Arizona Fossilised Wood Slice

A large polished agate freeform. This freestanding Brazilian agate has two interesting dimensions to it: serene blue-grey bands on one face, dramatic wh...

About Us Since 1986 we have been sourcing the most unique fossils and minerals from around the world and through this company we have been supplying leading interior designers and collectors with some of earth’s most breathtaking examples of natural history that have formed over the past 450 million years. Having amassed a world-class collection of breathtaking specimens aimed at the interiors...

Giant Mounted Gypsum Minerals Cluster from China

Mounted Albite and Tourmaline Mineral

A masterpiece of both cabinetmaking and mechanical engineering, this one-of-a-kind expanding table was crafted by the renowned cabinetmaker Samuel Hawkins of London for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Diminutive in size, the fascinating table was designed as a model to demonstrate Hawkins’ innovative patent screw movement to visitors of the Exhibition – six million people in total over five months. It was exhibited again a century later at the Victoria & Albert Museum during the Festival of Britain, an event intended “to symbolise two main qualities of the national character: realism and strength on the one hand, and, on the other, independence and imagination” (Catalogue of the Exhibition, 1951, p.117). To this day, the miniature masterpiece demonstrates the quest of English furniture makers to combine technical innovation with superb craftsmanship. Displaying exceptional ingenuity, Hawkins’ wind-out screw mechanism allowed one to extend the table’s base to accommodate concentric leaves with the simple crank of a handle. It is based on the inventive expanding table originally designed by Robert Jupe in 1835, which used a swivel mechanism to separate sections of the tabletop and allow for segmented leaves to be inserted. Hawkins’ tabletop, on the other hand, extends outwards directly from the center in order to accommodate additional leaves around its diameter. This unique design allowed the mechanism to also smoothly operate on rectangular tables, which could be wound out from the middle to allow for more table space. Hawkins was not alone in his endeavor to combine the technical merits of engineering and mechanics with the most artful pursuit of cabinetmaking. The first half of the 19th century saw a prolific increase in the popularity of applying new ideas to traditional furniture principles, which allowed furniture to serve many purposes. The resulting “patent” furniture was practical and refined, though few were as innovative as Hawkins’ prodigious design. Carved with the year of the Exhibition on the beautifully designed pedestal base, the table is a testament to the significance of this innovation. The model is mentioned in detail in the catalog of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the first international exhibition of industry, manufacturing, and science. Held at London’s dazzling Crystal Palace, its visitors were treated to exhibits from around the globe, including feats of engineering, innovations in industry, and marvels of design. Queen Victoria herself was a frequent visitor, along with her husband, Prince Albert, and others including Charlotte...

Functional, in beautiful original condition. The body of the roulette is made of solid wood, the metal parts are zinc tin. The number plate is not original (although it is also antiq...

A superb quality 18th century mahogany George II Period miniature table having well figured circular Tilting top over vase turned central stem with Elegant bold tripod legs terminating on Pointed pad feet (Almost certainly made as a travelling salesman...

Rare, meaningful, practical, handcrafted and highly decorative antique table. This one of a kind table will appeal to spiritual people and collectors of stylish, rare and meaningful...