European Collectibles and Curiosities

An Exceptionally Fine Example of a Chinese Export Hand Carved Bovine Ivory Walking Stick of small proportions, last quarter of the Nineteenth Centu...

Exquisite museum quality large antique High Renaissance style emerald, natural pearl, garnet silver pectoral cross 19th century Makers Mark: K.T. for Tauböck, Karl Austro-Hungarian E...

This beautiful snuff box is made from gold-plated sterling silver. The lid is embellished with a nice little graphic of a church surrounded by generous floral motives and ornament. I...

Wooden antique ship model of a cargo-carrack, probably from Genoa, with three masts, end of the 19th century. Very good conditions. Measures: Length cm 70 - inches 28, height cm 56 ...

This is a large antique oval clock dome. An English, glass ornament display showcase, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1900. Fascinating prop...

This is a small antique display case. An English, glass and mahogany taxidermy dome, dating to the late Victoria period, circa 1900. Charm...

This is a wide antique taxidermy dome. An English, glass over ebonised mahogany specimen or ornament showcase, dating to the mid Victorian period, circa 1870. Usefully broad in dia...

2 Volumes. Count Lyof N. Tolstoi. Anna Karenina. Translated by Nathan Haskell Dole. Bound in 3/4 blue morocco, linen boards, top edges gilt, raised bands. Published: London: Walter S...

This is an antique ovoid clock dome. An English, glass and mahogany taxidermy display showcase, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Fascinating form, useful for hosti...

An antique French intricate brass balance with different weights in solid brass, in good condition. The iron scale is topped with the original polished brass plates. The scale reads ...

This is an antique oval collector's dome. An English, glass and ebonised mahogany clock case or botany showcase, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1900. Charming oval form, off...

This is a tall antique professor's specimen dome. An English, glass taxidermy or ornament showcase, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1860. Impressive proportion, standing at a...

This is an antique taxidermy dome. An English, glass and ebonised base display showcase, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Appealing example, with a pleasingly brigh...

Madonna and child, Classical 19th century painting. This lovely oil painting was purchased in Spain. The artist is unknown. The painting still maintains its original finish and ha...

This is a large antique collector's dome. An English, glass and ebonised mahogany taxidermy or specimen showcase, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870. Appealing Victorian ex...

Showcase and protect your treasured objects with this unique glass dome from France. Dating to the late 19th century, dome displays like this shielded portico clocks or flora & fauna...

This is a slimline antique display dome. An English, glass over ebonised mahogany specimen or ornament showcase, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Slimline proportio...

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...

This is an antique taxidermy specimen dome. An English, glass and ebonised beech tall showcase, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Well proportioned Victorian dome, i...

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...

An Our Lady Of Rosary lithograph, Germany, circa 1890s. A heavily distressed piece in period frame showing a history of devotion. sight: 15 ¾ by 19 ¾ in...

This is a tall antique display showcase. An English, glass taxidermy or ornament dome, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. A t...

This is an antique mirrored display dome. An English, glass and giltwood exhibition cake or taxidermy showcase, dating to the late Victorian period, cir...

This antique reliquary contains a relic of Saints with paper roll telling the name in latin. It is hand made of wood, hand carved and very professional made. it can be worn or just d...

This is a wide antique clock dome. An English, glass over ebonised pine display showcase, dating to the mid Victorian period, circa 1860. Superb size, ideal for a larger mantel clo...

This Erard parallel-strung grand piano, crafted in Paris in 1845 (serial number: 18725), has been extraordinarily well-tended, restored and maintained, enduring today as not only a spectacular example of the pinnacle of 19th Century piano design - characterized by its innovative construction and exceptional sonoral qualities - but also as a premium instrument by the most advanced modern standards, concert-ready for world-class, discriminating performers and their audiences. Erard was a renowned piano manufacturer established by Sébastien Erard, and for much of the 19th Century, the company produced some of the most exquisite and innovative European pianos of the era. The sound produced by this parallel-strung grand piano is characterized by a clarity and transparency that distinguishes it from its contemporaries. The parallel arrangement of strings contributes to a more direct transfer of sound energy, resulting in a balanced and articulate tone across the instrument's registers. This piano's tone is beloved for its sweetness in the treble range and a robust quality in the bass, while also allowing for an especially nuanced and expressive interpretation of the musical repertoire of its era. The ebony and ivory keyboard is a testament to the meticulous attention Erard paid to the tactile experience of playing. Each key is precision-weighted, providing a responsive touch that allows the pianist to articulate a wide range of dynamics and expressiveness. An interior faux tableau latches to the outer case lid in an open position for maximum concert volume, and rests in a lowered position to maintain a softer, more muted experience. The year 1845 places this Erard instrument in the heart of the Romantic era, a period marked by a surge in musical creativity and emotional expression. Composer/performers like Chopin and Liszt were drawn to Erard grand...

Exquisite 19th Century Hand Carved Black Forest Humidor Cigar Cabinet3 Featuring Ornate Carved Floral Panel Frontage Finished With An Eagle Finial On The Top. The Two Doors Reveal ...

This is a tall antique taxidermy showcase. An English, glass and mahogany display dome, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Pleasingly bright and well-proportioned ant...

This is a small antique specimen dome. An English, glass and pine botany or taxidermy display case, dating to the mid Victorian period, circa 1870. Perfect for showcasing smaller s...

19th Century. Impressive book Works illustrated with gorgeous stickers and engravings depicting historical and mythological scenes momuments and copied art objects of the most auth...

This is an antique taxidermy dome. An English, glass collectible display showcase, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880. Quality and generously sized display dome Display...

This is an antique mantel clock dome. An English, glass over ebonised base taxidermy showcase, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880. Fin...

This striking pair of late 19th-century English black leather riding boots is a handsome relic of the sporting life. Crafted with exceptional care, the boots retain their original fo...

Quality carved, great design and good condition Gothic wall console / bracket / sculpture stand. This practical size, architectural church bracke...

London: MacMillan & Co., 1897. FIRST EDITION Small 8vo. 7 3/8 x 4 3/4 (185 x 121 mm); half-title, frontispiece, title, viii, 245, [2 advertisements]; 22 engraved plates, including f...

This is a tall antique taxidermy specimen dome. An English, glass and ebonised pine display case, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870. Well proportioned Victorian dome, idea...

This is a tall Victorian antique specimen showcase. An English, glass and ebonised pine taxidermy dome, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Well proportioned display d...

The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments, Translated out of the Original Tongues: And with the Former Translations Diligently Compared and Revised, by His Majesty’s Spec...

Dutch missal with solid silver mount, 1843 Gulpen, printed in Dutch 9.8 x 15.2 cm, thickness 4.2 cm

This is an antique mythology book, Days of King Arthur by Charles Henry Hanson. An English language, hard bound fictional work with illustrations by Gus...

This is a large antique display dome. An English, tall glass taxidermy specimen showcase, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1860. Lovely Vi...

Our Stock # 24367 This is an antique ovoid display dome. An English, glass and mahogany taxidermy or clock showcase, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Appealing ovoi...

This is an antique astrolabium clock dome. An English, glass and ebonised pine display case, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. Of interest to horologists, being a useful ...

Pair of Antique Rustic Antler Parlor Chairs, Germany, circa 1900 A pair of antique antler chairs, made of antlers from the deer and fallow deer. ...

A late 19th Century, antique large French Provincial monumental church Tabernacle made of hand crafted copper, in good condition. The pyramid, partly...

A Small Set of 8 Renaissance Classical Grand Tour Medallions. Possibly Have Been Put on A Modern Backing At Some Point Grand Tour Cameos Intagli...

An antique brass altar candlestick from 19th century France, that has been converted into an electrified lamp. This gorgeous fixture i...

This early 19th century Italian altar is made of worn painted wood and worn fabric details. This is a highly decorative altar for the unknown Catholic saint...

This is a large antique botany display dome. An English, glass over ebonised mahogany specimen showcase, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Of good proportion for dis...

A suit of 16th century style armour, the helmet with pierced visor, raised comb applied and twist border collar, two-piece breastplate with medial ridge, twist border shoulder plates...

19th century Italian Confraternity Voting Urn of Tuscan origin realized with turned and carved poplar wood. The barrel-shaped central body, in which hands were inserted to insert the ballot ball into one of the two holes connected to the small drawer below, where on the front we find the inscription YES and NO related to voting, SI and NO, in order to distinguish for and against votes on paper, then collected in two separate small drawers, just below. Standing on four curly feet, it has a beautiful curved handle and carved parts at both ends, highlighted by ebonized details. In a fraternity, this ballot box was used to collegially adjudicate community choices. In good age related condition, with sogns of wear and use. This antique Italian ballot wooden box, carved and painted, coming from Tuscany, in Central Italy. This ballot urn is an excellent example of a 19th century wooden voting box...

19th century French grand tour iron model of the Arc de Triomphe, in two parts, the fine cast iron model of the Arc de Triomphe with a mirrored top. Raised on a oval ebonized wood and metal chain link fenced base Model of Arc de Triomphe...

A 19th century miniature wooden bookcase An oak miniature bookcase, raised on plinth and 2 charming shelves. (2 loose shelves) Decorated at the fron...

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...

VICTORIAN HOME SERVICE HELMET OF THE WELSH REGIMENT - retailed by T McBride & Sons, 17 Charles Street, London, SW of dark blue felt over cork body, with large fire gilded plate with...

A Dutch meerschaum pipe with silver mounts, 1840-1870 According to common usage in the 19th century, the pipe bowl has a silver valve cover. The lid has a the pattern of a shell t...

Gothic revival dinner gong, in the style of Bruce Talbert. With an oak frame, brass gong, together with beater. Dimensions Height 41.5 Inches Width 24.5 Inches Depth 18.5 Inches

A very rare late 19th Century Sanderson well figured mahogany plate camera with well cast brass mounts in excellent condition and of exceptional quality with extra plates and carryin...