18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Description: Antique map titled 'Kaart van het Zuidelykste Gedeelte van Zuider Amerika (..) - Carte de la Partie Meridionale de l'Amerique Meridionale (..)'. Detailed chart tracking the route of Capt. George Anson's ship The Centurion in 1745. The chart shows the tracks of Anson's ships around South America & Cape Horn to the Juan Fernandes Islands, with notes on currents and positions. In 1740 Capt. George Anson (1697-1762) of the Royal Navy, was given command of a squadron of ships. As England was at war with France and Spain, Anson's task was to intercept and capture a Spanish treasure...

18th Century miniature bronze gilt cabinet with underglass paintings 18th Century gilt Bronze Miniature, Gold Sewing tools Cabinet A 18th Century bronze gilded miniature cabinet, se...

Antique religion print titled 'Het Heilige der Heilige binnen den Tempel van Salomon'. This print depicts Solomon's Temple, the Holy of Holies, showing the Ark of the Covenant...

Jacques Bellin's copper-plate map entitled "Partie de la Coste de Guinee Dupuis la Riviere de Sierra Leona Jusquau Cap das Palmas", depicting the coast of Guinea and Sierra Leone in ...

IMPORTANT PORTUGUESE ORATORY WITH CALVARY 18th Century Portuguese, from the 18th century in carved Brazilian rosewood. Decoration with interrupted pediments, volutes, floral motifs...

A scarce Baroque period Spanish or Italian hand carved polychrome painted wood Santo sculpture with inset colored glass eyes, original white robe garb and later wood rosary. Intrica...

Antique map titled 'De Grietenije van der Bildt (..)' Map of the Grietenij of Het Bildt, Friesland, The Netherlands. Multiple cartouches, key and coat of arms. Originates from ""Besc...

18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London, having a mahogany barrel with a thumb wheel to the side of the main barrel, supported on a solid brass tripod s...

This exceptional antique map, titled "Nouvelle Carte Marine de Toute les Cotes de l´Amerique" and alternatively known as "Nieuwe groote en seer Curieuse Paskaart van Geheel-WestIndie...

Evelyn, John translator; Fréart, Roland de Chambray A Parallel of Antient Architecture with Modern,; In a Collection of Ten Principal Authors who have Written upon the Five Orders, P...

Journals of Congress. Containing the Proceedings From Sept. 5. 1774. to Jan. 1. 1776. Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by R. Aitken, 1777. Volume I. First Edition. 8vo. Rebound in ¼ br...

A beautiful and very rare early 19th century Catholic processional Crown, hand crafted in wood with applied gesso and gilt, with rich, dark jewel adornments, (some missing) in wonder...

English bronze thunder mug signal cannon with decorative central ring, original side handle, lower fuse port, and resting on circular ringed base. Late 18t...

An incredible amethyst formation with central calcite "arch" and calcite spear. Two special calcite formations are shown here; the first is a beautiful arch covered with a blanket...

This is a very handsome and rare 1795 map of the Americas titled "Amerique ou Nouveau Continent Dressee sur les Nouvelles Relations Decouvertes et Observations" by Jean Baptiste Noli...

This sculpture represents Santa Ana (Saint Anne) with the infant Mary. Verge

Palermo – 1620 Braun & Hogenberg Bird’s-Eye Map of Palermo, Sicily This beautifully detailed bird’s-eye view of Palermo, Sicily, was created by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg aro...

Elegant bronze mortar from the 17 century from Italy dated 1630. Really rare mortar due to his big size. In very good condition and beautiful patina.

Spanish - Moorish Gothic bronze mortar and with ribs, most likely from Andalusia. Of conical shape, resting on a circular base, the exterior decorated with a series of wing-shaped pr...

This beautiful duo of holy water vessels come from an Italian church. A unique set that has been used over time. One has slightly more pale discoloration than the other. They are ...

Antique 18th Century Diptych Sundial and Compass a portable wooden boxwood sundial with compass, of German origin, by David Beringer, Nuremberg, dating back to the 1790 circa, in good age related condition, with signs of wear consistent with age and use. David Beringer (1756 – 1821) was a German scientific instrument maker and craftsman active in Nuremberg and famous for his cubic wooden sundials visible in Metropolitan Museum of Art di New York. A portable sundial...

This is a truly exceptional set of 18th century Samurai armor that is sure to impress any collector or enthusiast. The patinated iron used in its construction has aged beautifully, giving the armor a truly unique appearance that is sure to catch the eye. The brocade silk and cotton padding used to line the armor not only provide a comfortable fit for the wearer, but also add an extra layer of decorative flair. One of the most striking features of this armor is the crests of the Hirate samurai clan that adorn it. These crests are a symbol of the clan's identity and heritage, and their presence on the armor speaks to the deep connection between samurai warriors and the clans they belonged to. The Kabuto...

Carte des Isles de Java, Sumatra, Borneo – Decorative Map by Bellin & van Schley, 1750s This richly detailed and decorative map titled Carte des Isles de Java Sumatra Borneo & les d...

Antique map titled 'Comitatus Zelandiae (..)'. Detailed chart of the province Zeeland, The Netherlands, with details shown pictorially. Published by N. Visscher.

Antique print titled 'View in Anamooka and the Inhabitants'. Depicts the marketplace that was established in a ring in front of the main house in Anamooka, Tonga - named the Friendly Islands because of his reception when James Cook's third Pacific voyage arrived there in May 1777. Artists and Engravers: Engraved for Bankes's 'New System of Geography'. Published by Royal Authority. Condition: Good, age-related toning. Please study image carefully. Date: c.1790 Overall size: 38.6 x 23.2 cm. Image size: 30.6 x 21.5 cm. A View at Anamooka This engraving after a drawing comes from the official account of Cook's third voyage, 'A voyage to the Pacific Ocean'. Captain James Cook (1728-1779) made three separate voyages to the Pacific (with the ships Endeavour, Resolution, Adventure, and Discovery) and did more than any other voyager to explore the Pacific and Southern Ocean. Cook not only encountered Pacific cultures for the first time, but also assembled the first large-scale collections of Pacific objects to be brought back to Europe. He was killed in Hawaii in 1779. Cook was in Nomuka (Annamooka), Tonga or Friendly Isles from May 1-14, 1777. "On May 2 1777 the expedition reached Nomuka and anchored in the harbour on the north side of the island, which Cook had already used in June 1774. Both ships were in want of refreshments. A camp was erected on shore both as a trading post and a workshop for repairs. Watering, cutting wood...

Large South Pacific Tridacna Gigas Clam shell The shell is in very good condition and with a beautiful pink tint.  

Two leather bound volumes published in Dublin, Ireland in the mid 1700's. The Journals of the House of Commons of the Kingdom of Ireland from the Eleventh Year of King James the Fir...

This map titled *Pascaret van Schager-Rack de Bælt en de Sondt* was created by the prominent Dutch cartographer Johannes van Keulen and published in Amsterd...

Antique map titled 'Kaart van Londen enz. en van het naby gelegen land ruim een Uur gaans rondsom dezelve Stad; getrokken uit de groote gemeeten Kaart van Hr. John Rocque'. In the se...

Important and historic, acquired from the estate of legendary American businessman, the late T. Boone Pickens, we're proud to offer this exceptional carved giltwood reliquary - monstrance from the early 18th century. Elaborately hand carved in period Rococo - Rocaille taste, with superb scrollwork, openwork, fanciful acanthus leaf and shell, ornate detailing, polychrome painted warm pastel colors, now beautifully distressed, muted tones, with remnants of gold gilded accents. Pieces such as this were used in early churches for convenient exhibition or public display of some object of piety and other important religious relics...

Vintage handcrafted wooden stand cross with gilt bronze Christ and ornaments on a beautiful carved wooden base, Portugal, 1930-1939. Measures: Height 19...

4 vols.; 8vo, 6 1/2 x 4 in. (165 x 102 mm) , vol. 1: (6), xl, 293; vol. 2: (1), 314; vol. 3: 910, xi, 331; vol. 4: 91), 322. With 28 copperplate engravings designed by F. Hayman and engraved by G. V. Neist; all are signed by both artist and engraver; all have “Vol” and “p.” indications, except those for Vol. I., which have “p." indications only. Three-quarter tan calf binding with marbled paper, all edges stained yellow, gilt title, decorations and raised bands on spine. The antique bindings...

Montagu, Mrs. (Elizabeth), 1718-1800 An Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespeare; An essay on the writings and genius of Shakespeare, compared with the Greek and French dramat...

PRESENTING AN EXTREMELY RARE FIRST US EDITION hardback copy of “Enquiry Concerning Political Justice and Its Influence on Morals and Happiness by William Godwin, First American from ...

Title: 1720 Chatelain Map of the Holy Land with Biblical Family Trees and Chronology Description: This fascinating 18th-century folio map by Henry Abraham Chatelain combines geo...

1584 Abraham Ortelius Map of Lower Burgundy, France Description of the Map: This antique map by Abraham Ortelius, titled "Bvrgvndiae Inferioris Qvae Dvcatvs Nomine Censetur Des," w...

Title: Rare Hand-Colored Map of Lorraine and Barrois by Frederik De Wit c. 1688 Description: This remarkable 17th-century map, titled "Generalis Lotharingiae Ducatus," offers a deta...

These are the now very scarce set of two catalogues produced by Christie's for the sale of the contents of Dumfries House which contained a large collec...

Elegant 18th-century reliquary in solid silver, finely hand-engraved, with ornamental decoration typical of Baroque religious art. Its oval shape features floral and symbolic details...

Antique map titled 'Carte de Normandie (..)'. Attractive map of Normandy, France. it depicts the former French Duchy of Normandy, covers the region fro...

Stunning 17th Century Italian painted confessional box. From a private house Tuscan chapel, this wonderful piece is museum quality. The faux painting is all original. There is a seat...

Published London, 1788, John Bell. Nicely leather bound in brown with fine tan, brown and gilt spines. Watery green inside the boards. 5 3/4" H x 3 7/8" W x 1" D Condition: the spi...

Gigantic Ammonite fossil on custom black stand. Approx. 150-200 Million Years Old. An ammonite is an extinct marine animal belonging to the class of squid. Ammonites lived in the ...

Origin: Holland Value: 2 pennies / 2 stuiver Date: 1724 A VOC Akerendam shipwreck treasure of nine 2 stuivers minted by the Province of Holland ...

A stunning 18th Century Indo-Portuguese altar from Goa. This is in wonderful condition with its original surface and paintings.

Gustavian brass box with perpetual calender based on the rune staff. The box is from the late 18th Century and was used as a perpetual calendar and...

Original antique map titled 'Tartaria sive Magni Chami Imperium'. This great map of Tartary covers all of eastern Asia between the Caspian Sea and northern China and Manchuria. Being...

MUSEUM PERFECTION ! AZTEC INFLUENCED LATIN AMERICAN COLONIAL ART AMAZINGLY RARE PIECE ! Approx. 14" x 8" x 2 1/2" After Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec empire, painting and sculpture schools were set up within missions to produce art for Roman Catholic worship in Spanish America to promote Christian evangelization. The works that emerge from this period are great historic treasures and tell us much about this time in history. Icons were important in this conversion process. Here is an Imagene that was likely employed in a church from the 17th century. It features 5 elaborately carved faces and figures depicting angels and saints. This piece is magnificent for many reasons, but the most important reason is that this piece illustrates the bridge between the Spanish and Aztec art schools. The Aztecs had developed the most splendid feather art in the world. Feather mosaics (arte plumario in Spanish, amantecayotl in Nahuatl), were created by specially trained and talented Aztec nobles. The blue green iridescent color of hummingbird feathers had made them a regular form of tribute to Aztec rulers and art that featured these feathers were incomparable. The Spanish art instructors adopted feathers into traditional Catholic imagery and this piece shows the result of such hybrid. Here feathers are prominently sculpted into the background and were polychromed with sensational hues to reflect the native love and cultural appreciation for feather art. Few feather mosaics survive because of their temporal frailty, but the wood worked feathers in this piece give scholars and collectors a lasting indication of how Aztecs stylistically used the feathers in their pieces. Aztec religious leaders wore headdresses and garments made of feathers - and here these saints appear to be wearing feather headdresses! Even after centuries, the colors of this piece are incredibly compelling. Fragments of the rich blue green pigment that was applied to mimic the hummingbird feathers are still present. The golds, yellows and browns display spectacular understanding of complementary colors. What's more this piece also shows Aztec sun imagery incorporated into the design! On the reverse side of the Saints' faces we see a vivid blue sun burst type design which clearly was an Aztec motif of the period and has no comparable counterpart in Catholic holy treasures...

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...

France Map 1757 – Southern Provinces by Isaak Tirion in Dutch Engraving This original copperplate engraving published in 1757 by Isaak Tirion in Amsterdam presents a highly detailed...

The black leather binding in faux shark skin, with silver fittings, unmarked, front and back centrally with a VOC ship within a symmetrical rococo cartouche, the two clasps with VOC ...

18th Century Spanish Polychrome Wood Sculpture of the Immaculate Virgin A captivating 18th-century Spanish School sculpture of the Immaculate Virgin, masterfully hand-carved in poly...

Title: 1705 Sanson Map of Southern India and Malabar with an Inset Map Description: This finely engraved and beautifully hand-colored antique map, published in 1705, depicts south...

The map of Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) from 1681, attributed to Frederick de Wit holds significant historical importance for several reasons: Historical Context 1. Colonial Era: This map dates back to the Dutch colonial era when Batavia served as the administrative and commercial hub of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The VOC was a powerful trading entity that played a crucial role in the global spice trade and colonization in Southeast Asia. 2. Strategic Importance: Batavia was strategically located on the northwestern coast of Java, providing the Dutch with a critical base for their maritime operations. The city became the center of Dutch political and military control in the region. Cartographic Significance 1. Detailed Urban Layout: The map meticulously details the layout of Batavia, including its fortifications, canals, streets, and significant buildings. This level of detail provides insights into the urban planning and architectural styles of the period. 2. Military Engineering: The fortifications shown on the map illustrate the advanced military engineering techniques used by the Dutch to protect their valuable colony. The walls, bastions, and moats indicate the strategic considerations taken to defend against potential invasions. 3. Maritime Activity: The depiction of ships in the harbor highlights Batavia's role as a major maritime center. The VOC's fleets were essential for trade routes connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia, making Batavia a crucial node in global commerce. Artistic and Cultural Value 1. Artistic Elements: The decorative elements, such as the lion holding a shield and the intricate cartouches, reflect the artistic trends of Dutch Golden Age cartography. These embellishments were not only informative but also served to display the cartographer's skill and the map's prestige. 2. Cultural Exchange: Maps like this one provide evidence of cultural exchange between the Dutch and the indigenous populations of Java. The blending of Dutch and local influences can be seen in various aspects of the map and the architecture of the city. Rarity and Preservation 1. Rarity: Maps from the 17th century, especially those in good condition, are relatively rare and highly valued by collectors and historians. Each map provides a unique snapshot of historical geography and urban development. 2. Preservation of History: This map serves as a historical document, preserving knowledge about Batavia's cityscape, infrastructure, and colonial governance. It helps historians and scholars understand the socio-economic and political dynamics of the period. Conclusion The map of Batavia from 1681 is special due to its detailed depiction of one of the most important colonial cities in Southeast Asia during the Dutch Golden Age. It reflects the strategic, economic, and cultural significance of Batavia, serving as a valuable resource for understanding the history of Dutch colonialism and its global impact. The map's artistry and precision make it an important artifact in the history of cartography. --------------- The map is an original and historical map of Batavia (present-day Jakarta) on the island of Java, dated 1681. There are several details to consider when evaluating its origins and possible authorship: 1. **Style and Detail**: The intricate details and style are reminiscent of maps created by Frederick de Wit, a prominent Dutch cartographer and engraver of the 17th century. He was known for his detailed city maps and sea charts. 2. **Lack of Signature**: The absence of "F. de Wit, Excudit" could indicate either an omission or a different engraver. However, it is essential to note that some maps from that period were reproduced or copied by other engravers and cartographers. This was not uncommon, as map-making was a collaborative effort, and copies of popular maps were frequently made. 3. **Map Characteristics**: - The depiction of ships and the detailed fortifications are typical of Dutch cartography in the late 17th century. - The decorative elements, such as the lion holding a shield, are also characteristic of Dutch map engravers. 4. **Other Possible Engravers**: While Frederick de Wit is a strong candidate, other notable Dutch engravers from that period include Joan Blaeu and Willem Janszoon Blaeu. They also produced highly detailed maps and could potentially be the creators or inspirers of this map. To determine the precise authorship, you might consider: - **Comparing** this map with other confirmed works of Frederick de Wit and his contemporaries to identify stylistic similarities and differences. - **Historical Records**: Consulting historical records or publications related to Dutch cartography in the 17th century might provide more context or even direct references to this particular map. If you have access to additional details or higher-resolution images of specific sections, it might help further pinpoint the map's origin and authorship. ------------- Frederick de Wit (1629–1706) was a prominent Dutch cartographer, engraver, and publisher known for his detailed and decorative maps, atlases, and globes. He played a significant role in the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, contributing to the wealth of geographic knowledge and artistic achievement during this period. Here are key aspects of his life and work: ### Biography - **Early Life**: Frederick de Wit was born in Gouda, Netherlands, in 1629. Little is known about his early years, but he moved to Amsterdam, the epicenter of Dutch cartography, in the mid-17th century. - **Career Beginnings**: De Wit began his career as an engraver and publisher, initially producing maps that were reissues of earlier works by other cartographers, such as Joan Blaeu and Willem Janszoon Blaeu. ### Contributions to Cartography - **Mapmaking**: De Wit was known for his meticulous attention to detail and artistic flair. He produced a wide range of maps, including world maps, regional maps, city plans, and maritime charts...

A lovely antique Spanish Colonial hand carved and painted wood santo altar figure - religious folk art sculpture. 18th/19th century, possibly earlier, most likely depicting Saint F...

19th C. French 'Ave Maria' Bénitier / Holy Water Font, Devotional Reliquary  France, circa 1890s, artist signed 'Ale'  A stunning late 19th-century French Bénitier/Holy Water Font D...

English Camphor wood sea captain's chest with hinged top, exposed corner dovetailing, original mounted braided beckets, and terminating on the original rectangular molded edge base....

Crucified Christ, Sorrowful Crucifix. Carved and polychrome wood. Possibly southern German school, 15th century. Polychrome and gilded wood carving showing Christ with the Crown of Thorns, on the Cross, already deceased (eyes closed), with the usual INRI phylactery on the upper crossbar of the Latin cross, three nails (note the crossed feet) and a short, golden and polychrome purity cloth or perizonium. It is known, in German, as “Gabelkreuz” or “Gabelkruzifix” (“Sorrowful Crucifix” in Spanish) to a type of Gothic Crucified Christ that is especially expressive (prioritizing external suffering over other aspects) and that, normally, presents the cross in a of Y or ypsilon (alluding to the Tree of Life), created, apparently, thanks to the influence of the mysticism of the late 13th and early 14th centuries (Saint Brigid...

A fine antique of the colony of Pennsylvania. Noted at the top of the sheet as a 'Map of the province of Pensilvania'. This undated and anonymous map is thought to be from the Gentleman's Magazine, London, circa 1775, although the general appearance could date it to the 1760's. The southern boundary reflects the Mason-Dixon survey (1768), the western boundary is placed just west of Pittsburgh, and the northern boundary is not marked. The map has a number of reference points that likely refer to companion text and appear to be connected to boundaries. The western and southern boundaries are marked Q, R, S, for example. A diagonal line runs from the Susquehanna R to the Lake Erie P. A broken line marked by many letters A, B, N, O, etc., appears in the east. There are no latitude or longitude markings, blank verso. Framed in a shaped contemporary gilt wooden frame and matted under a cream colored matte. Bearing an old Graham Arader Gallery...

Huge 18th C. Venetian Larger Then California King Bed Crest Finials Panel Board. Imposing circa 1700’s Venetian bed detailed with cartouches. Composed of two smaller frames. Exquisit...