Robert Brendel Models and Miniatures

2.44 yacht half hull model of a racing sloop. An 1840s-1850s "Plank on Edge" cutter half block hull with applied stem, keel and rudder. The deck with stubbed bowsprit, stub mast, and...

A lovely example of an intimate 19th century memorabilia album illustrating the era's sensibilities for nature and antiquities, and bound in an exquisite blank album with miniature v...

An unusual pedestal of octagonal Neo-Gothic form, the molded base supporting eight shaped and carved columns decorated with typical Gothic designs, topped by eight spikes surrounding...

A rare botanical model of the Brendel, Conium maculatum N.60 (Umbelliferae). The round base in ebonized wood holds the botanical model which reveals the flower of the Hemlock. Brende...

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...

19th Century FRENCH MODEL FIELD GUN This model canon with a 10mm bored tube of 19cm in length is raised upon an oak carriage on cast iron and painted spo...

A late 19th century scale model of field cannon, the barrel with a flared muzzle on an oak carriage with twin twelve spoke steel rimmed wheels and steel m...

A botanic didactical specimen in the manner of the famous German botanist Robert Brendel. "In the late 19th century Robert Brendel and his son Reinhold produced beautiful and accur...

This exquisite, meticulously crafted wooden ship model is a stunning representation of a three-masted sailing vessel. The hull is painted a deep crimson with accents of natural wood,...

A very fine scale model of a late 19th Century tipping ‘muck cart’. A tumbrel is a two-wheeled cart or wagon typically designed to be hauled by a single horse or ox. Their original ...

A large collection of 47 mid 19th century dried grass & wheat specimens, all with their original card labels. Each specimen has later been mounted on verdigris green painted canvas...

A very beautifully filled sketchbook published by Rooke & Co of London, of dried and preserved sea weeds with hand penned species. 10 pages all full with multiple specimens, with o...