French Collectibles and Curiosities

Antique French marble solitaire game Beautifully constructed piece Handsome solid marble base board Rich color variations and marbling detail throughout ...

Talosel choker necklace by Line Vautrin. Black Talosel choker necklace inlaid with orange mirrors on the front and yellow on the back to decorate the round pastilles. Imposing two-ro...

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

Ptolemaic armillary sphere Charles-François Delamarche Paris, ante 1798 Wood and papier-mâché covered with printed and partly hand-colored paper It measures 16.37 in in height x Ø 10.94 in (41.60 cm - Ø 27.80 cm) It weights 2.33 lb (1,058 g) State of conservation: consistent with its age and use, the paper shows some signs of use, stains and abrasions. The sphere is Ptolemaic, with the Earth placed at its center, surrounded by the Moon and the Sun mounted on two metal arms. The sphere is composed of six horizontal and two vertical rings (armillae), each bearing graduations and its own name. The first horizontal ring is illegible. The others, in descending order are: North Pole, Tropic of Cancer, Equator, Tropic of Capricorn, South Pole. The vertical rings consist of two double meridians. The sphere is then connected to the large meridian by two pins, a vertical ring inserted perpendicularly into the circle of the Horizon, in turn supported by four semicircles connected to the turned and black-stained wooden base. Each element is covered with printed paper. It contains various pieces of information: latitudes, length of days, names and zodiac symbols, calendar, wind directions, etc. The vertical circles mention the latitudes and longitudes of different cities: Rome, Bordeaux, Madrid, Boston, Batavia (Jakarta), Acapulco, etc. Even the small terrestrial globe is covered with printed paper: continents and oceans appear with numerous geographical markings indicating the most recent explorations. In the Pacific Ocean, west of South America bears the following inscription: GLOBE TERRESTRIAL à Paris chez Delamarche Géog Rue du Foin Jacques Au Collège de M.e Gervais The North American coasts are well delineated and California appears correctly as a peninsula - reports from Spanish explorers in the region had given rise to confusion as to whether it was connected to the mainland or not. The geographical nature of California was confirmed after the explorations of Juan Bautista de Anza (1774-1776). Alaska is not described and is only partially traced; it would become part of the United States in 1867. Various Pacific islands are indicated. Australia (the name definitely used from 1824) is called "Nouvelle Hollande." Tasmania is still represented as a peninsula and this is an important detail for the dating of our armillary sphere. The island is separated from Australia by Bass Strait, which was crossed by Matthew Flinders for the first time in 1798, showing that it was not a peninsula. Delamarche certainly would not have waited a long time to update such an important geographical datum: presumably he did so shortly after receiving the news. Charles-François Delamarche (1740-1817) founded his laboratory around 1770 and, in a few years, he became the most famous French cartographer and globe maker between the 18th and 19th centuries. After having acquired the laboratory of the late Didier Robert de Vaugondy (1723-1786; himself a renowned cartographer who continued the family business founded by his grandfather Nicolas Sanson in the seventeenth century) and after having purchased, between 1788 and around 1800, the businesses of Jean-Baptiste Fortin (1750-1831) and Jean Lattré (around 1750-1800), he began to call himself "Successeur de MM. Sanson and Robert de Vaugondi, Géographes du Roi and de M. Fortin, Ingénieur-mécanicien du Roi pour les globes et les sphères." Thus, at the end of the eighteenth century, Delamarche possessed the warehouse stocks, as well as the manufacturing skills of the globes of his main rivals in Paris. In addition to this aggressive acquisition policy, the key to its success also lay in the combination of high-quality cartography combined with extremely attractive globes and armillary spheres; and, of course, its famous red paint finishing touch. His laboratory was located on Rue de Foin St Jacques "au Collège Me. (or "Mtre") Gervais" in the Latin Quarter of Paris until around 1805, when he moved to rue du Jardinet No. 13. On the death of Charles-François in 1817, the reins of the company passed to his son Félix (1779-1835), who continued to publish, often in collaboration with the engraver Charles Dien, Sr. In 1835 the company first moved to rue du Jardinet No. 12 and a little later to rue du Battoir No. 7. Bibliography: Dekker, Elly, et al. Globes at Greenwich...

This exquisite 7.75 carat diamond Boucheron watch is both dazzling and dainty with its elegant, slim design accented by an array of sparkling diamonds. Boucheron ladies diamond oval/...

Stunning clock for the collectors of rare and truly stylish Gothic antiques. Gothic wall clocks are a rare find and this more than three feet tall specimen probably is the best an...

Extraordinary Early 19th Century Chateau Model found untouched in its original painted finish. impressive attention to detail with some carved brickwork,...

Group of 18 Assorted Leather or Marbled Bound Books, 19th Century. Books are in different languages and sizes

Miniature Wunderkammer architectural model, entirely handmade, in painted balsa wood, depicting the Eiffel Tower. Grand Tour item. Original patina. France early 20th century.

19th century French cash register A fine old antique register for display Measures: 16" wide x 17" deep x 9" high Good antique condition.

These vintage early to mid-19th century French percussion cap dueling pistols are presented in their original carrying case. Each is beautifully design...

Rare and good condition, Gothic-art shrine for standing or wall-hanging. This handsome and decorative, Gothic wall shrine is completely hand-crafted out of solid oak and it will look awesome, no matter where you decide to mount or place her. It must have taken its creator quite a few days to first draw this intricate design on paper and then hand carve the entire piece out of solid oak. The Gothic Style elements are deeply handcarved in both doors and they make this shrine highly decorative and an absolute joy to own and look at. This cabinet chapel (or chapel cabinet) comes with its brass lock in perfect working order and also with its original gothic style key. The handgrip is in fact a Gothic trefoil symbol (for the trinity). What also makes this piece extra attractive is the Gothic church window-like frame behind the doors. It is among the finest we have seen to date and on top of that this antique also has a beautiful and rich patina. By the way, the bronze Mary statuette is not included in our price. Finally, thanks to the hook in the back, mounting this antique chapel...

Beautiful and Exotic wooden cane with old -aged silver handle with horn horn auction, from indochina and dated around at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th cen...

Having a large weighing surface and a smaller side for weights.

A Napoleon III sword in gilt brass. Handle is decorated with 2 mother of pearl plates. Urn shaped pommel. Knuckle guard transitioning into cross guard. Guard plate with eagle. Black ...

Estienne, Charles De re hortensi libellus (A small book on gardening); . . . vulgaria herborum, florum ac fruticum qui in hortis conseri solent nomina latinis vocibus efferre docens ...

Antique Mounted Taxidermy Roebuck Deer Head   A very good example of a young roebuck deer head mounted on an oak plaque in the shape of a shield.   The piece is captured in a natural...

Napoleonic Prisoner of war painted casket dominoes set We share what we love, and we love this early 19th century Napoleonic prisoner of war hand painted ...

A hanging articulate three-piece gilt bronze brooch "Purgatoire" also known as "Le Ciel, la Terre, et l'Enfer." by Line Vautrin. Each element with f...

Aldunil gas lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill This is a very rare rectangular gas pocket-lighter, created in France for the Alfred Dunhill Company in Paris, back in the 1952. This ...

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

Tajan 1993 Islamic Art, Orientalist Paintings Auction Catalog Orientalist painting and Islamic Art, Text in French. Paperback softcover Islamic Art bo...

Sculpture Concorde model in high quality resin, scale 1/25. Vertical base in blackened steel. Exceptional piece. Made in France. Base: L 71 x D 55cm. Model: Wingspan 100cm x heig...

Handcrafted and truly impressive Neo-Gothic Church fixture that can also be used for candles. Over the decades we have sold a number of very good antique bronze, Gothic light fixtures for both candles and electrical bulbs. However, we never offered one as high and with as many Gothic details as this hand-crafted chandelier. You will rarely come across a Gothic work of religious art that is more elaborate and with as many Gothic details as this fit-for-a-castle pendant...

This pair of antique lorgnette opera glasses were made by LeRoy of France in approximately 1880 in the period Victorian style. These bi...

France / 1800 / Neo-Gothic steeple with niche for saint statue / wood / Neo-Gothic / 19t century A very rare and large antique Neo-Gothic church steeple with niche for saint statue....

Dimensions: L: 1 3/8in W: 1 3/8in This Pair of Vintage Coco Chanel Clip On Earrings are truly spectacular!! If you look at the photos provided you will see the attention to detail ...

Ptolemaic armillary sphere Charles-François Delamarche Paris, ante 1798 Wood and papier-mâché covered with printed and partly hand-colored paper It measures 15.55 in in height x Ø 10...

This beautiful telephone is made of crystal and brass. It's makes for a historical statement in one's home. A conversation piece from the past. The crystal is cut and shaped on the b...

Good size and impressive make, Gothic church altar crucifix. This ornate and all hand-crafted, bronze table crucifix comes with a good quality made a...

Fabulous rare 19th century automaton. Most likely made in France at the end of the 19th century. She is a real beauty and in remarkable condition for her age. She is made of porcelain and cloth. When you wind her she bends her head and raises bouquet to smell the flowers. With the stand she is 15 1/2 inches high. Just herself measures 11 1/2 inches high. Approximately 5 1/2 inches in width and depth. There is a monogram on the back of her neck that appears to be the letter C...

ABOUT Concorde Air France oversized cardboard envelope used as a promotional packaging item to send travel posters to travel agencies. Shown with life size hand model for scale. ...

Large double harp with gold-patinated head and neck and carved paw feet on the base. The harp is marked on the neck "Pleyel, Lyion & Cie (Paris). Harp, sysle. Gve Lyon. Brevete. No. ...

A decorative Arc de Triomphe Paris souvenir building sculpture. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal and a marble base. T...

Chaussure à Crampons Puma Dédicacée par Diego Maradona – Pièce de Collection Unique Plongez dans l’histoire du football avec cette chaussure à crampons Puma, authentiquement dédicac...

This antique standing photo album is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from France and date to approximately 1900 and done in the period Art Nouveau style. The album is compo...

A gorgeous French 19th century painted and gold gilt barometer with thermometer. The elegantly carved giltwood surrounding the French gray-painted case is in a rococo and laurel leaf...

French Art Deco Madonna Statue, 1920s Hand-Carved Oak Holy Virgin Sculpture. This exquisite French Art Deco Madonna statue dates back to the 1920s, expertly hand-carved from what ap...

This exceptional French wall-mounted holy water font was crafted circa 1870 and showcases the luxurious artistry of cloisonné enamel combined with richly veined green onyx and finely...

Maillot réplique de Naples de 1987-1988 signé de la main par Diego Maradona . un certificat d’authenticité + numero de série enregistré est vendu avec le maillot. Tres bon état gén...

Group of 17 Assorted Leather or Marbled Bound Books, 19th Century. Books are in different languages and sizes

This sterling silver ladies compact was made for the Birks retailer in presumably France in circa 1950. This compact features an enamel portrait done in...

A rare French Military Academy Officer's hat or cap from the 1970s. These special and unique hats are part of the uniform of students studying to become officers in the French Milita...

An absolutely stunning early example of a 1960s Christian Dior necklace, with prong-set blue and clear crystals. The necklace is a classic example of Dior's elegant and sophisticate...

This is an antique vineyard setter's compass. A French, brass surveyor's instrument with mahogany case and stand, dating to the late Victorian period, c...

Vintage Jose Dunach Bronze Lady Golf Figure. A very nice French Art Deco style sculpture of a lady golfer mounted on a round naturalistic base, the golfer ...

Thomas, Antoine Jean-Baptiste Un an à Rome et dans ses environs; Recueil de dessins lithographiés, représentant les costumes, les usages et le cérémonies c...

Conference table, made from original structure of Boeing Bi-Plan Wing from 1934. Original brand new piece made on order. With top in thick clear glass. Exceptional piece.

Aldunil gas lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill This is a very rare gas pocket-lighter, created in France for the Alfred Dunhill Company in Paris, back in the 1952. This semi-automatic lighter is the iconic and popular Aldunil model, crafted with art deco patterns in solid .800/.999 sterling silver with 18 karats rose-gold vermeil. All finished with high polish and substantial weight. This very early Aldunil Dunhill lighter is highly collectible and is decorated with diagonal undulates ribbed lines. Model: ALDUNIL. First Produced: Paris, France 1952. Material: 18 karats rose gold. over .800 Sterling silver. Weight: 74.4 Grams, (47.70 Dwt). Measurements: 60 mm by 23 mm by 12 mm (2.36 x 0.91 x 0.47 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks: the jewelry atelier maker's mark, three times with the mark of the Crab for the assay of the .800 silver, the Parisian maker's mark, the reference number, the six-digits serial number and signed in full as follow, "DUNHILL PARIS 64 134482". Alfred Dunhill He inherited his father’s London saddlery in 1893. Following the increase in motor car ownership, Alfred developed the business to include motoring accessories, which he called ‘Dunhill’s Motorities’. This included goggles, timepieces, picnic sets, and leather coats, and it wasn’t long before the brand became associated with men’s general motoring attire. They opened two shops in Mayfair and had a catalogue of over 1300 items. Between the 1904 and 1905, Dunhill introduced their ‘Windshield Pipe’, to help drivers combat the effect of wind and travel on their ability to smoke. This marked both the end of the ‘motorities’ focus and their entry into the world of smoking ephemera, and they shortly opened their first tobacconist in 1907 on Duke Street. The proximity to several esteemed Private Members Clubs around the Mayfair, St James’ area ensured that the venture was a success. (From Nicholas Wells With Thanks). Literature: Blei-Bottoni, The Dunhill Petrol Lighter "A Unique Story", Unique SRL 2004 first edition. Figure-571 Pp-284 for illustrations of this model in silver and gold. Note: This Aldunil pocket lighter is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier. This lighter just need a new flint and proper butane gas. Was tested and is in working condition. Condition: The overall condition of this Alfred Dunhill lighter...

This vintage silvered Music Box was a souvenir from a pilgrims journey to the famous City of Lourdes in France. It is made of metal and wood. The mu...

Jazz Manies et Collections (Jazz Mania and Collections), French Book by Frédéric Marchand, 1997. Preface by Francis Hofstein and Bernard Lion. The author has collected 180 objects re...

Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus enameled wall plaque. French, mid-century. Reproduction from a stained glass window of Reims cathedral (13th century) ...

This is amazing! It is a 19th century French Louis XVI style carved giltwood barometer. The crest appears to be a carved armillary of some sort with cascading laurel leaves and branc...

Architectural models like this one were crafted by apprentices or master artisans as part of their application for a title within their respective guilds. In France, these artisans w...

This set of antique ceramic water filters was crafted in Provence, France, circa 1870. Originally designed as promotional display pieces for a French pharmacy, each vessel advertises...

The binoculars are clad in a lovely embossed leather remaining in excellent condition, now over 100 years old and a true antique. They have integral sun shades. When closed up they ...

This beautiful sculpture is a true masterpiece from the 19th century, featuring Mary of Lourdes in all her glory. Crafted with precision and care, it is a must-have for any art colle...

This is a vintage 1970s S.T. Dupont lighter, made in France, with a silver finish and a textured geometric pattern on the casing. It comes with its original blue velvet pouch and a b...

Antique brass letter or envelope holder. In the shape of a delicate hand, this petite clip with an end ring will not only look handsome on a desk, but is quite capable of holding pap...

A large and impressive 19th century French brass library telescope marked A. Bardou, Paris. (Denis Albert Bardou; 1841 - 1893) The telescope mounted on a brass and cast iron tripod ...