Lovely Brass Counter / Service Bell

Pair of Unopened Congress Art Deco Playing Card Decks in Original Box – Sealed with 10-Cent Tax Stamp This pair of unopened Congress Playing Card decks is a rare find, preserved in its original Art Deco box. The exterior of the box showcases an elegant floral block print design in black and gold on a deep red paper, exuding classic 1920s-1930s sophistication. The interior is lined in gold paper and features two compartments, each containing an unopened deck of cards wrapped in original wax paper and sealed with the U.S. Playing Card seal and a 10-cent playing card tax stamp, a mark of authenticity and a nod to its historical significance. The two decks exhibit stunning Art Deco motifs, one featuring an intricate symmetrical pattern, while the other presents a bold geometric portrait of a man, titled "Serge" at the bottom. A sample card with a cut corner is included in each compartment, allowing a glimpse of the designs without breaking the seals. Despite its age, the cards remain in excellent antique condition, with only minor creasing and a tear/minor loss on the wax paper wrapping. First introduced by The U.S. Playing Card Company in 1881, Congress Playing Cards were known for their luxurious quality and artistic designs, often featuring elaborate backs that reflected the era’s artistic trends. By the early 20th century, Congress decks became a status symbol, frequently gifted and collected for their refined craftsmanship and decorative appeal. The 10-cent tax stamp on each deck dates back to the Revenue Act of 1894, when the U.S. government required playing card manufacturers to affix a tax stamp as proof of payment. These stamps remained in use until 1940, making them a valuable feature for collectors of vintage playing cards and historical ephemera. Condition & Collectability Cards: Pristine, sealed in original wax paper with only minor creasing; one tear in the wax paper. Interior Box: Clean and well-preserved. Exterior Box: Shows signs of wear with paper loss, dented and torn corners, water damage, and an affixed white sticker—evidence of its long history and original use. This sealed pair of Congress Art Deco playing cards...

Henri Cartier-Bresson – The Decisive Moment – 1st Edition, 1952 – Cover by Henri Matisse – Published by Simon & Schuster A true cornerstone of 20th-century photography, this is an e...

Stunning 1930s German Art Deco Porcelain Half Doll with Rococo Hairstyle This exquisite 1930s German porcelain half doll captures the refined beauty and timeless glamour of the Art Deco period, paired with the romantic influence of 18th-century Rococo style. Rendered in fine porcelain with exceptional attention to detail, this rare figure is a striking example of German artistry at its peak. Her delicate features are simply enchanting — bright blue eyes accented by soft blue eyeshadow, rosy cheeks, and vivid red lips, all hand-painted with precision. Her ornate updo evokes the powdered wigs of the 1700s, gathered high with an elegant bow at the back and a tiny tiara perched at the front, nodding to both historic elegance and theatrical flair. What sets this figure apart is her graceful, outstretched arms, posed in a fluid and balletic gesture, capturing a moment of poised movement. It’s a pose both sculptural and expressive, and one rarely seen in typical half dolls. Her condition is excellent, with no chips, cracks, or signs of repair. Here delicately painted features remain vivid after nearly a century. German half dolls...

Unusual 1920s Art Deco Waddington's Cir-Q-Lar Round Playing Card Deck – Gilded Edges, Original Box This rare and unusual 1920s Waddington's Cir-Q-Lar round playing card deck is a fa...

Victorian brass courtesy counter top bell, reception desk bell Made in solid brass, in good ready to use with a demanding ding, the bell is 4” in diameter...

A wonderful and highly decorative desk or counter bell, my favourite kind with the more unusual clapper to the side rather than the ones you ring from the top. The hinged clapper is ...

A wonderful and highly decorative desk or counter bell, my favourite kind with the more unusual clapper to the side rather than the ones you ring from the top. The hinged clapper is ...

Victorian Decorative Iron Courtesy Counter Top Bell, Reception Desk Bell Made and cast in iron, in good condition and ready to use with a demanding ding, the bell is 6” in diameter ...