa Ward aka Mrs. James Ward Thorne.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1933-1942.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Wood, Glass, Fabric, Metal, Paper.
CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
DIMENSIONS H 11.25 in. W 13.75 in. D 7.75 in.
HISTORY
Mrs. James Ward Thorne of Chicago loved dollhouses and miniatures as a child. After traveling in Europe where she collected miniature furniture and accessories, Mrs. Thorne commissioned over two dozen miniature rooms created by cabinetmakers from her own drawings. The scale is: one inch to one foot. The rooms were exhibited in the 1933-1934 Chicago's Century of Progress Exposition, the 1939 San Francisco's Golden Gate International Exposition, and in the 1940 New York World's Fair.
Later, Mrs. Thorne had 29 more rooms created, copying Europe's castles, museums and historic homes. She commissioned architects to create historically accurate settings and had the textiles and carpets made by the Needlework Guild of Chicago. The rooms showing the French and English architectural and decorating styles from the 1500's to the 1920's, were exhibited in 1937 at the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1942 Mrs. Thorne gave 37 more Miniature Rooms to the Art Institute of Chicago. Those rooms offered views of American history between 1875 and 1940. The Art Institute of Chicago's Thorne Miniature...
Category
Early 20th Century American Classical Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood, Glass
Cased Ship Model of the United States Frigate "Essex" 1799
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Finely made three masted ship model (1/8” inch =1 ‘ Scale) with carved wood details and painted with string details. Includes Masthead Sculpture, two Anchor...
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20th Century American Classical Models and Miniatures
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Wood
Vintage Red Model Airplane
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Red Model Airplane
This exquisitely detailed hanging model plane is a unique decor piece for your office, hotel, restaurant, or living room, p...
Category
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
19th Century Mahogany Tilt-Top Tripod Table, Mini, Salesman or Example Sample
Located in Huntington, NY
An early 19th century mahogany tilt-top tripod table
Mini, salesman or example sample.
With tilt-top, tripod base.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique American Classical Models and Miniatures
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Shadowbox Diorama of Ship Models
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An impressive and unusual 19th century cased ship diorama displaying four ships at sea. A four masted schooner sets the background with a tug boat, two masted vessel and a steamship ...
Category
19th Century Antique American Classical Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
Carved Wood Model of a Locomotive in Black Lacquered and Glass Case
Located in New York, NY
Carved Wood Model of a Locomotive showcased in a glazed and painted wood case. This intricately crafted piece captures the essence of a locomotive with stunning attention to detail. ...
Category
Early 20th Century American American Classical Models and Miniatures
Materials
Glass, Wood
1930s Cast Iron Checkered Potted Geranium Floral Bouquet Painted Doorstop
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage cast iron doorstop showing a geranium plant set inside a woven checkered flower pot on an iron plinth. Retaining the original painted finish. Beautiful patina.
Circa 1930 ...
Category
Early 20th Century American American Classical Models and Miniatures
Materials
Iron
Nautical Sailboat or Yacht Model in Blue and White with Painted Wood Body, 1930s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful model sailboat or yacht created from wood, brass, and canvas. The body is painted in a deep blue at the bottom with white edges. A brass propeller sits underneath. All on a...
Category
20th Century American American Classical Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Genito-Urinary Anatomical Chart Fritz Frohse
By Nystrom / Frohse Art, Fritz Frohse
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Genito-Urinary Anatomical Chart by Fritz Frohse. Dated 1922. Paper mounted on canvas. Shows wear but still presents very well!
Category
1920s German Vintage American Classical Models and Miniatures
Materials
Canvas, Paper
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American Classical models and miniatures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique American Classical models and miniatures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage models and miniatures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used American Classical models and miniatures made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original models and miniatures, popular names associated with this style include Fritz Frohse, Hubley Manufacturing Company, and Nystrom-Frohse Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for models and miniatures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $595 and tops out at $3,600 while the average work can sell for $2,200.