Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

This is an antique lithography map of South America. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest by John Rapkin , dating to the early Victorian period and later, circ...

Multifunctional vesta lighter box designed by Peter Hertz (1811-1885). Beautiful antique vesta case, created in Copenhagen Denmark at the silversmiths workshop of Peter Hertz in 185...

PRESENTING an EXTREMELY UNIQUE and RARE 19C British Tunbridgeware Hair Pin/Bobbin or Slide. This slide is unlike any of it’s kind we have seen before, it is a VERY RARE survivor. From circa 1860 – 80 and made in Tunbridge Wells, England. Made of walnut with gorgeous marquetry inlay on the entirety of the front with classic Tunbridgeware micro-mosaic all over the front. The rear is walnut. The marquetry inlay appears to be various different woods, namely, maple, walnut and satinwood. Would have been worn in a Lady’s hair bun with the micro-mosaic facing forward. This would have belonged to a VERY ELEGANT LADY in the mid to late 19th Century. Tunbridge ware is a form of decoratively inlaid woodwork, typically in the form of boxes, that is characteristic of Tonbridge and the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent in the 18th and 19th centuries. The decoration typically consists of a mosaic of many very small pieces of different coloured woods that form a pictorial vignette. Shaped rods and slivers of wood were first carefully glued together, then cut into many thin slices of identical pictorial veneer with a fine saw. Elaborately striped and feathered bandings for framing were pre-formed in a similar fashion. There is a collection of Tunbridge ware in the Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery in Tunbridge Wells. The famous makers of Tunbridge ware were in the Tunbridge Wells area of Kent; their most notable work was from circa 1830-1900. Early makers of Tunbridge ware, in Tunbridge Wells in the mid-18th century, were the Burrows family, and Fenner and Co. In the 19th century, around 1830, James Burrows invented a technique of creating mosaics from wooden tesserae. Henry Hollamby, apprenticed to the Burrows family, set up on his own in 1842 and became an important manufacturer of Tunbridge ware, employing about 40 people. Edmund Nye (1797–1863) and his father took over the Fenner company when William Fenner retired in 1840, after 30 years in partnership with him. Thomas Barton (1819–1903), previously apprenticed at the Wise factory, joined the Nyes in 1836, and worked as Nye’s designer; he took over the business in 1863 and continued there until his death. In Tonbridge (near to Tunbridge Wells), George Wise (1703–1779) is known to have had a business in 1746. It continued with his son Thomas, and Thomas’s nephew George (1779–1869), who took over in 1806. In its early years the company made articles such as workboxes and tea caddies with prints of popular views; later items had pictures created from mosaics. Their workshop in Tonbridge, Wise’s Tunbridge Ware Manufactory, was next to the Big Bridge over the Medway; the building was demolished in 1886 to widen the approach to the bridge. Tunbridge ware became popular with visitors to the spa town of Tunbridge Wells, who bought them as souvenirs and gifts. Articles included cribbage boards, paperweights, writing slopes, snuffboxes and glove boxes. At the Great Exhibition of 1851, Tunbridge ware by Edmund Nye, Robert Russell and Henry Hollamby was shown; Edmund Nye received a commendation from the judges for his work. He exhibited a table depicting a mosaic of a ship at sea; 110,800 tesserae were used in making the picture. The manufacturers of Tunbridge ware were cottage industries, and they were no more than nine in Tunbridge Wells and one in Tonbridge. The number declined in the 1880s; competent craftsmen were hard to find, and public tastes changed. After the death of Thomas Barton in 1903 the only surviving firm was Boyce, Brown and Kemp, which closed in 1927. Marquetry was an old technique which was continued by Nye and Barton to create images such as birds or butterflies. ‘Green Oak’ as caused by the fungus Chlorociboria aeruginascens. Stickware and half-square mosaic was invented by James Burrows in about 1830: a bunch of wooden sticks of different colours, each having triangular or diamond-shaped cross section, were tightly glued together; in the case of stickware, the resulting block was dried, then turned to form an article such as the base of a pincushion. For half-square mosaic, thin slices were taken from the composite block, and applied to a surface. Tesselated mosaic, was a development by James Burrows of half-square mosaic; it was adopted by George Wise and Edmund Nye. Minute tesserae were used to form a wide variety of geometric and pictorial designs. Many sorts of wood were used for the various colours; about 40 were in regular use. Only natural colors were used; green was provided by “green oak”, produced by the action of fungus on fallen oak. Designs for articles were often taken from designs of Berlin wool work.

Great map of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Drawn and Engraved by W. & A.K. Johnston Published By A & C Black, Edinburgh. Original colour Unfr...

This is an antique lithography map of Western Africa. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest by John Rapkin, dating to the early Victorian period and later, circ...

Berk of London Velvet Slippers Size 9. by Berk of Burlington Arcade, London Men luxury hand-made, leather-soled velvet loafers, aristocratically hand embro...

Small yet heavy wall relief - Russian icon in cast bronze. It depicts a seated Virgin Mary holding a very young Jesus and an Angel holding a crucifix. It w...

English Victorian brass merchants scale with square glass tray, round brass tray, and inset oval mirror.  

This is an antique apothecary mortar and pestle. An English, bronze and beech chemist's aid, dating to the Victorian period and later, ci...

Elevate your collection with this superb Victorian-era English tobacco jar, expertly crafted from richly grained solid oak and adorned with a silver-plated lid and handle. The cylind...

This is an antique copy of Modern Practical Farriery, by W.J. Miles et al. An English language, hard bound non-fiction book, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Full title, as follows: Modern practical farriery - a complete guide to all that relates to the horse, its history, varieties, and uses; breaking, training, feeding, stabling, and grooming; how to buy, keep and treat a horse in health and disease, etc.; forming a complete system of the veterinary art, as at present practised at the Royal Veterinary College, London / by W.J. Miles, M.R.C.V.S.L.; with numerous illustrations and a series of anatomical plates, engraved from original drawings from nature, by Benjamin Herring, Esq.; to which is added an essay on the diseases and management of cattle, sheep, and pigs by J.L. Lupton, M.R.C.V.S. In fair, well-thumbed order. Some pages loose and displaying signs of coloration Superb frontispiece in colour, redolent of contemporary William Morris print...

Outstanding carved burr walnut banjo Barometer having a lovely carved burr walnut case with a thermometer and a 12 inch round silver dial. Perfect workin...

This is an antique lithography map of West Yorkshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of t...

Antique Coles Mfg Co Cast Iron Red Green Victorian Large Coffee Mill Grinder. Coverted into a planter/flower pot holder. Item features a large impressive Size, original red and green...

This is an antique lithography map of East Yorkshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of t...

A very well-detailed figured walnut table cabinet in the neoclassical taste with an elaborate metal filigree door opening to reveal a beveled mirror above 2 small drawers, surmounted...

Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting the Human Lymphatic and Blood Vessels A rare 19-carat anatomical wall chart depicting the human lymphatic and blood ve...

American Victorian bronze presentation sword with an American crest and eagle plate over the handle (inscribed behind handle)

An unusual and rare English potlid believed to depict Jenny Lind and attributed to Ridgway and dating from around 1850. The lid is printed with a lady seated in a garden landscape in a rather elegant white ball gown...

Ladies 14 carat yellow gold lorgnette spectacles. Frame is 3.75" in length and the total length is 5". 16.2 grams in weight. Very nice condition.

2 similar French Victorian brass fireman's helmets. (Priced Each).

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning Victorian circa 1880 Shargeen & Silver Vesta case for matches A very good looking,...

This antique sterling silver Christening cup was made in England in approximately 1848 in the period Early Victorian style. The front o...

This is an antique lithography map of North Yorkshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of ...

This is an antique lithography map of Monmouthshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of Mo...

This is a small antique county map of Northamptonshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of...

This is an antique county map of Hertfordshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of Hertfor...

This is an antique 4 volume set of The Waverley Novels by Sir Walter Scott. A Scottish, bound collection of literary interest, dating to the Victorian period, published 1868. A pro...

A scarce and unusual John Wesley commemorative black printed saucer size plate probably sold as a fund raising item for the Wesleyan Methodist Centenary...

An impressive antique white metal or nickel silver adjustable book chain linked collar, probably from a posh French 'Chateau' dog. Measures: 49cm (19,3") long, adjustable in 7 holes from 48cm (18.9") to 37cm (14.6") circumference This antique item would be a perfect addition for an antique dog...

This is an antique engine bearing with graphite finish. An English, cast iron and bronze desk ornament or paperweight, and dating to the Victorian perio...

Spanish American War Commemorative Mirrored Hall Rack USA, Circa 1900 An uncommon example of American historical memorabilia, This mirrored hall...

Early 20th Century Apprentice Shoes A rare and delightful pair of leather early 20th Century hand crafted apprentice shoes. One of the smallest examples we have seen to date. ...

This is an antique lithography map of Nottinghamshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of ...

Beautiful and rare early 20th century antique yellow gold Kerosang pin brooch for your Kebaya. A Kebaya is an Indonesian blouse without buttons, this golden Kerosang has 4 simple pins with 'claw-like' settings around coral 'buttons'. Usually kebaya pins have 3 pins and are more decorated elaborately in Indonesian style. This one has a more sleek 'Dutch Zealandish' design, that is why I'm pretty sure this antique costume jewellery pin...

This is an antique lithography map of Derbyshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of Derby...

This is an antique lithography map of Essex. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of Essex and ...

19th century trying or jointer plane from England. Lovely patina from age and use.

A stylish antique porcelain pastille burner model of Roberts Burn’s Cottage by renowned English potter William Henry Goss (British, 1833-1906) and dated 1893. William Henry Goss was probably best known for his prolific production of crested china wears which were developed for the souvenir trade however alongside these produced a number of other items which have become highly collectable today. This finely made pastille burner is modelled as a long single storey cottage with three windows...

This is an antique lithography map of Northumberland. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century a...

A very unusual, possibly unique, historical Certificate of Merit awarded at the drum and pipe band contest held at Crystal Palace between 1880 and 1883 and awarded in 1883. The certificate is hand-painted on a rectangular sheet of milk glass and is painted as a hanging cloth banner...

Turn-of-the-century oval initial "S" gold filled on the silver pin with a laurel wreath border featuring a pin-back design. Crafted with intricate detailing, it showcases delicate cu...

19th century life-size corpus Christi figure leg We are proud to offer a very unusual religious artifact, dating from early to mid-19th century and either Spanish or Italian in orig...

Antique late-19th century Victorian burr walnut cased games compendium, the interior comprising a chess set, draughts, dominoes, dice, cribbage board with markers, leather bound boards for games, playing cards, droughts counters, a dice shaker...

This is an antique county map of Berkshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of Berkshire a...

A beautiful Sterling Silver bookmark with the letter "R". The piece easily slides onto a book and is a lovely addition to any desk or work station, or bedside. We love its simplici...

This is an antique lithography map of Leicestershire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of Le...

This is an antique lithography map of Norfolk. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of Norfolk a...

English Victorian ebonzied metal and brass trim telescope on adjustable dark stained tripod base (signed: WOOD, late ABRAHAM & CO, LIVERPOOL)

This is an antique lithography map of Buckinghamshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of B...

This is an antique lithography map 'The Environs of Southampton'. An English, framed town engraving of cartographic interest by John James Dower, dating to the Victorian period and ...

This is an antique lithography map of Hertfordshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century an...

This antique mechanical toy is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Europe, possibly England or Austria in approximately 1880 and done in...

A perfect almost unworn pair of period 19th century hand made leather baby shoes.

This is an antique cased copy of Hillingdon Hall or The Cockney Squire. An English language novel published in the Victorian era, this edition dated 1888. Originally written in 1845...

An Attractive And Charming Mid 19th Century Mahogany Miniature Centre Table, With Tilting Top Over Turned Central Support And Triform Base With Elegant Scrolling Feet. There is ofte...

This is an antique lithography map of Rutlandshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb lithography of Rutl...

1850 two volume set of Byron's Works, printed by A. Fullerton, Edinburgh. Scarlet Morocco leather & gilt bound set filled with superb steel engravings of Italy, etc. Lord Byron's hom...

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Victorian Antique Jaques of London faux leather folding book chessboard with the original Staunton Chess set dating to circa 1880, a travel chess set in the form of checkers pieces and lastly a Jacques of London Rosewood Chess clock...

Antique frame reliquary of embossed alpaca and velvet used to frame image or religious relic comes from Andalucia, Spain It is to hang on the wall and has a door with an iron where...