Texas - Collectibles and Curiosities

The Orient Flight L. Z. 127-Graf Zeppelin: A Philatelic Handbook by Fred F. Blau and Cyril Deighton. Published by Germany Philatelic Society, Chicago, 19...

Large one of a kind circa 1990's artist made sterling silver and patinated copper brooch. Signed Linda Thompson (20th/21st century). Artistic dimensional...

Small vintage circa 1950's black lacquer and rhinestone acorn pin. Unsigned, pin and hook finding, good condition.

Artist studio hand wrought sterling silver and hematite earrings by Linda Thompson. Circa 1990's, sterling post, bezel set hematite cabochon stone, hammered finish. Overall patina, v...

Vintage 1990's sterling silver sculptural hand symbol pendant. Lost wax cast sterling silver hand pendant by Linda Thompson (20th/21st century) Texas, unsigned. With glass trade bead...

Pair of vintage Musi shoe clips. Filigree gold tone metal dogwood flowers with wire rope edge.

Two original drawings circa 1940's in pencil by Everett Gee Jackson (1900-1995) California in the book Mexico Around Me by Max Miller which he illu...

Presenting an absolutely gorgeous and extremely unique and rare 19th century 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 1860–1880. 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.[1][2][4] 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.

1990's Artist studio made multistrand beaded necklace using purple iridescent beads of various shapes and vintage brass British royal cres...

Late 20th century sculptural trout or salmon fish tie tack. No markings, but looks to be artist studio made, cast silver with tiny areas of gold overlay on ta...

Large 1991 bold dimensional artist made reticulated sterling silver and etched patinated copper brooch. Signed Linda Thompson (20th/21st century) signed,...

Circa 1990's artist made sculptural turquoise, coral and sterling silver multistrand necklace and earrings by Linda Thompson. Necklace is 24" long not counting drops which are 2" lon...

Circa 1940's buckle made to look like carved wood out of a tough wood composite developed by Syroco Co. used during the 1930's thru the 1960's. Scotty dog m...

A large vintage silver crown. From Peru with silver stamped maker's mark and silver 925. Interior circle is six inches in diameter.

Large Hollywood Regency polychrome elephant sculpture. Large Hollywood Regency polychrome elephant sculpture or statue. Great whimsical decorative...

Vintage 1991 artist made dimensional sterling silver, red tigereye, copper and agate sculptural asymetrical necklace and earrings by Linda Thompson....

Artist signed hand carved wood brooch. Looks like a real feather, painted deep ombre red, signed on reverse Bordelon, circa 1990s.

Circa 1960's bold dimensional salmon and white graduated beaded necklace. Measures 27" long, 1" diameter at smallest 1.5" at widest, large beads are 3/8" diameter. Salmon beads are p...

A magnificent rustic Spanish Colonial antique, circa 1725, church altar with remarkable patina and detailing. Hand-crafted in the first half of the 18th century, most likely commissioned by the Spanish Empire for use in a Colonial religious Mission, now fashioned with later antique elements and repurposed for use as a sideboard. The scarce Baroque period ecclesiastical architectural church altar presents with a raised gallery shelf back topped with a single board, over a massive, thick pine plank wooden slab top, featuring impressive rich patina, rustic charm and antique character. Mounted over the distinctive architectural trapezoid shaped molded base with rich hand carved and polychrome painted decoration, including the sophisticated original Italian / European inspired trompe-l'œil marbleizing finish, which was a variety of faux painting techniques used only by highly skilled artisans to create the distinctive and varied patterns of marble, in an effort to reproduce the colors, veining and luster of real marble or other building materials. Rising on solid supports enhanced with recessed paneling, smooth rounded corners and edge work and stepped molded trim. Beautiful, nicely aged patina over the whole, highly desirable heavily worn, naturally distressed, chippy paint craquelure finish that has been stabilized to minimize further loss, that does not detect from the aesthetics or functionality, but only adds to the overall elegant warmth and rich historical depth, that can only be acquired over three centuries. Very strong, sturdy, stable. Delivered cleaned, hand waxed, luminous polished French patina finish, ready for immediate use, and many more years of generational enjoyment. Dimensions: (approx) 37.25" High, 62" Wide, 27" Deep The large size, and substantial proportions, make this excellent for a variety of different uses, including as a distinctive buffet table or server, credenza, oversized console, farmhouse kitchen...

An Italian miniature table top commode chest with exotic inlaid woods. Circa 1780-1800. Very fine French polish.

This large two-piece antique female statue on base was crafted in Normandy, France, circa 1820. Made of pine wood, the tall figure depicts a religious figure woman in adoration stand...

Vintage shield shaped buckle and 5 buttons set. Carved from coconut shell, in a shield shape, polished on front, smooth matte finish on back. Made in Hawaii circa 1940s, buckle is 2....

A French papier-mâché growler bulldog with pull chain which makes a growler noise when pulled. Circa 1900, France.

A scarce period handcrafted miniature grape screw-press machine salesman sample. Massive industrial machines used for winemaking throughout French and Italian vineyards...

Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic Flyer trophy. 1987 flying in the worlds largest hot air balloon 3075 miles in 31 hours 41 minutes. Engraved bronze on wood.

Pair of 20th Century Carved Wood Obelisks. Handsome pair of 20th century Neoclassical style black and brown carved wood obelisks. This listing is for a pair.

Interesting vintage plaster anatomical skull model. This great plaster skull bust model is in very good condition and dates to the 1940s. A real conver...

This beautiful antique cross was crafted in France, circa 1870. The large iron religious item decorated with scroll and floral motifs is embellished with the Virgin Mary in prayers a...

Decorate a shelf with this wonderful collection of miniature cars. Crafted in England circa 2010, the collection includes a 1952 Cadillac series 62 Coupe...

Important and historic, acquired from the estate of legendary American businessman, the late T. Boone Pickens, we're proud to offer this exceptional carved giltwood reliquary - monstrance from the early 18th century. Elaborately hand carved in period Rococo - Rocaille taste, with superb scrollwork, openwork, fanciful acanthus leaf and shell, ornate detailing, polychrome painted warm pastel colors, now beautifully distressed, muted tones, with remnants of gold gilded accents. Pieces such as this were used in early churches for convenient exhibition or public display of some object of piety and other important religious relics...

Accessorize an office or study with this elegant antique barometer. Crafted in France circa 1850, the scientific instrument with hunt motifs throughout, features deer, bird and a let...

A magnificent, rare, one of a kind, ancient Asian temple stone architectural panel, likely frieze fragment. Born in Asia, pre-18th century, most likely mu...

Pair of Southeast Asian ceremonial rain drums. Estimated that the bronze drums dates to the early 19th century. The top surface is adorned with a ceremonial star and tops are not tha...

Vintage Murano glass Rhinoceros. This realistic Murano rhino sculpture is clear and gray glass with controlled bubbles and in great condition.

Presenting a gloriously rare book …. Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar First Edition by Edgar Rice Burroughs Grosset & Dunlap 1st Edition. First Thus. Illustrated by J. Allen St. John...

Vintage weight balance scale with counterweights. This includes three counter weights and the counter weights plate holder.

This complete set is skillfully handcrafted, featuring a heavy chess board in blue and white checkers with an olive green rim and thirty-two stone figurine pieces. Half of these piec...

A scarce antique Continental Baroque hand carved Eucharistic communion chalice and paten sacred vessel case. Born in the first half of the 19th ce...

We found this wonderful 19th century French marionette in Rouen France. The puppet, and its art form, have been a mainstay of French cultural life f...

Airplane smokers companion set, silver-plated brass, circa 1930 by J.A. Henckels, Germany. The body of the plane has a hinged cover for cigars or pipe tobacco, or medicinal marijuana...

An antique Spanish Colonial period hand carved and painted santo church altar figure. Born in Mexico in the first half of the 19th century, the religious...

An antique American railroad yard switch sign on custom stand. A wonderful example of both Americana and industrial folk art! Born in the US in the early 20th century, the large, double sided, painted red iron circular disc shaped "target" sign; mounted to painted black cast iron central pedestal standard; surmounted by hand hammered and chiseled raw iron three inch tall finial; rising from a later five spoke pentagonal black iron base, elaborately shaped, fan form with niche curved flowing lines. The central standard can unscrew from the base for easy transportation and storage. Versatile, use it indoors as a decorative accent and quick way to add color, rustic texture, dimension, and interest, or use outdoors to brighten up your space as a garden ornament or statue. Original condition but we mildly sealed it to preserve the beautiful, warm rustic patina that enhances it so much. Now stable, it won't make a mess or deteriorate, while retaining the unique character and charm that can only be aquired from decades of use, being weathered, naturally distressed, with old chippy paint, that's elegantly aged, rich deep red color It is a full size, authentic railroad iron target...

Great pair of Hollywood Regency brass obelisks. These beautiful midcentury neoclassical style brass obelisks have a naturally occurring patina that could be polished if desired. Perf...

Presenting a gloriously rare book …. Jungle Tales of Tarzan First Edition by Edgar Rice Burroughs Grosset & Dunlap 1st Edition. Good +, square ...

Presenting a gloriously rare book …. The Return of Tarzan First Edition by Edgar Rice Burroughs Grosset & Dunlap 1st Edition. First edition. Il...

Presenting a gloriously rare book …. Tarzan and The Ant Men First Edition by Edgar Rice Burroughs Grosset & Dunlap 1st Edition. Mixed edition...

Showing the lovely patina of centuries, this stunning pair of 18th Century Carved and Painted Italian Religious Cameos of Jesus & Mary hand-carved from...

A very fine Japanese maki-e lacquer decorated tabako bon, or smoking box, late Edo Period, mid-19th century, Japan. The elegant smoking box of black lacquer decorated with a wonderful gold lacquer takamaki-e design of a gnarled and elegantly twisted plum tree with branches in full bloom. A border of golden cranes in flight to the top. The smoking box, called a tabako bon, is comprised of an open section at the top with inset with two cylindrical metal canisters...

Globe, solid rotating brass frame with spinning globe, faux hardstone.

Presenting a very important Teddy Roosevelt Letter of June 1911 . On ‘The Outlook’ letterhead. Typed and personally signed and amended by President Theodore Roosevelt. Dated June 20th 1911. What makes this letter so important is the author, the office and the content. It refers to the beliefs and opinions of the then President and First Lady (Edith) towards the women’s sufferage and empowerment movement that was the ‘hot topic’ of the time. It is addressed to Eliza Calvert Hall/Obenchain who was a well known author at the end of the 19th Century and Early 20th Century. In 1905, Teddy referred to her book “Aunt Jane of Kentucky’ in a speech and recommended that every man in America should read it to understand ‘the plight of their womenfolk’. He regularly corresponded with her and we have a number of those letters in our collection. It appears that both he and Edith became big fans of Mrs Hall/Obenchain who was also heavily involved in the Suffragist movement. The letters also provide a fascinating and historic record of Roosevelt’s personal beliefs and feelings on female empowerment. The Letter Reads: The Outlook 287 Fourth Avenue New York Office of Theodore Roosevelt June 20th, 1911 “My dear Miss Hall: I am touched by your sending me “To Love and To Cherish”. But then, I am one of those included in the dedication, for I well know and dearly love ” Aunt Jane of Kentucky”. Mrs. Roosevelt and I do not feel that the hero ought to have yielded to his wife’s feelings ! Ultimately it was doing an injustice to her and to his children, as well as to the State. It is a good thing to have a Governor’s wife a woman who can be as gracious a hostess, and of as fine a type, as Dolly Madison...

Continental Louis XV Style Beaded giltwood footstool. Lovely Continental Louis XV style hand beaded gilt wood footstool or tuffet. This beautiful gilt footstool is in great conditio...

19th century French bistro lawn bowling set. 6 pins and 3 bowling balls. Bowling Balls are smooth where the fingers have been placed. Various sizes of pin...

Presenting a gloriously rare book …. The Return of Tarzan First Edition by Edgar Rice Burroughs Grosset & Dunlap 1st Edition. Very good +, squa...

This beautiful, antique sculpture of the Virgin Mary in prayers was created in Pyrenees of France, circa 1860. Embellished with gold leaf and polychrome finish, the Classic religious...

Presenting a gloriously rare book …. Tarzan and The Lost Empire First Edition by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Metropolitan 1929 1st Edition. Octavo, pp. [1-6] [1-2] 3-313 [314: blank], i...

This equal arm brass scale is set on a wooden platform with brass weights. The wooden platform has circular cutouts for the weights This piece is functional and beautifully. The wood...

19th century painted porcelain Madonna in original handcrafted oak shrine is the perfect choice for your private devotional area. Designed to mount on the wall or to sit on a surface...

Hand carved Italian Santo: figure of Franciscan abbot or saint, circa 1780-1800. Note: Regional differences in humidity and climate during shipping may...