M.S. Rau

Crafted of Venetian glass, this exceptional perfume bottle displays an elaborate, marbled pattern of reds, yellows, blues and golds. Late 19th century Measures: 3/4" wide x 3/4...

An important antique silverplate charger created by Elkington & Co., based on a sculpture by French artist Morel Ladeuil. Cast by one of the most significant and highly respected English silver firms in history, the classically-designed repoussé form displays an intimate scene of a lady being dressed by her attendants. Surrounded by a border of Greek anthemions and supported its elm and mahogany solid wood frame, this plaque is a tour-de-force of silver plate artistry. Elkington & Co. patented the first commercial electroplating process and held Royal Warrants for Queen Victoria, King Edward VI...

This charming musical jewelry and sewing box is a work of sublime artistry. Almost certainly German or Austrian in origin and crafted of deep, ebonized...

The perfect complement to a fine dining affair, this George III-period rolling dessert stand is crafted of desirable Sheffield silver plate. In this modified version of an epergne, this centerpiece features an urn-form basket encircled by pierced circular dishes supported on four arms that radiate from the center. In between are ten glass dessert cups...

This outstanding crystal and doré bronze chandelier crafted by Baccarat is truly a splendid sight to behold. Of monumental size and opulent design, it bears all the hallmarks of that company’s exceptional style. This stunning 24-light piece is composed of Hundreds of beautifully designed, oversized, luminous prisms and beads of hand wood-polished crystal hang from scrolling branches of doré bronze. A large ball pendant and a central crystal column provide a sense of weight and substance to this ethereal design. The French House of Baccarat has been internationally recognized for its magnificent glass creations for over 200 years. During the mid-19th century, their chandeliers and tableware were favoured greatly by European royalty, including Louis XVIII, Charles X, Louis Phillipe, Emperor Napoleon III, Czar Nicholas II...

This extraordinary crystal inkwell from the renowned Baccarat is a piece of exquisite charm and grace. Featuring a doré bronze mermaid languishing upon the crest of a rolling wave, i...

This superb mechanical desk by famed French ebeniste Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley is both an artistic and engineering achievement. A Parisian ca...

A marvelously carved chinoiserie motif adorns the lid of this incredible 19th-century French tabatière or snuff box. The charming scene is intricately crafted in the form of a boating figure who holds aloft an umbrella formed of yellow gold, while the box itself is crafted from attractive brown hardstone mounted with stunning yellow gold "waves." Enchanting and beautifully executed, the rare snuff box is an incredible example of the creative artistry of these delightful boxes, as well as the highly popular chinoiserie style. Inhaling snuff, or snuffing, as it is also called, was a popular social ritual among the European elite from the 16th through the 19th centuries. Over these 300 years, master artisans created and designed elegant snuff boxes using...

The fine art of wine-making is brought to life by this rare French wine corker. Beautifully crafted of wrought iron, this corker is specifically des...

This incredible Grand Tour inkwell relic takes the form of the ancient Tomb of the Scipios, a family of Roman war heroes and generals. Beautifully carved ent...

This monumental English mahogany sideboard captures the luxury of the Regency era in grand style. Crafted in the neoclassical taste, the sideboard evokes the stately forms of ancient...

Leafy pendants adorn this fine cameo glass bowl by Daum, known for their singular pieces of art glass of the utmost quality. Daum has remained an impo...

This highly important secrétaire-cabinet was crafted for and specially ordered by King George I for the British Ambassador to Russia. From its craftsmanship and materials to its exceptional artistry, it is a work of royal and historic significance that exudes power in each and every detail. The broken pediment at its apex features the simplified royal coat of arms bearing the king’s crown, while the interior is adorned by portraits of the British Royal Family. Placed within the ambassador’s St. Petersburg home, this entirely unique piece of furniture would have been a potent reminder of England's grandeur and political importance. Relations between England and Russia during this period were at an all-time high. Peter the Great had traveled to England in 1698 as part of his widely known “Grand Embassy” tour, wherein he attempted to gain foreign support against the Ottoman Empire. He spent a period of nearly four months there, meeting with King William III and his court on numerous occasions. Noted academic Arthur MacGregor wrote concerning the impact of the trip, “For two decades following Peter's visit, British influence in Russia reached a peak. It manifested itself in social custom, in craft practice and in ships and naval organization... it reached a significant sector of the population before relations cooled once again and the two nations pulled back from this era of unprecedented cordiality.” First and foremost, however, it is a reminder of British might and influence. By the reign of King George I, England had come into its own as a world power. Unique in its design, this cabinet is a reflection of the country’s might. It is crafted from the highest-quality solid walnut and burr walnut adorned by gilded lock plates and engraved hinges. The presence of ormolu at its apex and lining the doors was a rarity for this period, and its addition makes manifest the importance of the design. The outer doors open to reveal multiple interiors, including fifteen separate drawers around a central cupboard; the cupboard doors each bear mezzotint portraits of George I and his father, Ernest Augustus, Elector of Hanover. An etching after the portrait of George I dating to circa 1716 is in London’s Royal Academy. A second, inner pair of doors are adorned by mezzotints of the Prince and Princess of Wales (later Queen Caroline and George II), which are both after portraits by Sir Godfrey Kneller dated 1716 in the Royal Collection. A final portrait is revealed on the very interior of the cabinet, where a mezzotint of Frederick, Anne, Amelia and Caroline, children of the Prince of Wales, resides. An etching (circa 1715-1720) after this portrait can be found in the National Portrait Gallery (London). Apart from its abundance of royal portraiture, the cabinet features stunning painted decoration, including floral designs as well as clouds, birds and trees in a bucolic motif reminiscent of Eden. Its lower portion is a study in both form and function, featuring a fitted secrétaire-drawer above three additional drawers for storage. The cabinet appears in The Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture by R. Edwards from 1964, a text that is regarded as the bible of British furniture design. Edwards describes it as a “writing cabinet...given by George I to the British Ambassador at the Russian court.” The cabinet was likely made for the 18th-century German diplomat and writer Friedrich Christian Weber, who represented English interests at the Russian court from 1714 until 1719. Although Weber’s tenure as ambassador was relatively short, while in St. Petersburg, he authored his account entitled Das veraenderte Russland (The Present State of Russia), which was published in three volumes in 1721, 1739 and 1740. It may, however, also have been made for George Douglas, 2nd Earl of Dumbarton, who served as ambassador alongside Weber in 1716. Diplomatic relations ceased between the two countries in 1721. In 1928, the cabinet appeared for sale at the International Exhibition of Antiques & Works of Art in Olympia. It had previously been in the collection of the Woltner family of Bordeaux, the celebrated vintners who owned the estate Château Laville Haut-Brion and produced wine of the same name. According to the family, Monsieur Woltner was given the cabinet as a gift from an aunt who lived in Russia for many years. After leaving the Woltner collection, the cabinet was acquired by William Berry...

Crafted by Wedgwood, this exquisite and rare assembled coffee cup and saucer set are comprised of the firm’s famous pale “Wedgwood blue” jasperwar...

An outstanding pair of sterling silver candlesticks by English silversmith Alexander Johnston. Reflecting the mid-18th century Georgian taste for the Rococo style, these candlesticks feature deeply chased decoration, from shells and palms to acanthus and rosettes, as well as an engraved armorial on each pedestal. Their exuberant yet balanced design is characteristic of the sophisticated style brought to England by French Huguenot silversmiths in the 1700s. Alexander Johnston first entered his mark in 1747 and work such as his, as well as that of artists like the celebrated Paul de Lamerie, indicated the adoption of French forms in all of the decorative arts, from furniture to textiles, hailing the dramatic shift from the more restrained classical manner. Excellent condition. Hallmarked London, 1751 10 ¾” high Reference: English goldsmiths and their marks, 2nd ed., 1921, Sir Charles James Jackson.

This rare and exceptional William IV bowl is the work of preeminent Georgian silversmith Paul Storr. Crafted of luxurious gilt silver, the bowl exhibits all the hallmarks of Storr’s celebrated style, from the textured panels and applied decorations to the ruffled scallop shells and acanthus adorning its matching, fitted underplate. Paul Storr was a master at redefining and perfecting Georgian, Regency and William IV silver. His works have remained the most desirable with collectors for generations, and many have been given as prizes in refined competitions. Elegant and sumptuous, this bowl was later awarded as First Prize in a backgammon tournament in 1972. Paul Storr was a master at redefining and perfecting Georgian, Regency and William IV silver. Although he created items of great extravagance, some of his most captivating designs exhibited his restrained yet refined sensibilities. His works have remained the most desirable with collectors for generations and many have been given as prizes in refined competitions. Later presentation inscription “Clermont Club Grand International Backgammon Tournament April 1972 First Prize” Hallmarked London, 1836 on bowl and stand; stand numbered 435 Bowl: 8 ¼” diameter x 3 3/8” high Stand: 10” diameter 38.2 troy ounces The Clermont Club, located on London’s aristocratic Berkeley Square in Mayfair, is one of the most exclusive gaming clubs in the world. The club is housed in the only surviving town house designed by renowned Georgian architect William Kent, and the architecture and interiors make it one of the most elegant clubs in existence. The list of the club's original members included the cream of the British aristocracy...

Considered the first step into the world of modern photocopying, the copying machine was among the first widely used devices to successfully produce an ex...

Two little fawns attempt to keep warm by brazier fire in this enchanting pair of French Louis XVI chenets, or fireplace andirons. Crafted of stunning...

This rare and stunning vitrine was crafted by the illustrious French ébéniste François Linke. A master of the Louis XVI style, Linke was renowned for his highly original designs that...

This handsome library table is a remarkable example of the English furnishings that represented wealthy Victorian tastes. The piece is attributed to Holland & Sons, a firm regarded as one of the most important cabinetmakers of the era. Crafted of rich mahogany with gilt brass mounts and a tooled leather writing surface, this table characterizes the superb craftsmanship of Holland & Sons and exudes Victorian elegance. The well-known British cabinetmaking firm of Holland & Sons was considered the top of their class in their day. Found in 1803 by William Holland...

This Swiss-engineered cipher machine is a fascinating piece of 20th-century military and engineering history, and this particular example is one of the ...

Intricate and flawless, the highly detailed micromosaic medallion on the lid of this agate box is an incredible example of this diminutive art form. The elaborate micromosaic depicts...

This rare brass box would have been a coveted contraption in the finest English pubs of the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as an “honesty” box, the rectang...

This limited edition glass cup memorializes the accession and imminent abdication of King Edward VIII. Titled the Prince of Wales on his 16th birthday, Edward was crowned King of England in January 1936, but famously and scandalously abdicated his throne after less than a year in order to marry the American divorcee and socialite Wallis Simpson...

This beautiful ornamental urn is carved of rare Blue John Derbyshire spar, taken from the now-extinct Blue John Cavern in Derbyshire, England. Crafted in a classically-inspired shape, this closed urn evokes the elegance of the Georgian period. Since the Roman era, Blue John was used to create fine decorative wares. This intriguing stone demands a great deal of skill in its handling and was the material most favored by silversmith Matthew Boulton, especially for the creation of his stoneware vases. A soft and brittle stone, it responds very quickly to heat, and must be carefully dried in order to retain its original color. This urn is wonderful example of Blue John artistry, circa 1810 Measures: 11 5/8" high Discovered by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, Blue John stone...

Magnificent layers and inlays of multi-colored mother-of-pearl cover each side of this breathtaking German snuff box. Each incredibly detailed scene is framed by finely engraved yell...

The elegance of rare silver overlay distinguishes this Art Nouveau glass flask. The flowing, graceful motif allows sections of the clear glass, and the co...

This exceptional and one-of-a-kind wooden mallet commemorates the marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, which occurred on February 10, 1840. Exqu...

A rare and exceptional trophy, won by the thoroughbred personality at the 1970 Wood Memorial Stakes race held at the Aqueduct Racetrack. Beautifully craf...

This charming pair of Meissen porcelain figures celebrates the essence of Revelry. First modeled by the renowned Johann Joachim Kändler on bases by Peter Reinicke, circa 1767, these joyous groups depict musicians making merry by playing the French horn, flute, guitar and hurdy-gurdy, and gardeners carrying flowers in baskets and aprons. Two almost identical groups are featured in Meissen: Collector’s Catalogue by Laurence Mitchell. Figures by Kändler were especially popular and served as table decorations at courtly banquets. He took the reigns of the Meissen factory in 1733 and over the following 40 years created more than 900 models, many of which were considered the most important and beautiful ever produced. Many of his designs were so timeless and classic that they continued to be used well into the 19th century. Kändler was highly regarded especially for his allegorical representations and he was certainly at his best when designing the Four Continents...

This covered porcelain vegetable dish is part of the exceptionally rare Flora Danica Game Series by the renowned Royal Copenhagen. Flora Danica is kn...

This elegant silver plate epergne is a rarity in that it also includes a full, cut-glass cruet set. This service’s delicate central basket is elevated above a plateau holding ten finely-cut bottles, including two mustard pots, four small vinaigrettes and four larger vinaigrettes. Intricate bright-cut engraving along the pierced galleries completes this stunning piece. An epergne is a dining table...

Crafted by Wedgwood, this rare, round-shaped rum kettle is comprised of black basalt and features a molded bail handle and glazed interior. Referred to as “...

This refined Regency-period wine cellarette is crafted of rich mahogany and boasts beautifully carved details. The sarcophagus form is distinguished by ebon...

Entitled Winter and Spring this Meissen Porcelain figural group features a cloaked putto staying warm by a fire (Winter) and another gathering flowers (Spring). Part of the company's...

This important German porcelain snuff box exhibits delightful artistry and craftsmanship. Hand painted classical tableau celebrating the e...

One of only a handful ever made, this Double DeLuxe Violano Virtuoso, created by the Mills Novelty Company, is an extremely rare example of American musical automata, featuring not one, but two brilliantly tuned violins. Singled out by the U.S. government in 1909 as one of the eight greatest inventions of the decade when it was introduced at the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition, the Mills DeLuxe Violano-Virtuoso stands as one of the most important and incredible musical devices ever made. The “Double Mills,” as it was nicknamed, plays classical, operatic and popular music. It can play on a single or up to 15 nickels and has the ability to run for approximately an hour. It produces exceptional sound with a crisp tonal quality and melodious notes. Housed in a beautiful quarter-sawn oak case, each violin produces 64 notes and is accompanied by a 44-note piano. It is truly rare to find a historical musical mechanism so complete, with such remarkable sound quality and in excellent condition. This particular Violano has been updated with a digital player system that allows song selections to be made over a WiFi connection. This gives the user a choice between digital downloads or traditional paper rolls for added convenience. Perfected and patented in 1912 by Henry K. Sandell, the Violano-Virtuoso was produced in limited quantities until 1929 and could be found in the very finest restaurants, hotels and oceanliners. In fact, the Violano-Virtuoso was one of the few American-made mechanical musical devices to be distributed worldwide to the most exclusive international clientele. The below testimonial was sent to the Mills Company by the Governor of Idaho, aptly describing the incredible music produced by the Violano-Virtuoso. Dear Sir, Have just had the pleasure of listening to your wonderful Automatic Violin and Piano on exhibition at the Government Building here. This marvelous instrument certainly far surpasses anything that I have eve heard in automatic music. The tone and expression of the violin and the piano are so perfect and clear that is really hard to believe but that there is the human hand playing..." Indeed, for the price of a nickel, the Mills Violano...

These two busts, monumental in both their size and artistry, come from the renowned Italian majolica workshop of the famed Angelo Minghetti. Depicted are the Renaissance political an...

Perfectly proportioned and beautifully crafted, this rare hunt table is an exceptional example of Regency-period cabinetmaking. Also known as a social table...

This extraordinary and rare pair of centerpieces beautifully showcase the artistry of Baccarat crystal. Art Nouveau in style, the centerpieces feature large vases of frosted glass with masterfully cut designs at their flared peaks. Teardrop glass accents are elegantly draped from the vases’ rims, adding a delicate sense of movement to the stunning pieces. Three tulip-form shades of shimmering pink art glass are supported by gilded arms that protrude from the vases center in graceful arches, completing the stunning pieces. Exquisitely decorated with an etched floral motif, these centerpieces typify Baccarat’s interpretation of Art Nouveau. Baccarat has long been internationally recognized for its extraordinary crystal creations. During the mid-19th century, their tableware was favored by European royalty...

This extensive 248-piece sterling silver flatware service was crafted by the legendary Tiffany & Co. in the classic San Lorenzo pattern. Inspired by and named after the famous Florentine Church of San Lorenzo, the motif displays a highly architectural design that is typical of the Renaissance Revival style. From the fine piercing to the gilt accents, the care and attention given to the crafting of each piece embodies Tiffany's commitment to extraordinary craftsmanship. The complete service for 12 is housed in its two-tiered, custom-fitted Tiffany & Co. chest. The silver flatware of Tiffany & Co. is among the finest in the world, as well as the most enduring. Each hand-finished piece incorporates the timeless designs and quality craftsmanship that makes Tiffany one of the world's leading silversmiths. Since their first international recognition at the 1867 Paris World's Fair, Tiffany has supplied silver to numerous royal families throughout Europe, as well as elite American families including the Astors and Vanderbilts. Each piece is marked "Tiffany & Co. Sterling Pat. 1916" with the date letter "m" for the directorship of John C. Moore, which dates this service between 1907 and 1947. Chest: 23 1/2" wide x 19 1/4" deep x 6 1/4" high This service comprises: 12 entree knives 12 luncheon knives 12 dessert knives 12 entree forks 12 salad forks 12 oyster forks 12 luncheon forks 12 fish forks 12 ice cream forks 24 teaspoons 12 tablespoons 12 gumbo spoons 12 cream / bouillon spoons 12 demitasse spoons 12 salt cellar spoons...

This extraordinary and monumental cast-iron sculpture was likely specially commissioned to the Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne for an important public or private collection. Designed by celebrated Parisian sculptor Mathurin Moreau, the striking work takes the form of a beautiful young maiden clad in classical robes with an amphora gracefully held aloft in one hand. The work displays a remarkable level of detail considering its iron casting, including a wreath of laurel leaves atop the woman's head and a stunning necklace adorning her neck. Due to its large size and subject matter, the remarkable work would most probably have been exhibited in a public or private fountain, garden, estate or hotel. French cast-iron sculptures such as this one were historically preferred over bronze for outdoor decorations...

This geometric vase by French decorative artist Camille Fauré is given its striking luminous quality by the firm's signature enameling technique. Richly colored enamels were applied to a copper form covered with silver leaf in layers of varying thickness. These layers range from almost translucent to opaque, letting the silver and copper shine through across the vase's surface to dramatic effect. A Fauré hallmark, this process sets these imaginative vases apart and heralded a revolution in the decorative arts. One of the most celebrated enamellers of the Art Deco era, the workshop of Camille Fauré shifted not only the Popular style of enamels in the traditional city of Limoges, but also the methods of creating these pieces. After apprenticing for several years, Fauré established his own workshop in Limoges at the turn of the century, where he helped to usher in a New Era of decorative enamels. He exhibited at the 1925 International Exhibition in Paris that famously gave name to the emerging Art...

This stunning and complete seven-piece Chinese export silver tea and coffee service was crafted by Yu Chang of Shanghai and Hong Kong, a firm re...

This superlative, Georgian-period silver inkwell was crafted by 18th century London silversmith James Young. Of exceptional size and quality, this large inkwell is perfectly appointed to draft important correspondence, complete with a sand shaker and compartments for writing utensils. A masterpiece of the restrained Georgian style, the inkwell bears the marital coat-of-arms of the Gresley and Coventry families with the motto “Meliore fyde quam fortuna,” or “With better fidelity than fortune.” Hallmarked London, 1782 11 1/4” wide x 7 1/2” deep x 5 1/2” high The armorial bearings almost certainly commemorate the marriage of Sir Roger Gresley, the 8th Baronet of Drakelowe, and Lady Sophia Coventry, youngest daughter of the 7th Earl of Coventry...

This exceptional English vitrine features the stylistic elements associated with the famed English furniture designer Thomas Sheraton, considered one of the three most influential En...

Cherubs representing the gods Cupid and Mercury, indicated by their respective bow and winged helmet, sit atop this charming pair of French chenets, or fireplace andirons. Crafted of stunning doré and patinated bronze, these figures display a delightful neoclassical elegance characteristic of Louis XVI design. Chenets were a staple of any well-appointed home, serving as both decorative and useful objects. They were placed in front of a fireplace to protect priceless rugs and flooring from rolling logs...

A magnificent mahogany double chair back settee crafted in the George II taste. From the scaled and scalloped back and zoomorphic armrests to the hairy ball-and-claw feet, the quality of the carving is deep and richly detailed. The seat is upholstered in a lovely black floral tapestry that remains in wonderful condition. Created in the style of Chippendale, this double settee...

The classical elegance of Wedgwood is showcased in this rare pair of tricolor jasperware barber bottles. Tricolor jasperware is a rarity from the f...

These exceptional Regency card tables were designed with dual purposes in mind. Crafted of rosewood, the tables serve as attractive console tables when closed. When opened, the table...

Measuring a monumental 30 inches in diameter, this impressive globe was crafted by the renowned firm W. & A.K. Johnston. Founded in 1825, the Johnston firm is considered the foremost...

The Art Deco style is beautifully executed in this enchanting desk clock by J.E. Caldwell. The gilded dial, beautifully enameled in midnight blue and celadon green, sports four perfect apples in relief at its corners, and is framed by a luxurious plaque of amber-hued onyx. Venerable American jeweler J. E. Caldwell & Co. from Philadelphia is known for its Art Nouveau and Deco jewels. One of the oldest fine jewelers in the United States, the company was founded in 1839 by James Emmott Caldwell and supplied wealthy Philadelphians with stylish European jewelry, silver, and objets d'art. The store itself was a study in opulence, with hand-cut Baccarat chandeliers and French Regency-style oak cabinetry designed by Horace Trumbauer...

This rare Chinese hanging vase, carved of fine moss-in-snow jade, boasts a host of dragons, the most potent symbols of good fortune in China. Its intricat...

This limited edition covered goblet commemorates the 1937 coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Crafted of glass with impressive lion mask ...

An essential tool in the creation and finishing of furniture, this 19th-century English ornamental lathe is an object of beauty in and of itself. The extraordinary machine...

A scintillating Sapphic scene adorns the cover of this rare erotic snuff box. Set into the top of this burlwood and tortoiseshell container, this high...

Queen Anne period furnishings such as this walnut secretary are incredibly rare and important examples of English cabinetmaking. This secretary is of the most outstanding caliber, boasting desirable double bonnet, mirrored cabinet doors...

This Baccarat crystal and doré bronze chandelier of monumental size and opulent design is truly a splendid sight to behold. Hundreds of beautifully designed oversized, luminous prism...

This outstanding pair of French Second Empire candelabra exemplifies the grandeur and exuberance of this decorative era. Expertly crafted of doré bronze and white marble, these light...

Pietra Paesina is one of the most scarce and wondrous stones on earth, and the surface of this exceptional early 19th-century center table is inset with...