Vacheron Constantin Chronometer

An extraordinary and rare coin-operated Regina Sublima upright music box crafted by the Regina music box company, one of the most recognized music bo...

A masterpiece of both cabinetmaking and mechanical engineering, this one-of-a-kind expanding table was crafted by the renowned cabinetmaker Samuel Hawkins of London for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Diminutive in size, the fascinating table was designed as a model to demonstrate Hawkins’ innovative patent screw movement to visitors of the Exhibition – six million people in total over five months. It was exhibited again a century later at the Victoria & Albert Museum during the Festival of Britain, an event intended “to symbolise two main qualities of the national character: realism and strength on the one hand, and, on the other, independence and imagination” (Catalogue of the Exhibition, 1951, p.117). To this day, the miniature masterpiece demonstrates the quest of English furniture makers to combine technical innovation with superb craftsmanship. Displaying exceptional ingenuity, Hawkins’ wind-out screw mechanism allowed one to extend the table’s base to accommodate concentric leaves with the simple crank of a handle. It is based on the inventive expanding table originally designed by Robert Jupe in 1835, which used a swivel mechanism to separate sections of the tabletop and allow for segmented leaves to be inserted. Hawkins’ tabletop, on the other hand, extends outwards directly from the center in order to accommodate additional leaves around its diameter. This unique design allowed the mechanism to also smoothly operate on rectangular tables, which could be wound out from the middle to allow for more table space. Hawkins was not alone in his endeavor to combine the technical merits of engineering and mechanics with the most artful pursuit of cabinetmaking. The first half of the 19th century saw a prolific increase in the popularity of applying new ideas to traditional furniture principles, which allowed furniture to serve many purposes. The resulting “patent” furniture was practical and refined, though few were as innovative as Hawkins’ prodigious design. Carved with the year of the Exhibition on the beautifully designed pedestal base, the table is a testament to the significance of this innovation. The model is mentioned in detail in the catalog of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the first international exhibition of industry, manufacturing, and science. Held at London’s dazzling Crystal Palace, its visitors were treated to exhibits from around the globe, including feats of engineering, innovations in industry, and marvels of design. Queen Victoria herself was a frequent visitor, along with her husband, Prince Albert, and others including Charlotte...

As exceptionally scarce as it is fascinating, this autochange disk player by the Polyphon Musikwerke in Leipzig, Germany can change between six disks and play with the incredibly rare addition of bells that accompany the music. Before a coin is dropped into the slot, slide the brass indicator until it points to the desired music selection, insert a penny, and the chosen song will play automatically. An extremely limited number of these automatic disk changers were ever created, and even fewer have survived in such outstanding condition. Standing over seven feet tall, this particular model boasts a magnificent walnut case with handsome burl panels on its original, matching storage cabinet. A true technical marvel for its day, Polyphon’s automatic disk changer symbolizes pure ingenuity and superlative craftsmanship. This antique player...

Considered the first step into the world of modern photocopying, the copying machine was among the first widely used devices to successfully produce an ex...

Constantin Bookends by Colé Italia, C with Agustina Bottoni Dimensions: H.20 D.7 W.7 cm Materials: The body is a cube in Marquina black marble with white veins. The top is in solid...

A Fine Two Day Marine Chronometer By John Bliss and Co, New York. No.3068 Two day marine chromometer by John Bliss and Co housed in a beautiful three tier brass bound box with brass carrying handles to the sides, brass push button knob opening to a third tier. The box has a wonderful rich patina and retains it’s original solid brass Tipsy key. The movement is housed within a gimballed brass surround which is stamped H.M.I and marked with the ordnance arrow The high quality 56 hour chain fusee movement has full brass plates joined by four ringed pillars, an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement with maintaining power, split bi-metallic balance and cylindrical shaped temperature compensation weights, polished steel helical balance and faceted endstone. The silvered dial signed ‘John Bliss & Co, New York No 3068 with subsidiary dial below XII for ‘state of wind’ and subsidiary seconds dial above the VI, original ‘blued’ steel hands. C.1890 John Bliss & Co worked at 128 Front Street, New York between 1880 and 1929 and then 84 Pearl Street, New York from 1934 to 1939. Front Street runs from the Brooklyn Bridge to Hudson Ave. and Navy Street, close to the Docks area. On the death of John Bliss, his sons John and George carried on the business. Their chronometers were placed 3rd, 6th and 8th at the Washington Observatory Trials in 1886. They became suppliers to the US Navy and also made meteorological instruments and devised an original way of making mainsprings. Many of their movements were supplied by makers in England, particularly Victor Kullberg.

1974 Vintage Omega Watch Speedsonic Chronometer Seamaster f300 Stainless Steel with Gold tone Swiss made watch band 7.5 inches length battery operated Preo...

A fine two Day Marine Chronometer by G.H & C Gowland, Sunderland No. 1931 Two day marine chromometer by G.H & C Gowland housed in a beautiful three tier mahogany brass bound box...