19th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Italian Telegraph in solid brass, 1880.

An antique solid mahogany Ship’s Wheel with 8 turned spokes having good size and weight. The axle has an iron core and polished brass front cap on one side. Both sides of the wheel h...

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...

A Rare and Historic 1859 Elkington Silvered Bronze Victorian Centerpiece with Cut-Glass Bowl. Presenting a magnificent Victorian silvered bronze centerpiece of unmatched rarity and importance, crafted by the renowned Elkington Mason & Co., Birmingham, in 1859. This exceptional work, complete with its original cut-glass bowl, epitomizes 19th-century British craftsmanship and artistry. Hallmarked to the base, this centerpiece showcases intricate sculptural details, embodying a high level of technical prowess and aesthetic refinement characteristic of Elkington's celebrated works. The centerpiece's striking design features three meticulously rendered figures—a young hunter, a friar, and a fishmonger—each embodying elements of Victorian life and industry. At their feet, a loyal spaniel and various game highlight the naturalistic approach to the composition, enhanced by the masterful chasing and dynamic form. This sculptural ensemble rests on an elaborately decorated base, exuding both grandeur and narrative depth. Adding profound historical value are two engraved plaques. The first, dated “January 28, 1859,” reads: “Presented to William Johnson Esq. as a token of respect & esteem by the workpeople in the employ of Messrs Richard Johnson & Brother, Manchester.” The second, an inscription from 1941, states: “Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers, Alias Wire Workers of the City of London, Presented by Arthur Laurence Johnson M.A., Grandson of William Johnson, both Wire Workers, with his Daughter Eleanor Morton Johnson, a Freeman of the Company, to commemorate his Mastership 1941-42.” These inscriptions chart a rich lineage, connecting the Johnson family to pivotal moments in industrial history. William Johnson, alongside his brother Richard, assumed leadership of a wire-drawing firm in 1838, which would later become Richard Johnson & Nephew Ltd. Their contributions included providing galvanized armored wire for the historic 1857 transatlantic telegraph cable...

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...

Antique map of America titled 'Carte de l'Amerique septentrionale'. Scarce map of North America, shortly after the Louisiana Purchase and the first ...

Belgium / 1890 / Religious Triptych / wood, paper, glass / Neo-Gothic / Antique very old framed icon print under glass, patina handgeschilderde panelen op de zijkant Fabulous Late ...

Impressive handmade large and powerfully cast Japanese tripod bronze censer of the 19th century, made during the Meiji period and with mythical animals...

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...

A lavish production and VEDDER's MASTERPIECE, The Rubaiyat was a great success and helped establish Vedder as a major American artist. Khayyám, Omar / Illustrated by ELIHU VEDDER / ...

A wonderful and highly decorative desk or counter bell, my favourite kind with the more unusual clapper to the side rather than the ones you ring from the top. The hinged clapper is ...

19th century oil on board of a Blacksmith Of rectangular form, the papier Mache and ebonised cover is finely painted, covered in flowers and a circular motif to the central section...

A paper print depicting the genealogy of Jesus, his family tree, with the charm of a time machine reconstructs the genealogy of Christ's ancestors, as per the Gospel according to Mat...

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...

Old English walking stick with silver handle, fron the early twentieth century, or older. The city stamps and the date are not legible. ref. O/4146.

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...

A five volume leather bound set titled "Beacon Lights of History" by John Lord published in New York in 1884 by Fords, Howard and Hulbert profiling various historical luminaries from...

A wonderful and highly decorative desk or counter bell, my favourite kind with the more unusual clapper to the side rather than the ones you ring from the top. The hinged clapper is ...

A very rare unique example of British late Victorian 19th century Ivory and rosewood walking stick/cane. Carved Ivory clenched fist holding a r...

Great Carved Black Forest Horn Lithophany, Germany ca. 1840 Museal rustic lithophany depicting finely carved chamoise in a mountain landscape. The f...

Atelier mannequin graven and carved stone pine wood Italy, late 19th century Measures: H 102 cm x 25 cm x 14 cm H 40.15 in x 9.84 in x 5.51 in Weight: circa kg 4 State of conse...

English Victorian black lacquered zither with gold floral stenciling and spindle handle (signed)

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. ...

Stunning, one of a kind bronze corpus of Christ. The meaning of this antique sculpture obviously needs no explanation. However, not everybody looks at the corpus of Christ with the same ideas and emotions. And each individual may also have different emotions and ideas depending on his or her state of mind at a certain moment in the day or at a certain time in his or her life. Besides that, every artist/sculptor may also have his or her own ideas of what he or she is trying to express and communicate. What is important to us, is that a work of religious art speaks to us. If it speaks to us then almost always there will also be someone else who sees the beauty, deeper meaning, quality, style and uniqueness. This particular corpus stands out for its exceptional physical details and its painful facial features. We also rarely seen an antique Christ sculpture...

Traveler's pocket compass, Victorian-era turned brass, late 19th century England, rose on sixteen-twenty copperplate engraving paper complete with goniometric circle. Conservation s...

19th Century Cast Iron Race Horse Bank by J & E Stevens Co. 1871 USA, Circa 1871 This rare 19th-century cast iron Race Horse bank by J & E Stevens Co., pat...

Cameras are not my expertise but we could not pass up on this beauty. The camera is signed ANSCO and the large lens reads DARLO OPTICIEN, PARIS 35436. I'm told that this lens is the most valuable...

This is a tall antique taxidermy dome. An English, glass and ebonised pine display case, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880. Tall, slim proportion - ideal for displayi...

Antique Map of the European Turkey, Greece & Ionian Islands – Stieler, c.1860 Original antique map titled *Die Europaeische Türkei, Griechenland und die ...

Old large pectoral necklace in the shape of a breastplate, originating from Tibet. Magnificent color work with a mixture of turquoise stones, red beads, silver and copper. The suppor...

This is a very early French reliquary box used to hold personal articles such as a crucifix. The front door opens to reveal one wall in silk. The piece i...

Early 19th Century Marionette Puppets A rare untouched example of two hand crafted early 19th century marionette puppets, likely to be French in...

Unused Antique Gutty Golf Ball. An exceptional example of a moulded mesh patterned Victorian gutta percha golf ball. The ball is in mint condition and is with the classic mesh patter...

Title: Rare 1864 Civil War Era Map of Canada with Great Lakes Detail Description: This finely detailed antique map, titled "Johnson's Canada," was published in 1864 by Johnson and W...

Antique Rowing Oar, 1897 Balliol College Oxford, 2nd Torpid. The full-length oar is an original traditional presentation rowing oar with gilt calligraph...

Stunning and perfect running Gothic architectural design bronze wall clock, from circa 1880. If you like rare antiques in general and one of a kind clocks in particular then this handcrafted specimen for wall mounting could be the perfect addition to your collection or Gothic (inspired) interior. This fine quality antique...

This is a very rare sterling silver Judaical Mezuzah which was found in Vienna, Austria and survived WW2 among other historical Religious Judaical items ...

A fully restored and working Swiss cylinder music box enclosed in a box of polished fruitwood featuring a central floral inlaid medallion on the hinged lid which opens up to reveal ...

This late 19th-century English leather top hat box, paired with an American-made beaver fur top hat, exudes timeless craftsmanship and style. The b...

This charming early Staffordshire rare pale red fox stirrup cup features intaglio eyes outlined in black with exaggerated lashes, brownish red brush stroke...

Large antique Baroque crucifix with stunning details and an amazing patina. Because of the quality in the detail or because of the perfect anatomy o...

19th-Century English Barometer & Fahrenheit Thermometer in Mahogany Case Barometer in a mahogany case, dated to the 1st half of the 19th century, featuring a Fahrenheit thermometer,...

A highly decorative collection of four falconry hoods, later mounted on matching period brass and ebonised turned stands. The three larger example are ...

Scrimshaw of an engraved whale's tooth, depicting on one side, truncated pyramid cippus culminating with a half sphere and surmounted at the top by a six-pointed star, symbolism trac...

Great map of the World. From the celebrated Royal Illustrated Atlas Lithograph. Original color. Published by Fullarton, Edinburgh, circa 1870. Unframed.

19th Century Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama A delightful and highly decorated example of a late 19th century English folk art ships model diorama...

This elegant 19th-century French barometer is a beautifully crafted antique weather instrument housed in an octagonal giltwood frame. The a...

This is an antique chemist's mortar and pestle. An English, brass apothecary aid, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1850. Graced with a bright appearance and pleasingly tactile...

Italian Medieval / Renaissance-style (19th Century) metal life size suit of armor with fluted breast plate on a square wooden base. Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use...

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...

John and William Cary Updated by George and John Cary Terrestrial Globe London, 1840 lb 22 (kg 10) Slight surface abrasions due to use. A small crack on the horizon circle. The globe rests in its original Dutch style stand with four supporting turned wood columns. It measures 26 in in height x 23.6 in in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 18 in; 66 cm in height x 60 cm in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 45.72 cm. The 18 inch...

A large decorative brass Bible stand from a Catholic church. This versatile antique book stand has the ability to lay flat or to be used at adjustabl...

Antique map titled 'Arkansas'. Original antique map of Arkansas, United States. This print originates from 'Encyclopaedia Britannica', Ninth Edition. P...

18th Century Hand-Made Oak Stave Butter Churn was lovingly crafted by the town's barrel cooper in the same general manner which he produced barrels for food and wine storage. Oak st...

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....

The printed and pivoted compass card and chapter ring centred by brass gnomon, in turned rosewood case with domed lid, (glass cover), 5cm (2in) diam.

It is an absolutely outstanding with very rare and original design Seder Plate, hand-crafted out of Bronze by famous art deco maker Koloman (Kolo) Moser who was one of the founders o...

Anatomical models have been used for centuries as an adjunct to teaching anatomy, and play an important role in the history of anatomical education. Models became popular over time f...