Claude Montal Exposition Universelle Piano

This exceptionally rare and important precision chronometer, or deck watch, was crafted by the famed Vacheron Constantin. One of the most accurate instrumen...

Powder Horn Engraving by Charles Goodrich 1776 Powder horns stand among the rarest and most treasured forms of American folk art. Unlike commercial objects, these deeply personal items were crafted by soldiers, sailors and explorers for practical use during their journeys. Through scrimshaw—an intricate technique of engraving bone or horn with a simple jackknife and filling the crevices with available pigments like soot or ash—these individuals left tangible marks of their hopes, dreams and experiences. This exceptional American Revolutionary War powder horn belonged to Charles Goodrich (1720-1816), a significant figure in early Pittsfield, Massachusetts history. The horn displays distinctive period characteristics with the inscription "PITTSFIELD" clearly visible on its amber-colored surface. Charles Goodrich, born in Wethersfield, Connecticut in 1720, became a prominent civic leader in Pittsfield. He built the first house in the settlement in 1754 and served in various official roles, including Justice of the Peace and town representative to Boston. While Goodrich's name may not appear prominently in history textbooks, historical documents—particularly his September 3, 1776 petition to the Massachusetts Assembly—reveal his compelling story. The petition shows that Goodrich faced accusations of being a British sympathizer and draft evader. According to his account, he was targeted for his public office, physically assaulted by a man named James Morey and subsequently fined by a local committee. Goodrich maintained that he merely defended himself when attacked and claimed ignorance of requirements to either serve as a drafted soldier or hire a substitute—accusations that branded him unpatriotic during the revolutionary fervor. The Massachusetts Council's concurrence with Goodrich's petition likely inspired his subsequent military service. His powder horn, bearing the inscription of Pittsfield, accompanied him to Fort Ticonderoga, where Simonds' Regiment of Militia (2nd Berkshire County Regiment) was stationed during the difficult winter of 1776-1777. Fort Ticonderoga, a strategic stronghold in upstate New York, had been seized from the British in May 1775 by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold. By the time of Goodrich's service, American forces occupied the fort while preparing for an expected British counterattack. In August 1777, Goodrich and Simonds' Regiment participated in the Battle of Bennington—a decisive engagement where Patriot forces under General John Stark defeated British and Hessian troops. This victory significantly weakened General John Burgoyne's invasion force, contributing to his surrender at Saratoga in October 1777—a pivotal turning point that helped secure French support for the American cause. Powder horns captivate elite collectors and major museums alike. The Metropolitan Museum of Art recognized their significance by dedicating an entire exhibition to American Engraved Powder Horns...

Tiny dancers twirl to the melodious tunes produced by this Swiss station cylinder music box. The cylinder is joined by a drum and bells that give richness and depth to the wonderful music the box creates. Music boxes were at the height of fashion in the late 19th century and served as a status symbol for the European gentry. Switzerland was the birthplace of cylinder music boxes and home to the great majority of the most renowned manufacturers. This example, in its finely crafted English walnut case, boasts two combs, allowing the box to play in harmony for a richer, more complex song. This particular style, commonly referred to as a “station” or “showcase” box, was used to entertain guests in hotel lobbies, train stations and other similar public places, and as such would have been coin-operated. This example, however, does not accept coins. This, combined with its overall quality, complexity and beauty, indicates it was made for a private household of significant means. Today, these ingenious musical masterpieces are highly sought-after by collectors of musical automata...

This exceptional Georgian barometer by the leading London instrument-maker John Bennett strongly reflects the prevalent furniture style and archite...

French early 20th century "Encyclopedie Universelle" dated 1908.

One Medal EXPOSITION, DE TOURS 1904 Provenance: Private Melbourne Collection. Dimension: Height: 9 cm Width: 6 cm Depth: 2mm.

One Medal EXPOSITION DE BRUXELLES, 1921 Provenance: Private Melbourne Collection. Dimension: Height: 0.2 cm Diameter: 7 cm.

One Commemorative Medal, EXPOSITION, PARIS, 1931 Provenance: Private Melbourne Collection. Dimension: Height: 8.5 cm Width: 5.5 cm Depth: 2mm.