Arizona Fossilised Wood Slice

Rare Pallasite meteorite slices from Seymchan are among the most stunning and sought-after extraterrestrial specimens in the world. Pallasites are a rare type of stony-iron meteorite...

Mounted Albite and Tourmaline Mineral

About Since 1986 Dale has been sourcing the most unique fossils and minerals from around the world and through his company has been supplying leading interior designers and collector...

Giant Mounted Gypsum Minerals Cluster from China

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...

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...

The Old World House: Its Furniture and Decoration, In two volumes, by Herbert Cescinsky. Published by The Macmillan Company, London, 1924. A pair of 1st ed hardcovers with gilded top edge. Herbert Cescinsky was an architect and writer active in the early 20th c. He was particularly interested in the development of English furniture and wrote profusely on the subject. This work is an interesting look at the furniture and decorations found in the interior designs in older houses in England. The author discusses oak chairs and tables, marqueterie furniture...