USA - Collectibles and Curiosities

An Abercrombie & Fitch Duxbak hunting jacket, 1930s. Includes a 1976 hunting tag and pouch. 24 inches wide by 32 inches tall by 5 inches deep

Katsura, Ermitage et Jardins - Un Moment de Perfection (Katsura, Hermitage and Gardens, a Moment of Perfection), French Book by Office du Livre, Vilo Editions Paris, 1986. Book by Arata Isozaki and Osamu Sato; photographs by Yasuhiro Ishimoto; French translation and commentary by Pierre and Suzanne Rambach. A visit to Katsura, the imperial villa, is a circuit of an hour. One emerges amazed, astonished, and dazzled. What remains are the intense images captured by the eye, captured by the moment that flees without recourse. Amid its garden and the four tea pavilions that border the central pond, built in the 17th century by Prince Toshihito, on the banks of the river that flows through Kyoto, Katsura remains the image of refinement. Villa, also known as Katsura Rikyū, is an architectural gem located in Kyoto, built in the 17th century by Prince Toshihito. Designed as a place of relaxation for the imperial family, this villa embodies not only the elegance and serenity of Japanese architecture but also the perfect harmony between man and nature. Visionary architects Bruno Taut and Walter Gropius of the Bauhaus movement, as well as Frank Lloyd Wright, Alvar Aalto, and Le Corbusier, were influenced in their designs by the Katsura Imperial Villa, particularly by its minimalist approach, clean lines, and profound respect for the environment. This helped to disseminate and integrate the principles of Japanese architecture into the modern movement. The elegance of this princely "hermitage" and its tea pavilions creates an atmosphere of serenity and highlights the natural beauty of its surroundings. Its landscaped gardens, true contemplative gems, feature a meticulous arrangement of ponds, bridges, rocks, and vegetation, creating a subtle harmony. It is said that the brilliant gardeners of the Katsura Villa brought about a revolution: for the first time, they introduced, into the landscapes they created by imitating nature, elements that could only come from man: straight lines, regular geometric curves, or, conversely, skillfully rhythmic ones. In short, the Katsura Imperial Villa is a cultural and architectural treasure offering a fascinating insight into traditional Japanese aesthetics and philosophy. This is a beautiful coffee table art book. The authors: Arata Isozaki (磯崎 新, Isozaki Arata...

ABOUT An antique Japanese Kendo leather mask with steel face guard and thick padding. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1920. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Leather, Ste...

This rare cast iron pig was produced by the Moorman Manufacturing Company of Quincy, Illinois, as a traveling salesman’s sample in the 1930s. Designed to open on a central hinge, the...

Vintage 1950s Hermes Rocket portable beige plastic typewriter with white square plastic keys and original matching beige plastic carry case

AMBIANIC presents Antique Rock Hammer Leather Handle Geology Pick Hammer Vintage Tool attributed to Estwing. 12.5 long x 7 w x .75 unsigned Original vintage condition Refer to all im...

Sotheby's "The Duke and Duchess of Windsor Auction" Book Catalogs. This is a three volume boxed set of sale catalogues which were produced by Soth...

Premier quality shoulder mount taxidermy Burchell's zebra, a southern subspecies of the plains zebra, from South Africa. This exquisite piece of art measures 33” x 16” x 30”, making it a rare and unique find for collectors and nature enthusiasts alike. The Burchell's zebra is named after the British explorer and naturalist William John Burchell and is also known as the bontequagga, Damaraland zebra, or Zululand zebra. This zebra specimen boasts distinctive brown and white stripes that are particularly wide, creating a striking contrast against its coat. Moreover, each individual's stripe pattern is unique, which acts as an identifying characteristic similar to fingerprints in human beings. This shoulder mount taxidermy specimen is an excellent representation of the natural beauty and diversity of Burchell's zebra, which inhabits open savannas, woodlands, and scrublands of southeastern Africa. This mount is not only visually appealing, but it also adds a touch of versatility to any living space. It can be easily mounted on a wall or as a table mount, making it an ideal focal point in a variety of settings. Whether it's displayed in a dinning room, office, living room or library this zebra mount...

A very beautiful 17th century Baptismal Font from the South of France beautifully carved from marble. Minimalist lines give this piece a calming feel. Wil...

Ball desk petrol lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill This is a rare antique desk liquid-petrol lighter, created in London England by the luxury brand of Alfred Dunhill, back in the 1929. The unusual lighter is the iconic ball shaped model named Unique with the Dunhill lift arm retailed in Paris France. The lighter has been assembled and carefully crafted in the shape of a ball in solid sterling silver with plain surfaces. This lighter show very nice condition with minimal traces of use and beautiful guilloche. Recently cleaned and serviced, not polished just to preserve the antique patina. History This classic petrol lift arm lighter...

Real cowboy basic well made and used leather saddle. Stamped Simco. In excellent vintage condition with normal wear and tear, no damage and the le...

Persian Boxed Pahlavi Koran Quran Arya-Mehr By Shah of Iran gold leaf Manuscript. Large Persian Boxed Koran Arya-Mehr By Shah of Iran gold leaf Manuscript. S...

Large, Edwardian, sterling silver match - mounted, threaded crystal match striker, having a full, sterling silver match cup, Birmingham, England, 1917, J. Grinsell & Sons makers. Mea...

A substantial black and red burgundy marble chess or checkers game board (less the game pieces.) Board makes a great decorative object or can even be used for entertaining (trivet, s...

The latest monograph of award-winning interior designer Suzanne Tucker, who is revered for her personal approach and enduring style, her mastery of deta...

The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi [pseud. of Carlo Lorenzini]; translated by Carol della Chiesa and illustrated by Attilio Mussino New York: Macmillan Company, 1929. F...

Exceptional sixty-four-inch mahogany ships wheel with maple inlay. Round brass medallion marked with makers name of Williamson Brothers of Philadelphia. Large solid brass hub. Note: ...

1920s J.C. Deagan 725 Marimba model B, rosewood keys, 3 octave, original condition, amazing Art Deco design. Retains 4 original mallets, Last patent date 1926.

American Painting, a boxed set of two books. American Painting, from it's beginning to the armory show by Jules David Prown, and American Painting, the twentieth century by Barbara R...

Vintage handmade blue cottage miniature dollhouse , fully decorated and with lights.

Helmut Newton Sumo Taschen Book, Philippe Starck Stand, Signed Limited Edition Offered for sale is a Helmut Newton Limited Edition Sumo book published by Taschen with a custom-designed stand by Philippe Starck. There is an unparalleled grandeur of the Helmut Newton Sumo, the biggest and most expensive book produced in the 20th century. This limited edition masterpiece is signed by Newton and numbered 836/10,000. The book is a testament to the influential legacy of one of the most intriguing and controversial photographers in history. Accompanying this extraordinary book is a meticulously crafted bookstand designed by Philippe Starck that adds a touch of sophistication to its display. Immerse yourself in the monumental world of SUMO, a titan of a book measuring an impressive 50 x 70 cm (20 x 27.5 in.) and weighing approximately 30 kg (66 lb.). With 464 pages, it breaks all previous records and stands as a truly unique publication. Edited by June Newton...

Immense three-hundred-pound ships binnacle compass with highly polished and lacquered finish. With maker’s plate from Lionel Corp. With the rarely fou...

This beautiful antique Holy Book was printed in England circa 1870. The impressive Victorian family Bible, titled "The National Comprehensive Family Bible", was edited by Rev. John E...

AUTHOR: MALORY, Thomas, (Arthur Rackham). TITLE: The Romance Of King Arthur And His Knights Of The Round Table. PUBLISHER: London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1917. DESCRIPTIO...

Presented is a second edition printing of Jolly Lindgren’s “Hysterical Map of Yellowstone National Park.” This comical pictorial map h...

Framed maritime signal flag representing the letter “U” in the international code of signals. This authentic and ocean used pennant is made of individual panels of red and white cot...

Mid-1990s Velzy balsawood longboard shaped by the late Dale Velzy (1927-2005). Features a 5-stringer design with gorgeous wood fin and tail-block. A superb example of Dale Velzy shaped balsa surfboard and beautiful functional art piece. Velzy is credited with conceptualizing many of the promotional techniques now considered a standard in the surfing world. This includes being the very first surfboard maker to form a surfing team, a practice which would became very popular in the future. Dale ‘Hawk’ Velzy made numerous contributions to the world of surfing and as a result was one of the first individuals to be inducted into the Hermosa Beach Surfers Walk of Fame in 2003, two years before passing away. Velzy began shaping surfboards in the 1940's in Manhattan Beach, California. Board of the day were hard to ride and transport due to the size and weight. Velzy saw this as an opportunity and started to shape surfboards using lightweight balsawood which made the boards easier to ride and transport. He soon outgrew his first board shop in Manhattan Beach which was opened in 1950, this shop would later be credited as the first commercial surfboard factory. Velzy later formed a partnership with the legendary board maker Hap Jacobs...

This authentic tribal shaman’s medical bag, known as a Bilum bag, originates from Papua New Guinea and dates back to circa 1900. Traditionally used by shamans for carrying medicinal ...

Decorate a study or a library with this elegant set of French books, printed in Paris between 1989-1989, each book has a red bound cover embellishe...

A rare and important late 19th century Victorian era metal mounted horse hoof match holder by Rowland Ward. Museum quality example, this most unusual curiosity having a gilt brass hinged lid opening to striker and open receptacle. Signed "Roland Ward...

Antique American "Bausch & Lomb" Microscope in Compound Monocular Design, Circa 1890-1910. Rochester, NY

Early 20th Century French wood hat form, turban shape. The French hat form would make a wonderful hat rack, vanity accessory, or sitting high and mighty on a bookshelf. A conversatio...

Moroccan Khoumya Tribal hand -crafted and hand-carved dagger with brass scabbard and a chiseled wooden grip. Hand made by Moroccan artisans and is one-of-a-kind. Good condition wit...

French Modernist Art Deco piano and bench by Pierre-Paul Montagnac, a variant of the model used in one of the luxe apartments, the Caen, on the great French oceanliner Normandie in 1935. Created in rosewood and sycamore, and carefully and correctly restored, including the fine Erard (#127208) instrument. 56” wide x 60” deep. Documented in numerous sources, including the July 1935 issue of Art et Decoration. Pierre-Paul Montagnac (1883-1961) Born in Saint-Denis, France on 9 May 1883, Pierre-Paul Montagnac was equally talented as a fine artist and a decorative artist. He was educated in both disciplines, studying with Eugene Carriére as well as at the Académie de la Grande Chaumiére, both in Paris. His inaugural exhibition was at the 1912 Salons – and at the 1920 Salon d’Automne he received a traveling scholarship. In 1918 he began working in the firm of André Mare and from 1922 collaborated with Maurice Dufrene at La Maîtrise, the famous design studio of Galeries Lafayette. From 1921 he exhibited at the Salons of la Société des Artistes Décorateurs, Salon des Architectes Modernes, and internationally, in Barcelona and Leipzig. He designed suites on the grand French oceanliners, l’Atlantique, Normandie and Pasteur. At the 1925 Paris International Exposition his work was in a standout class. At the 1937 Exhibition he organized the pavillion of the Artistes Decorateurs and personally won a Grand Prix. For the New York Exhibition in 1938, he was a member of the international jury, organized the group of Decorators, and, as architect, organized the exhibitions of jewelry and perfumes. He became a member of the Society of Modern Architects and executed important and numerous architecture and decorating projects including the luxury apartments on the great French oceanliners l’Atlantique, Pasteur, and Normandie. Vice President and then President of the Societe des Artistes Decorateurs from 1930-1938, he was also President of the Salon d’Automne and Vice President of the Committee of the Exhibition of Arts and Embellishments of Life; member of the steering committee of C.T.I. and Artistic Property, member of the Board of Directors of the Central Union of Decorative Arts. He was also an Officer of the Legion of Honor and received the Cross of War. MONTAGNAC was the son of an engineer and he had a taste for geometry and science that predisposed him to the rigors of architectural laws. Multi-talented, he worked independently as a painter – who had paintings acquired by the French government – while also working in the related fields of architecture and decoration. His work included homes, apartments, galleries, luxury shops, banks and the aforesaid oceanliners. As a designer/decorater, Montagnac had the taste for quality, luxurious furniture, using precious woods, bronze extensions, ivory inlays, mother-of-pearl, metal and coral. He advocated for a resolutely modern style and, free of all pastiches, focused on beautiful cabinetry, the challenges of furniture design, particularly from 1940 to 1945, captured all his attention. The tireless activity of Montagnac, whose varied works are represented in official museums and residences, was also recognized from a professional and social point of view. He was a remarkable organizer, devoted to the cause of art, to the defense of the trade and his colleagues. It was Montagnac who, in 1939, with Anatole de Monzie, took the initiative to found the ENTRAIDE to Artists (which provides support to talented young French artists). MOBILIER ET DECORATION, September/October 1953 ERARD An illustrious piano manufacturer, Sebastien Erard began building superior harpsichords in Paris in the mid-1700s, produced pianos for the French Court, and received a multitude of patents, many of which are still in use in piano manufacturing. Erard pianos were marketed as the finest pianos in the world and were owned by Queen Victoria, Franz Liszt, Chopin, Verdi, Ravel, and Felix Mendelssohn among many others. They continued to enjoy international success well into the 20th century. They were known for their unique sound quality, similar to the American square grand piano...

London: John Murray, 1904. First, Limited Edition. 4to, 9 5/8 x 7 3/4 inches (244 x197 mm); xxv, map, 328 pp. Wide margins, printed on hand-made unbleached Arnold paper. 48 full-pa...

Ronson Art Deco Combination Humidor and Touch Tip Table Lighter. This Art Deco smoking accessory is a combination humidor box and touch tip lighter by...

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Renaissance in Italy and Spain. Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, 1987. 1st Ed hardcover with dust j...

This is a Keuffel & Effer Co. military transit surveyor. It consists of a compass and a telescope. Inside the center of the compass is hallmarked Keuffel & Esser. Also over the front...

Framed map of Mexico & Florida circa 1705, Paris. Small map with Mexico and the Gulf Coast. Inset text indicating Panama, Acapulco, Mexico City and the Mississippi. Extends North to ...

Pottery Barn Design Library, Bedrooms, Bathrooms & Living Rooms. A boxed set of three hardcover books with dustjackets. First edition, published in 2003 by Oxmoor House. Printed in S...

Antique wheeled platform articulating pull toy featuring a teddy bear stuffed animal seated in a red white and blue wagon with arms that move up and down a...

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...

Carroll, Lewis. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1921. Illustrated by John Tenniel. Octavo. Rebound in full red leathe...

This piece has a great story. We found this jazz musical instrument with incredible patina and added a thick lucite base and reconstructed this into a one of kind sculpture. The deta...

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...

Solid brass battleship binnacle with gimballed compass. Iron compensating balls are mounted to brackets. Quite heavy. from the US Navy. Torpedo base. Great polish job. Overall dim...

Mexico skull mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Job says he was inspired by a legendary figure who lived wrapped in mystery: 'the singer without a name'. "No one had ever seen her come out of her house, where heavy velvet...

This is a stunning large brass and copper airplane model made in France circa 1960. The piece features an impressive all-metal jet plane model on a thi...

An antique brass altar candlestick from 19th century France, that has been converted into an electrified lamp. This gorgeous fixture i...

Chinese porcelain dragon snuff bottle, unusual cylindrical pillar form with no neck, unglazed top and bottom concentric grooved base, narrow aperture, painted in under glaze cobalt b...

Twain, Mark, Roughing It. Hartford: American Publishing Company, 1872. First American Edition, Later State. Illustrated throughout, with plates and in-text. In publisher’s black clo...

Wonderful abstract bangle cuff. All in enameled chromium metal by Pierre Cardin haute couture - iconic and sculptural, this bangle is from the height of Cardin's creative output, 'Fu...

Cymbiola silvered shell 8". Creel and Gow has been working with the same atelier in Rome, Italy for over 20 years to make our signature silvered shells. Our workshop has been operate...

Presented is a vintage Air Force Academy felt pennant, circa 1950s. The pennant has a dark blue field with a white headband and no ties. Printed in r...

Fine early 20th Century Skylight Yacht Binnacle. Amazing wood base with intricate rope carving and varnish and varnish finish. The six-sided Skylight to...

A beautifully styled Tic-Tac-Do Board in solid brass. A perfectly designed piece to play, but even better, the piece can sit on a console, cocktail table or great icebreaker for the...

Very Nice Zebra wall mount. Perfect size, perfect weight, great expression, perfect condition.

This antique rigged model has standing and running cords, cabins, hatches, etc., colorful paint job. Great old mustard paint. Set onto a simple cradle. Ide...

The Buddha statue was made from a copper alloy in a standing position with hands in double Abhaya mudra. This mudra symbolizes the act of dispelling fear in the face of adversity. In Laos and Thailand where this mudra are used as one of the most iconic gestures, with its origin was pre-Buddhism era, when it was a symbol of good intentions and friendship when approaching strangers. In contrast to Indian iconography, it was often shown with both hands raised to the level of the shoulder in Southeast Asia. The statue was made in the classic Lopburi style, which historically was heavily influenced by Khmer art...

AUTHOR: DICKENS, Charles. TITLE: A Christmas Carol. PUBLISHER: London: William Heinemann, 1915. DESCRIPTION: FIRST RACKHAM TRADE EDITION. 1 vol., 7/15/16" x 6", with 12 full page ...