1930s Collectibles and Curiosities

Vintage Art deco Peugeot Freres Coffee Grinder This Vintage Peugeot Freres Bakelite manual coffee grinder an art deco classic from Peugeot brand. The hand crank mechanism perfect f...

Alden blueprint of Motor Yacht Gypsy which was a 101 foot yacht built in 1927. This is a hull lines drawing of this plum bow vessel. Weight is 16 pounds. 20" H x 53" L .

This seemingly simple wooden vase is a design object of infinite beauty and elegance that can be placed in either an antique or a modern or contemporary setting. They are Indian arte...

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...

Nice antique ship model of an American brig. Deck details include cannons on carriages, capstan, anchors, longboat, gratings, etc. The model is rig...

Chinoiserie decorated circular barometer, circa 1930s. Black background with gold decoration,  Depicting, houses, temple, figures, trees & foliage, Brass face, Badge on back, re...

Sterling silver cigarette case with decorative enamel face. Art Deco design. The case is beautifully enameled in a blue and black geometric pattern with a silver finish. The interior of the cigarette case is marked "Alfred Dunhill Paris...

A stainless steel lighter designed by Ronson. Very beautiful Rondette desk lighter, created in New Jersey United States by The Ronson Co. during the art deco period, back in the 193...

Art Deco era Etched zigzag steel cylinder Lighter named "The Executive" By AR. Circa 1930, Measures: 3.5" tall X 2" diameter.

A Savory lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill. This is a very scarce petrol pocket lighter, created in Switzerland by La Nationale for the Alfred Dunhill Company in Paris, back in the 1935. This semi-automatic full-size lighter is the iconic and popular Savory model, crafted with art deco patterns in solid silver-plate with high polished finish. This very early Dunhill lighter is highly collectible, is decorated with linear patterns and is accompanied by the Dunhill's fitted box. This model was marketed with two names, The Savory in France and The Handy in the rest of the world Brand: Dunhill-Paris. Model: Savory Semi-automatic, full size. First Produced: 1936. Material: Plated .925 Sterling silver over brass. Weight: 48.95 Grams, (31.40 Dwt). Measurements: 50 mm by 34 mm by 12 mm (1.97 x 1.34 x 0.47 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed in full as follow, "ALFRED DUNHILL PARIS FAB. SUISSE MECAN AD SAVORY PATENT". 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-52 Pp-256-259 for this model illustrated in several materials and finishes. Note: This 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 lighter fluid. Was tested and is in working condition. Collateral: This lighter is accompanied by the designer's presentation fitted box Condition: The overall condition of this Alfred Dunhill lighter...

Model in enlarged section of a Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a syconium). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the thirties. Measures ...

Netherlands Black and red bakelite speaker by Louis Kalff for Philips, 1930s Round iconic bakelite tabletop audio speaker painted black with red spots. The triangular base of the spe...

Art Deco Aviation Model Boeing 314 Airplane Pan-American 'Clipper', circa 1938 A superbly crafted rendering of the legendary transoceanic Boeing 314 Pan-Ame...

Art Déco French silver and enamel vanity compact necklace/pendant with mirror, 1940s By: unknown Material: silver, metal, enamel, mirror Technique: silvered, polished, metalwork, ca...

JP Morgan's New York Yacht Club Burgee that flew from his elegant steam yachts "Corsair". This is from a set of special occasion silk dress flags that were flown on Corsair II, Corsa...

This PH Grand Piano, serial number 4600, was manufactured between 1935 and 1938. It is an excellent-conditioned vintage instrument that has been careful...

AUTHOR: CAIN, James M. TITLE: Serenade. PUBLISHER: New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1937. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION PRESENTATION COPY. 1 vol., inscribed on the front blank endleaf “To...

Willie Kool desk-table petrol lighter. This is a beautiful bar or desk petrol lighter, created as a promotional item by the Kool Cigarette Company, back in the 1938. The sculptural and elusive lighter has been crafted with the iconic figure of the company Willie Kool, in solid steel and decorated with green, black and white paint. The figural penguin is in pretty very good shape, in working condition and should be a gorgeous addition to any collection. This will be a great conversation item. Willie The Penguin Willie the penguin was introduced in 1934 by The Ted Bates Advertising Agency. During the time there were several other cartoonish spokespersons like Kellogg’s Snap, Crackle & Pop, Reddy Kilowatt, and the Campbell’s Kids. Willie’s product line included salt and pepper shakers, ash trays...

A superb Art Deco Model of a Boeing 314 Clipper Aeroplane Circa 1938. The Boeing Clipper was a long range Flying Boat made by the Boeing Aircraft Company i...

Massachusetts Beautiful by Wallace Nutting. Old America, Garden City Publishing Company, Inc. 1935. First Edition Thus Signed hardcover no dust jacket. Part of His "States Beautiful" series. With many black and white photographs and illustrations of localities throughout the state of Massachusetts...

Northwest Passage, Limited 2 Volume Edition By Kenneth Roberts. Published by Doubleday, Doran & Company Inc., Garden City, N.Y., 1937. 1st Ed hardcov...

AUTHOR: CHURCHILL, Winston S. TITLE: Marlborough His Life and Times. PUBLISHER: London: George G. Harrap, 1933, 34, 36, 38. DESCRIPTION: ALL FIRST EDITIONS. 4 vols., 9-1/16...

AUTHOR: MILNE, A. A.. TITLE: A fine ALS mentioning Christopher Robin and Pooh. PUBLISHER: Chelsea, 1931. DESCRIPTION: AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGN...

Bronze Vienes miniature living room set Miniature with enamel Origin France Circa 1930 Materials Bronze and enamel in perfect condition Rococo style 7 pi...

James Shore's Daughter by Stephen Vincent Benét. Publisher: Doubleday, Doran & Company, Inc, Garden City, New York 1934. Stated 1st numbered Ed (#3/307) Signed by the author with sli...

Highly polished engine order telegraph by Bendix of New York. With painted faceplates with ships commands full, half, slow, stand by, stop, ahead and astern. Twin face design, two ha...

AUTHOR: CHURCHILL, Winston S. TITLE: Marlborough His Life and Times. PUBLISHER: London: George G. Harrap, 1933, 34, 36, 38. DESCRIPTION: ALL FIRST EDITIONS. 4 vols., 9" x 6-1/4",...

A handmade wooden Artist mannequin model - all joints move as they should. Found on a Estate sale in Modena, Italy. Shows some minor wear - but looks beautiful on display! Some scrat...

Solid brass boat compass binnacle that has been meticulously polished and lacquered. Gimballed compass inside. Mounted to a varnished wood base with carved rope border. Interior has ...

Vintage industrial / nautical spotlight by Crouse Hinds. USA, circa 1930-1940. Retains some original gray paint. For display only; not recommende...

A signed, first edition of this iconic and definitive cocktail recipe book. Signed by the author to Arthur Strange with a presentation inscription wishing them 'all the best'. His signature to page 6 with the phrase "Here's How". With the errata slip to page 25 as called for. A first edition, first impression, with the pagination to the preliminary leaves. The Savoy Cocktail...

Golfing Caddy Match Holder & Striker. A ceramic golf figure in the form of a young caddie holding a pencil golf bag with two clubs. The golf bag is for holding your matches and the t...

The Decadence of Early Haute Couture released by the hands of Elsa Schiaparelli. Early 1930’s -1940’s House of Schiaparelli Studio in France. A Parure Set with Matching Necklace, Br...

The Hudson by Carl Carmer. Farrar & Rinehart, New York:, 1939. First edition hardcover with dust jacket with Brodart cover. Best of the Rivers of America series. The Hudson is less a...

Black Japanned Prog setting filled with Emerald, Peridot, and Citrine Rhinestones in Round, Emerald and Teardrop Cut. The Citrine Rhinestones are Vaseline Glass and Glow Brilliantly under UV light. Oversized stones and incredible detail make this Hobé set a piece of Costume Jewelry History. The Earring’s fit very securely and are constructed with a built in cushion roller for comfort. They measure 1.25” The Necklace is a Festoon Bib with jointed connectors creating a tailored fit that moves along with you. This stunning necklace will glitter and sparkle with every breath while lighting up the room. One jewel connection is fused, this might be an old repair, pictured. The Necklace measures 15” long Each piece is signed Hobé with the signature used 1920’s to the 1950’s. HOBE Jewelry The original Hobe family was in business in the US from 1927 to 1995. William Hobe...

Striking heavy white tooth shaped porcelain tray used by a Dentist in the Southern part of Denmark during the 1930s. Manufactured in Germany probably on order. Beautiful intact antiq...

Decorative roller desk box designed by Park Sherman. Very decorative desk box, created during the art deco period in America by the Park Sherman Company, back in the 1930. This roller-lid box is very innovative in design and with Avant Garde look. It was crafted in chromed steel with red lacquer and elements in red and black Bakelite. It is fitted with a roller lid, which is in perfect working condition. The Park Sherman Company Park Sherman was an important Springfield company for several decades ending with the sale of the company to a New Jersey firm in 1960. They mass-produced smoking accessories, particularly lighters, as well as a multitude of office, novelty, and other items. The Park Sherman Company operated in Springfield, Illinois until 1960 when it was sold to a New Jersey company. A man named Jacob S. Sherman was the founder of the Park Sherman Company. The company sold miner's supplies (miner's cap lamps, match cases, etc.) and later specialized in things like coin banks and smoking accessories such lighters and cigarette cases. The company's products were sold throughout the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. 'Everdry' was a brand name that Park Sherman used on some of its products. The word "Everdry" was used, for example, on match cases to indicate that the case would prevent the matches from getting wet. Presumably, your "Everdry" cigarette case kept the contents from getting wet. Materials: Chromed steel and red and black Bakelite. Weight: 231.7 Grams, (0.51 Pounds). Measurements: 114.3 mm by 101.6 mm by 63.5 mm (3.50 x 4.0 x 2.50 Inches). Literature: Rodney and Diane Capstick-Dale, The art deco Collectibles...

A bronze Tourette desk lighter designed by Ronson. Very rare desk table Touch-Tip lighter, created in Newark New Jersey by Ronson, at The Art Metal Works Co. during the art deco per...

Fabulous and classic cast iron toy from the early thirties. In what looks like to the original Red with Nickel Wheels and the right amount of wear to th...

Vintage, antique Alpine Ski photograph. 'HAIRCUT SIR', a new mounted black and white photographic image after an original 1930s skiing photograph. Prior to being a recreational activity skiing was purely a means of travelling from A to B through the snow, it only started to become the sport it is today in the mid-1800s. The price displayed is for the mounted photo only. Image size 40cm x 25.5cm = 15 ½" x 10". The alpine photograph...

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very collectable and super quality, Asprey London Sterling Silver & Gold Gilt with Diamonds and finishe...

Model in enlarged section of the Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a sicon). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the 1930s. Measures cm 3...

large walking stick with thick silver handle. From Germany around 1930 ebonized wood.

Vintage, Alpine Ski photograph. 'THE JUMP', a new mounted black and white photographic image after an original 1930s skiing photograph. Prior to being a recreational activity skiing was purely a means of travelling from A to B through the snow, it only started to become the sport it is today in the mid-1800s. The price displayed is for the mounted photo only. Image size 25.5cm x 40cm = 10 X 15 ½" ". The alpine photograph...

Sketch of a futurist poster, 1930s, ten cents to fight tuberculosis, for the national campaign to inform people about the prevention of this illness. Measures: cm 32 x 42, inches 12....

The Savory lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill. This is a rare petrol pocket lighter, created in Switzerland by La Nationale for the Alfred Dunhill Company in Paris, back in the 1936. This semi-automatic full-size lighter is the iconic and popular Savory model, crafted with art deco patterns in solid .925/.999 sterling silver and decorated with engine turned barley patterns. This very early Dunhill lighter is highly collectible. This model was originally marketed with two names, The Savory in France and The Handy in the rest of the world Brand: Dunhill-Paris. Model: Savory Semi-automatic, full size. First Produced: 1936. Material: Solid .925 Sterling silver. Weight: 56.2 Grams, (36.03 Dwt). Measurements: 50 mm by 34 mm by 12 mm (1.97 x 1.34 x 0.47 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the silver and signed in full as follow, "ALFRED DUNHILL PARIS FAB. SUISSE STERLING MECAN AD SAVORY BREVETTE No-806949". 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-500 Pp-256-259 for this model illustrated in several materials and finishes. Note: This 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 lighter fluid. Was tested and is in working condition. Collateral: This lighter is accompanied by a presentation pouch. Condition: The overall condition of this Alfred Dunhill lighter...

Wonderful Art Deco smoking stand made of bakelite veneer and chrome. This great stand was designed by Charles Hardy for Belmet Products Inc, in ...

AUTHOR: PRAGNELL, Festus (Frank William Pragnell) TITLE: The Green Man of Kilsona. (The Ape-man of the Electron World) PUBLISHER: London: Philip Al...

This vintage stunning Art Deco diamond brooch is exceptionally designed in a platinum setting showcasing a magnificent sparkling one carat (F/vvs/vs) faceted diamond center. An array...

A ronson elephant two pipe holder with a chrome elephant and accents with a black powder coat base. It is listed in advertisement "Ronson - the World's Greatest Lighter" as "Extremel...

A gilt bronze necklace with chain and a square plaque on the subject of "Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden" with apple tree in the center, designed and made by Line Vautrin in her e...

Frank Brangwyn. An important armchair. Brangwyn's last interior designs were for the Canadian Pacific Liner; 'The SS Empress of Britain', which was launched in 1931 by the Prince of Wales, later to be King Edward VIII who renounced his throne to marry Wallis Simpson in 1930. These armchairs were designed for the 1st class dining room; 'The Salle Jacque Cartier' (see last image) and they were made by H.H. Martyn and Co. Cheltenham. The 1st class dining room was described in the Bulletin of The Decorative Arts Society 1890-1940 as 'In the fully fledge modern restaurant and cinema style of the 1930s'. The Studio in a long article on the liner, discusses and illustrates Brangwyn's Salle Jacques Cartier: 'So architectural it is, so true proportion, so devoid of Extraneous ornament. In contrast to this austerity of line, hue and colour, his great wall paintings are rich in colour; composed in the bold, yet intricate pattern of figure, fruit and flowers that characterizes Mr Brangwyn's decorative works'. Tragically the liner was sunk in 1940 by a U-boat. Brangwyn also designed marquetry panels for the private dining rooms and they were executed by the Rowley Gallery, he also designed a frieze carved in wood for their gallery façade in 1936. The armchair has a central under bar below the seat which still has the original bolt and eye to secure the chain to and then to the floor, that would prevent all the chairs from sliding around in stormy weather. It is lacking ivorene numbered disc which would have sat in the very top of the head rail. In October 1940 the most famous of the Canadian Pacific Railway liners and flagship of the company's Atlantic Fleet, the Empress of Britain, was attacked and sunk. She was travelling to Glasgow from Suez via South Africa, where she was bombed near the north-west coast of Ireland by a German Focke Wulf Condor plane. When the Condor attacked the Empress of Britain the ship's crew couldn't shoot the plane down and soon the Empress was burning out of control and the Captain C.H. Sapsworth gave the order to abandon ship. 45 people died and the remaining survivors including women and children, were later rescued that day by the British destroyer HMS Echo and the Polish destroyer Burza and 3 British naval trawlers Paynter, Cape Agona and Drangey. The Empress still burning managed to stay afloat and the day after 2 Royal Navy tugs, Marauder and Thames tried to tow her into port with many escort ships around her but in spite of the protection she was given from the escort ships on October 28th, a German U-boat, U-32, managed to get by the escorts un-noticed and torpedoed the crippled Empress. She sank within ten minutes. The Empress of Britain was the largest Allied passenger liner to be sunk and weighing 42,348-tons she was the biggest merchant ship loss of the war. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth had travelled aboard Empress of Britain after their 1939 Royal Tour...

Unique style marine binnacle by American maker John Hand and Son of Philadelphia. With polished and lacquered brass hood, compass, base trim, and rarely fou...

Ceramic Novelty Golf Condiment Set. Fielding's Crown Devon golf cruet set, the carry handle in the shape of a golfer in plus fours and cap carrying a bag of golf clubs over his shoul...

Desk elephant Striker Lighter designed by Ronson. The striker lighters made by Ronson are famous under collectors. This extremely rare desk Striker Lighter was created in New Jersey United States by The Art Metal Works for The Ronson Co. during the art deco period, back in the 1935. Designed in the shape of an Elephant made in polished solid chromed steel attached to a oval black base. The colored plastic tusks were named Ïvoroid” by Ronson. Weight: 597.5 Grams, (1.32 Pounds). Measurements: 82.55 mm by 91.44 mm by 116.84 mm (3.25 x 3.60 x 4.6 Inches). Marks: Signed with the maker's mark label, "FASHIONED BY RONSON". Ronson The Ronson lighter company started as The Art Metal Works in 1897 and was incorporated on July 20, 1898, by Max Hecht, Louis Vincent Aronson and Leopold Herzig, in Newark, New Jersey. Louis V. Aronson was a huge creative driving force for the company; and, with a few business adjustments, including the addition of Alexander Harris (1910–11) as Business Manager, the company soon became World Famous. In the 1910s The Art Metal Works were producing very good quality Hood Ornaments and gained a reputation as a dependable supplier of same. All accounts state that Louis Aronson was a gifted man, who at 16 years old set up a money-making shop in his parent's home - before receiving a U.S. patent for a commercially valuable metal-plating process he developed when he was 24 years old, and he sold half the rights while retaining the Right to Use. "His experiments, which he has been conducting since his early youth, resulted in 1893 in the discovery of a process for electrically producing tinplate. Much money was expended upon improving the process... and has been of great practical value to the whole industry. Retaining its rights, he sold half the patent rights, and later used part of the proceeds to open the Art Metal Works in Newark, N.J. Soon the company was producing a variety of high-quality Lamps, Book ends, Art Statues and other decorative items, prized today for their detail in the collector marketplace. Literature: Urban K. Cummings, Ronson, the World's Greatest Lighter : Wick Lighters...

Vintage style Photography, framed Alpine Ski Photograph, the lift. 'THE LIFT', a modern framed and mounted black and white photographic image after an original 1930s skiing photogra...

We are delighted to offer this lovely 1936 solid sterling silver art deco cigarette dispenser A very good looking and well made piece, full...

Art deco magic penguin mechanical dispenser box designed by Ronson. A beautiful, exceedingly rare and very decorative mechanical dispenser desk box, created in the city of Newark, N...