French Collectibles and Curiosities

Brass adjustable desk magnifier 20th century Elegant desktop magnifying glass made of golden brass, with original magnifying glass and very ...

A wooden and metal horse tricycle created in France circa 1900. Vibrant yet seasoned and matured, this sprung horse glides on metal wheels that roll it gracefully into modernity. Thr...

Rare French early 19th century Napoleonic medal cabinet on four gilt bronze pawfeet, a hinged door to the top and front opening to reveal four drawers containing 184 very fine bronzed plaster medals...

French Modernist Art Deco piano and bench by Pierre-Paul Montagnac, a variant of the model used in one of the luxe apartments, the Caen, on the great French oceanliner Normandie in 1935. Created in rosewood and sycamore, and carefully and correctly restored, including the fine Erard (#127208) instrument. 56” wide x 60” deep. Documented in numerous sources, including the July 1935 issue of Art et Decoration. Pierre-Paul Montagnac (1883-1961) Born in Saint-Denis, France on 9 May 1883, Pierre-Paul Montagnac was equally talented as a fine artist and a decorative artist. He was educated in both disciplines, studying with Eugene Carriére as well as at the Académie de la Grande Chaumiére, both in Paris. His inaugural exhibition was at the 1912 Salons – and at the 1920 Salon d’Automne he received a traveling scholarship. In 1918 he began working in the firm of André Mare and from 1922 collaborated with Maurice Dufrene at La Maîtrise, the famous design studio of Galeries Lafayette. From 1921 he exhibited at the Salons of la Société des Artistes Décorateurs, Salon des Architectes Modernes, and internationally, in Barcelona and Leipzig. He designed suites on the grand French oceanliners, l’Atlantique, Normandie and Pasteur. At the 1925 Paris International Exposition his work was in a standout class. At the 1937 Exhibition he organized the pavillion of the Artistes Decorateurs and personally won a Grand Prix. For the New York Exhibition in 1938, he was a member of the international jury, organized the group of Decorators, and, as architect, organized the exhibitions of jewelry and perfumes. He became a member of the Society of Modern Architects and executed important and numerous architecture and decorating projects including the luxury apartments on the great French oceanliners l’Atlantique, Pasteur, and Normandie. Vice President and then President of the Societe des Artistes Decorateurs from 1930-1938, he was also President of the Salon d’Automne and Vice President of the Committee of the Exhibition of Arts and Embellishments of Life; member of the steering committee of C.T.I. and Artistic Property, member of the Board of Directors of the Central Union of Decorative Arts. He was also an Officer of the Legion of Honor and received the Cross of War. MONTAGNAC was the son of an engineer and he had a taste for geometry and science that predisposed him to the rigors of architectural laws. Multi-talented, he worked independently as a painter – who had paintings acquired by the French government – while also working in the related fields of architecture and decoration. His work included homes, apartments, galleries, luxury shops, banks and the aforesaid oceanliners. As a designer/decorater, Montagnac had the taste for quality, luxurious furniture, using precious woods, bronze extensions, ivory inlays, mother-of-pearl, metal and coral. He advocated for a resolutely modern style and, free of all pastiches, focused on beautiful cabinetry, the challenges of furniture design, particularly from 1940 to 1945, captured all his attention. The tireless activity of Montagnac, whose varied works are represented in official museums and residences, was also recognized from a professional and social point of view. He was a remarkable organizer, devoted to the cause of art, to the defense of the trade and his colleagues. It was Montagnac who, in 1939, with Anatole de Monzie, took the initiative to found the ENTRAIDE to Artists (which provides support to talented young French artists). MOBILIER ET DECORATION, September/October 1953 ERARD An illustrious piano manufacturer, Sebastien Erard began building superior harpsichords in Paris in the mid-1700s, produced pianos for the French Court, and received a multitude of patents, many of which are still in use in piano manufacturing. Erard pianos were marketed as the finest pianos in the world and were owned by Queen Victoria, Franz Liszt, Chopin, Verdi, Ravel, and Felix Mendelssohn among many others. They continued to enjoy international success well into the 20th century. They were known for their unique sound quality, similar to the American square grand piano...

Large Majolica Palissy tobacco jar attributed to Thomas Sergent, circa 1880 unsigned. Naturalistic movement of the end of 19th century. The jar have the shape of a trunk with a bir...

French Art Deco Bronze Crucifix by Peter Hartmann, Switzerland, 1920s. Elegant and rare French Art Deco bronze crucifix by Swiss sculptor Peter Ha...

Exquisite crystal, bronze and brass cigarette lighter marked Made in France, Depose, attributed to Baccarat, circa 1950's. The egg shaped crystal orb is mounted on a cast brass base,...

19th Century beautiful imperial eagle badge from Napoleon III period. Crowned eagle with spread wings, standing on an orb cut out with the number 30. Two fixing parts at the back of ...

Indulge in the enchanting world of Claude Lalanne with the exquisite Ginkgo Handbag, a wearable masterpiece from Lalanne's iconic Ginkgo collection. Crafted with unparalleled artistr...

Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 36 cms. with base and 28cm alt. total and 19 c...

A French papier-mâché growler bulldog with pull chain which makes a growler noise when pulled. Circa 1900, France.

AUTHOR: Cyprien Berard and Charles Nodier. TITLE: Lord Ruthwen, ou Les Vampires. PUBLISHER: Paris: Chez Ladvocat, Libraire, 1820. DESCRIPTION: FIRST FRENCH EDITION. 2 vols., 6-3/...

Antique and rare magnetic surveying compass, brass with original wooden box, signed E. Vion Paris, early 1900. Very good condition. Height of box cm 32 – inches 12.61. The firm Vion, that still works today, was established in 1830 in Paris and it has always manufactured navigation equipment, in particular compasses and marine instruments...

This is a really cute and rare find, a 1930's Art Deco compact with the most delightful green and black enamel decoration on a chrome casing . The interior is an engineers delight with a sliding latch on the side of the compact to secure the power in place. Upon opening the lid reveals the mechanics that operates and reveals a powder dispenser...

Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. Made in France from solid beech wood, this foosball is the one you will find in French cafes...

Val St Lambert optic crystal lidded compote trophy cup from 1963 awarded from Women's Westchester Fairfield County Golf Assoc. Signed Val St Lambert on verso. Dimensions: 5 1/2" W x...

Tortoiseshell tiara comb for hair surmounted by an element decorated with tortoiseshell volutes. France circa 1900. (SHIP TO EU ONLY)

Beautiful 19th century reliquary representing a virgin and child surrounded by flowers and framed in a glazed terracotta frame. Glass decorated with hand-painted decoration. Good qua...

Paris: Les Bibliophiles du Palais, 1924. Illustrations: André Dignimont (1891 – 1965). 8vo, 10 1/4 x 7 inches (260 x 178 mm); 96, (8) pp., printed in black and red on Arches paper;...

Christies May 2005, 20th Century Decorative Arts, Paris, 1st Ed. 66 lots on 88 pages photographed in color and described. With results. NPT Books, a division of Trent Antiques, has...

Polidoro da Caravaggio by Dominique Cordellier. Musee de Louvre, Paris 2007. 1st Ed softcover. Of the talented artists who flourished under Raph...

French artist Charles Lemoyne designed this stunning, tall sports memorabilia sculpture. The figurine boasts a cast bronze finish line runner. The typical Art Deco model is detailed ...

Male anatomical model in painted stuccoed fiber. First half of the 20th century. Beautiful patina. Height: 30 cm.

French Louis XVI (18th Century) barometer with original scientific illustrations and mercury vial framed with gilt foliate carvings & ebonized ...

Des Roches, Catherine & Etienne Pasquier, Claude Binet, Nicolas Rapin La Puce de Madame Des Roches; ou Jeux poétiques composés aux grands jours de Poitiers , l'an MDLXXIX , par Cathe...

A silvered bronze Poudrier "Le loup et le renard" (The wolf and the fox). by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1940s. The square box features a relief cast of two s...

A silvered Venetian goldola, a handsome smiling gondolier, a beautiful couple embarking on a romantic voyage, a fabulous French Art Deco period lamp by Pierre Sega. Circa 1920 Silv...

Société d'Optique et de Mécanique Berthiot (SOM Berthiot) was a French manufacturer of optics and photographic lenses. They produced C and D mount motion picture lenses for professio...

19th Century French Fancy Coffee Bean Dispenser was created to impress, destined for the finest culinary stores for proud display on the main counter. Designed to dispense freshly r...

In more than 200 striking images, Paris celebrates the French capital, from its world famous landmarks to evocative alleyways, from the top of the Eiffel Tower to the tunnels of the ...

For you consideration is this stunning Art Deco ladies powder bowl made in alabaster. Originating from France and dating to the 1930's is this beautifully coloured and beautifully hand painted ladies...

Histoire du Peuple Americain (History of the American People). French book in two volumes by André Maurois from the French Academy, 1955/56. Volume I: Europe discovers America - At t...

French Painting Hardcover collectible art book by Charles Stuckey– January 1, 1997 by Charles Stuckey (Author) Hardcover · 320 page Stuckey examines...

Antique French pair of shell casings from the World War I vases. Trench Artillery Brass engraved representing on each casing. This pair can also also be used as vases. Good condi...

Stunning and amazingly sculptural Gothic Art chandelier. If you are an antique collector with an eye for the extra special then this four light bronze chandelier could be right up y...

Pair of Neoclassical Apothecary Jars by Maison A Collin Porcelaines & Cristaux France, Circa 1870s Signed : Maison A Collin Porcelaines & Cristaux a Collin paris 90 Rue de Rivoli We...

Place this elegant antique prayer chair in a bedroom for your daily devotions. Crafted in France, circa 1960, the traditional kneeler built of walnut, sits on turned legs over a scal...

Hubert de Givenchy established the House of Givenchy in 1952 in Paris. The young designer quickly gained attention for his elegant and sophisticated designs, characterized by a blend...

Rare neoclassical style French giltwood clock and barometer set French, 19th century Measures: Height 90cm, width 38cm, depth 12cm This du...

Wildenstein, Georges; Paul Jamot [intro.] Manet [Catalogue raisonné] L'oeuvre de l'artiste en quatre cent quatre-vingts phototypes Paris: Les Beaux-Arts, 1932. First Edition. 2 vol...

Superb pair of Maison Lancel 2 Light Brass dolphin sconces, wall lights with Black shades. These animal sculpture lighting was made in the style of E....

Histoire de Leon Bakst
 Copyright by Edition “L’Art Russe” Alexandre Kogan 
ECrite par Andre Levinson Societe D’Editions et de Librairie Henri Reynaud PARIS This is number 94 of ...

Roulette originated in France and was brought to the United States, specifically New Orleans, in the late 18th Century. This antique metal gaming wheel with red painted number, is a...

Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: height 37cm and 22 cms. diam. base Excellent c...

This beautiful decimal scale works on the principal of a ratio of 10:1. First developed in the late 1800's, they were used to facilitate the weighing of heavier items, without the ne...

Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...

Chic Square Silver Plated Brass Vide-Poche, Hermes Paris , France 1970's. Silverplate Vide Poche or Cigar Ashtray. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and V...

Big pair of stainless steel neoclassical obelisks Nice patina. Attributed to Maria Pergay 1970..

French 19th century lacquered rectangular shaped reliquary box, realized in oak, decorated with a dark brown/grey lacquering and a white scrolling and pa...

Beautiful vintage emerald green ceramic ashtray set atop a brown leather-wrapped base. Great sculptural and functional piece. Located at our Los Angeles showroom.

Orfèvrerie Christofle for "Ile de France" 1949 Compagnie Générale Transatlantique Paquebot A set of six silvered metal cups Monogr...

Neoclassical rosewood & brass clarinet table lamp mounted on a round metal base made in France. Comes with harp and carved gilt wood finial an...

Original Pottery sculpture head planter, general Charles De Gaulle Political Memorabilia. This original, one-of-a-kind pottery sculpture head is a...

Authentic Exploding Skull Originally created by Edmé François Chauvot de Beauchêne (ca.1780-1830), a French anatomist and surgeon, developed this disarticulation method to comprehensively show all the cranial bones and their connections. The exploded skull...

A gold patinated, antique French hexagonal barometer made of handcrafted giltwood, in good condition. The top part of the Parisian décor piece is enhanced by flower carvings. The glass dial is particularized with Verre Églomisé. The thermometer represent the First French Empire time...

Large vintage collectible Guerlain Shalimar eau de cologne glass perfume bottle. Empty collectible glass bottle of the famous Shalimar perfume. Ins...

AMBIANIC presents 1960s French Vintage Christian Dior Gold Green Stone Cufflinks fabulous rich gold tone brutalist design with green jade stone stamped by maker .75 x .75 x 1d Unrest...

Vintage Set of 8-Point Antlers from Southwestern Region of France and from a small collection of Antlers we were able to source. We believe they are from the 1960's and are a perfect...