Continental US - Collectibles and Curiosities

A privileged peek at the homes and gardens of the exclusive Southern California enclave, Montecito. The seaside town of Montecito is often overshadowed by its neighbor Santa Barbara—which is generally how its residents like it. Though home and refuge to numerous celebrities, Montecito’s intentional cultivation of a low-key profile has allowed for a unique community to emerge, and with it, a multifaceted interior and garden design culture. Montecito Style: Paradise on California’s Gold Coast is the first book to present twenty houses and landscapes in an eclectic range of styles and rich architectural legacy that coalesce into a quintessential "California style." The residences featured in this book reflect the diversity of design that has defined California living for more than a century: early standard-setters by George Washington Smith and an Andalusian-style abode by his protégé (and Santa Barbara’s first licensed female architect) Lutah Maria Riggs, Beaux-Arts mansions, converted carriage houses, nouveau palazzi, low-slung midcentury modern abodes, an iconic concrete-and-glass house from the 1970s, and even a studio apartment...

This stunning taxidermy mallard is a masterful example of craftsmanship and natural beauty, perfectly capturing the essence of this iconic waterfowl. Mounted in mid-flight on a rusti...

The Modulor - Le Corbusier - third printing - 1954 In overall good condition. A classic for all designers and lovers of design.

Vintage 9'5" single-fin 1960s Bunger Custom Surf Shop long board. An outstanding vintage collectible art piece. It's not cosmetically perfect but it's in darn good shape for its age....

The Material World of Eyre Hall: Four Centuries of Chesapeake History Edited by Carl R. Lounsbury. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. Published by D Giles Ltd, London, 2021. This is ...

Sterling Silver Ring Brutalist design Stamped sterling Preowned vintage condition Refer to images listed Refer to image for sizing and weight

English Riding Saddle - All Leather by the Ansur Saddle Company. The style is the The Elite... The piece was acquired from an Estate in Los Angeles -...

A vintage croquet set. USA, circa 1920-1940. Includes wooden mallets, wood balls, and metal wickets in a rustic green wheeled stand. Original paint.

The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments, Translated out of the Original Tongues: And with the Former Translations Diligently Compared and Revised, by His Majesty’s Spec...

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, A History of Nazi Germany by William L. Shirer. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1960. First edition BCE hardcover with ...

Early 20th Century Shield, Wahgi Valley, Western Highlands, Papua New Guinea This large, post contact, shield is traditionally decorated in bold colors with a central circle. This ...

Fabulous vintage sunburst Mexican silver and cabochon amethyst cuff bracelet and necklace / pendant / brooch by William Spratling, circa 1940s. The bracelet measures 2.625"W x 2.12...

Out of the Studio by Tom Bianchi. Published by St.Martin's Press, 1991. Stated 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. The unself-conscious and affectionate con...

The definitive collection of artist profiles by legendary journalist and New Yorker writer Calvin Tomkins, from the 1960s to today In 1959, Calvin Tomkins interviewed Marcel Duchamp for Newsweek, beginning his six decade- long career writing about art. He then joined The New Yorker, where he has contributed dozens of profiles on the most interesting artists of the time, from Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg to Cindy Sherman and Mark Bradford. This six-volume set includes 82 of Tomkins's most significant profiles dating from 1962-2019. Part art history, part human interest, Tomkins offers insights and observations about the artists, their work, and the ever-changing art world they inhabit. Calvin Tomkins has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1960. He has written more than a dozen books, including The Bride and the Bachelors, Merchants and Masterpieces, Living Well Is the Best Revenge, Off the Wall, Duchamp: A Biography, and Lives of the Artists...

50th Anniversary gold-plated brass Slinky toy in wood box, circa 1995. This item is in very good vintage condition and appears to never have been played with. This Slinky was release...

Handcrafted decorative Moroccan dagger hammered metal silvered nickel. Decorative Moroccan knife with sheath carved metal khoumiya dagger, of typical s...

The ultimate reference on one of the most influential product designers of all time For more than sixty years Dieter Rams has defined the look, feel, and function of some of the w...

An 18K Gold and Gem Set Bust of a King, by George Weil London, circa 1970 This magnificent 18K gold and gem-set bust of a king, crafted by George Weil in London, stands as an embodi...

AUTHOR: [MISSAL]. TITLE: The Office of Holy Week, According to the Messel & Roman Breviary;... PUBLISHER: Paris: By the Company of Booksellers assigned to the Book of Holy Week, 1...

The sculpture and paintings of 1970–4 are the subject of this third volume of the catalogue dedicated to publishing the complete paintings, sculptures and drawings of Andy Warhol (1928–87). As authoritative and detailed as the highly praised first two volumes, here Warhol's sculptures and paintings of these four years are comprehensively catalogued and illustrated. Early in this period Warhol was concentrating on film and sculpture, as he had been since being shot in 1968, but by late 1971 or early 1972 he was returning to painting and developing his painterly, 'sloppy and fast' style; a dramatic shift from his 'hard' mechanical style of before 1968. The volume covers major sculptures, such as the Rain Machine, the series of paintings Mao and Man Ray, and commissioned portraits...

Hardcover, 50 x 70 cm (19.6 x 27.5 in.), 498 pages, 13 fold-outs, with an adjustable bookstand designed by Marc Newson, plus an illustrated 680-page chronology book A Bigger Book, TASCHEN’s SUMO...

The definitive reference guide to garden design, its rich history, and the creative art of gardening – a luxuriously illustrated A-Z compendium of more than 200 garden elements, styles, features, and ornaments for gardeners around the globe With its easy-to-use A-Z format, The Garden examines over 200 modern and historical garden styles, features, types and ornaments, with definitions and informative descriptions and more than 500 spectacular images. This accessible, inspirational book is perfect for both amateur gardeners and specialists alike. Its entries, written by garden expert and historian Toby Musgrave – author of Phaidon's bestselling book The Gardener's Garden – range from Allée, Borrowed Landscape and Coastal Garden, to Minimalism, New Perennial Planting, Pool, Vista and Xeriscape Garden and form a unique, illustrated 'glossary' for gardeners, featuring more than 400 gardens, both public and private, iconic and lesser known. Examples include spaces such as the Baroque gardens of Versailles...

Ten-Rotor T52 "Geheimschreiber" Cipher Machine Dated 1944 This extraordinary Ten-Rotor T52 Cipher Machine, also known as the Geheimschreiber, represents the pinnacle of German wartime cryptography and stands as one of the rarest encryption devices from World War II. Manufactured in 1944 during the final phase of the conflict, this sophisticated cipher machine—codenamed "Sturgeon" by Allied intelligence—was exclusively deployed in high-level German command centers for their most sensitive communications. Its exceptional historical significance and extreme rarity make it arguably the most important cryptographic artifact available to private collectors today. The T52 presents a commanding physical presence that reflects its technological sophistication. Substantially larger and more complex than standard three or four-rotor Enigma machines, this teleprinter-based device features an imposing mechanical construction with ten precisely engineered rotating pinwheels arranged in intricate patterns. Its comprehensive keyboard system and internal mechanical components demonstrate the extraordinary engineering achievements of wartime German cryptographers. The machine's robust metal casing, designed for operational durability in high-command environments, remains in remarkable condition, preserving its historical integrity. The T52 series, manufactured by Siemens & Halske in Berlin, represented a family of cipher machines that evolved through several increasingly complex models. Unlike the simpler Enigma machines which required manual operation, the T52 functioned as an online teleprinter encryption system capable of automatically processing high volumes of communications at 50 baud (approximately 66 words per minute). This automation allowed for real-time secure communication between German high command centers, with messages encrypted and decrypted without the need for time-consuming manual transcription—a revolutionary advancement in wartime communication security. Developed for exclusive use by the Luftwaffe and German Navy high command, the T52 represented such a formidable cryptographic challenge that Bletchley Park...

African Ceremonies by Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher large heavy coffee table book with great images. This book is amazing because the authors were dedicated to preserving the trad...

Judge's walnut gavel / mallet with brass appreciation plate signed by Newt Gingrich. The gavel is 10.25"W x 3"D x 1.75"H and appears to be a gift from Gingrich to a supporter. Qualit...

Add a sense of reverence and grandeur to any sacred or decorative space with this highly detailed altar crucifix. Crafted in France circa 1920, and made of spelter with a silver-ton...

Heavy swirling colorful glaze, with lava and glaze pops. Super fun form, with a retro futuristic or brutalist design. Stamped ITALY in the bottom rim. About 7 inches in diameter.

19th Century. Impressive book Works illustrated with gorgeous stickers and engravings depicting historical and mythological scenes momuments and copied art objects of the most auth...

A vintage Louis Vuitton golf bag circa 1960s - 1970s Beautiful example with nice patina in monogrammed canvas with natural leather trim and shoulder stra...

AUTHOR: DULAC, Edmund. TITLE: Sinbad the Sailor and other Stories from the Arabian Nights. PUBLISHER: London: Hodder Stoughton, n.d., (1914). DESCRIPTION: ILLUSTRATED BY EDMUND D...

**Early 20th-Century Brass Guillotine Cigar Cutter** Why settle for a boring cigar cutter when you can channel the drama of the French Revolution every time you light up? This early 20th-century brass guillotine cigar cutter, crafted by masterful French artisans, brings a touch of history and a whole lot of flair to your smoking ritual. Featuring a miniature guillotine...

This petite silver perfume bottle from early 20th century once kept a lady's fragrance close to hand, perfectly sized to tuck into a pocket or evening bag. The small bottle is shaped...

Classic age of Travel Luis Vuitton Steamer trunk with the LV monogram and red and white bands. Monogrammed L.R.C., St. Louis MO U.S.A. With old Railway Exp...

Two leather wrestling dummies marked Ivan’s Wrestling Products around the five Olympic rings embossed logo. Large 65 inches tall by 43 inches wide arm to arm. Weight approximately 13...

Commemorative Star Trek chess set by Franklin Mint, 25th Anniversary Special Edition, with finely crafted gold and sterling silver plated Klingon and Federation chess pieces raised o...

Colorful and graphic hand-crafted vintage backgammon board for function or decor. Would make striking wall art in a primitive or folk art setting. Origin unknown. Does not fold. Made...

Indian brass lidded cigarette holder / trinket box, with hand engraved Mughal floral designs all around. Completely hand wrought piece with exquisite detail. Hand crafted in India, c...

A photographic exploration detailing the poetry and fragility of nature amidst the tragedy of climate change Since 1998, mixed-media artist Diane Tuft has traveled the world recordi...

Decorate a rustic or ranch style home with this beautifully kept vintage brown leather saddle. Crafted in Switzerland by Stubben Saddle Company circa 1990, the vintage riding gear fe...

Great item for toy collectors and those who collect aeronautical items. Being offered is a very rare German Penny Toy from the 1920’s, manufactured by the well known, and quality toy...

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...

A beautifully carved early 20th-century English model of a racing yawl, featuring an elongated hull in richly varnished wood with graceful overhangs and a classic lead keel. Twin mas...

This yacht timer was recently serviced and runs beautifully.

Decorating With Pictures by Stephanie Hoppen. Published by Clarkson Potter, 1991. Stated 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. This book inspires the rea...

César, Experiences Graphiques (César, Graphic Experiences) is a French book by Fredreic Ballester and Jean Ferrero, published in 2015, from the Jean Ferrero Inedits Collection. This ...

This stunning antique architectural piece is a conversation starter in any space! Originally it would have served as an altar rail at the front of a church....

Hand Wrought Lock Box. Beautiful patina. Painted inside with date, which is after the original creation date. Box W 13.25 x D 10 x H 10 in. Key L 4 in.

Tajan 1993 Islamic Art, Orientalist Paintings Auction Catalog Orientalist painting and Islamic Art, Text in French. Paperback softcover Islamic Art bo...

Vintage Gorham Silver Plated Bronze Bells "Women Who Changed The Course of History" - Set of 6. Set includes Queen Elizabeth I, Mary, Queen of Scots, Marie De Medicis, Catherine the ...

The Tina Chow Fashion Couture collection includes some of the finest designers in the industry such as Fortuny, Balenciaga, Chanel, Vionnet, Dior, Lanvin, Poiret, Schiaparelli, Alaia...

The very best of Naomi Campbell in an updated two-volume portfolio. Supermodel, entrepreneur, activist, provocateur. Since her teenage rise to stardom, Naomi Campbell has dazzled th...

AUTHOR: HEMINGWAY, Ernest. TITLE: Green Hills Of Africa. PUBLISHER: NY: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1935. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION PRESENTION COPY. 1 vol., 8-3/8" x 6", inscribed ...

Rare vintage Gucci classic games chest crafted of burled maple with a glass top, made in Italy, mid to late 20th century. A handsome chest offering a tailored presentation of a fine ...

A vintage Native American Navajo turquoise stone necklace with authentic 26 pearls and two carved cross pendants in sterling silver. The necklace is attributed to the Jewelry designer T-Foree. This vintage necklace will make a statement and is a collectible piece. To the Navajo tribe, the color turquoise represents happiness, luck, and health. ... Black, white, blue, and green were the colors within the turquoise stone which represent the colors of the natural world. A horseshoe-shaped symbol or a symbol called “Naja” appeared often in tradition Navajo jewelry...

A fine English shipwright's or carpenter's sash fillister or plough plane, c.1900, of finely patinated beech wood and brass by Atkin and Sons, Sheffield Works, Birmingham Marked A &...

3-569 Hand crafted sail boat model on base.

Mid-1970s Vintage Gerry Lopez Lightning Bolt surfboard. Features a vibrant yellow tinted deck with jet-black lightning bolt, ruby red single fin, and dia...

This impressive large ship model depicts the French vessel “La Sirene." This three-masted ship of the line “La Sirene" was in use 1691–1702. Impressiv...