Collectibles and Curiosities

Frank Lloyd Wright by Bruce-brooks-pfeiffer. Hardcover book. Published by Barnes Noble Books (1994). A building by Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) is at once unmistakably individual, ...

French Empire Bronze Mount of an Eagle Subduing a Serpent, circa 1800–1820 School or Workshop Jacob-Desmalter/Thomire A finely cast French Empire bronze mount depicting Napoleon’s ...

ABOUT A hand crafted and painted plaster anatomical model of the human brain. Franz Josef Steger and pathological anatomist Carl Ernst Bock collaborated a...

A meticulously crafted 1913 model touring automobile. The car model features a two-tone color scheme, predominantly black with red accents, which highlights its vintage allure. The...

Model Concorde supersonic with light wooden body and all covered with riveted aluminium foil. On polished stainless steel base with item's descri...

This magnificent 16th-century German two-hand sword is a rare and historically important ceremonial weapon, hand crafted by renowned blade-smith Christoph Stantler (active circa 155...

Beautiful Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, lightw...

Superbly detailed "Little Boy" atomic bomb model signed by Enola Gay navigator Dutch Van Kirk, circa 2000s. The Enola Gay was named after Enola Gay Tibbets, the mother of the pilot, ...

Bar Boeing 747 made with half of a Boeing 747 air intake, in shiny polished aluminium finish, riveted aluminium. With a round glass top and with one black ...

Miniature staircases are very rare, when you realize that such a miniature staircase represented almost as much work as creating a life-size staircase. Full detailed craftmanship. To...

"Cat With A Bow Seated" cast iron still bank is a re-issue of a bank by the same name and same casting made in the early 1900s by the Grey Iron C...

Set of old books dating from the 19th century. From an old protestant library near Le Havre in France. These books are called for example  « Commentary on the Psalms ». These beaut...

Traditional religious wood Sculpture of a virgin. Made in Catalonia Spain, circa 1940. It's a beautiful piece of religious wood with glass eyes. In original condition, with ...

An exceptional early German crossbow dating to around 1540, crafted from antler, wood, and iron. This finely made piece exemplifies the late Gothic to early Renaissance period of Ger...

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...

This is just the cutest little guy made of blown glass covered in a sugary snow like finish and wearing a plastic top hat with a star on top. He has rhinestones glued to his face for...

German sterling silver cigarette case with a sapphire stone. This exquisite German sterling silver cigarette case is a masterpiece of timeless de...

Group of 6 colorful pages of a 19th century North African prayer book with expressive calligraphic script in black ink with red, green and yellow highlights. These are truly miniatur...

This is a unique custom surfboard featuring a marquetry deck, designed and hand-crafted by the w o o d p o p studio which specialises in marquetry and inlay work. The studio prides...

Middle Eastern Yemeni Jambiya, which is the name for the Arabic dagger. Comes with a very thick hand embroidered belt with intricate designs and ornate ...

Exceptional Human Anatomy Model from the 80s, 90s. Male and Female Figures on a black stand. The outer casting, such as the individual intestines a...

This small bicycle was designed by Marcel Wanders for Randstad Group. Randstad Group is big employment agency. Since 2018 Marcel Wanders designs a bicycl...

First edition of this three-act dramatic poem by French poet, novelist, journalist, and editor Paul Vérola (1853-1934). Decorated with five full-page color lithographs by Alphonse M...

Antique gilded Ottoman Belt Buckle, with three red stones. Very good condition.

Vintage Flexible Flyer Airline Racer No 60 Wooden Sled Planet Jr USA. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 9" H x 59" W x 24.5" D.

Vintage Joseph Lucas Oiler No. 38 An automotive oil can made by Joseph Lucas, Birmingham. A fantastic piece of vintage motoring ephemera, the perfect gift for the motoring enthusiast...

Hand-picked by buyers at Ann-Morris Inc.

1960s Stunning Blue and Yellow Table Lighter in Murano Sommerso Glass By Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly Dimension: 2,...

DC-3, Dakota aircraft reduced model scale model. Handcrafted in aluminium foil, with engraved metal rivets, 1936. .

A pair of exquisite decorative brown leather riding boots made by Austrian Imperial shoemaker Scheer - Purveyor of the imperial and royal court of the Austrian and Hungarian empire. ...

Graceful and all handcrafted antique light fixture. This early Arts & Crafts era pendant has an aesthetic beauty that you don't find anymore in this day and age. It has the most pleasing to the eye shape and amber color and the handcrafted brass has a marvelous patina. In images 2 and 3 you can see that this unique light fixture started its life as (and still is) a candle lantern. Because of the Gothic quatrefoil details this may have been a sanctuary lamp at the entrance of a church or monastery. The beautifully patinated brass is all hand-crafted, but the unique art glass shade with its unique hand-etched, flowery patterns and amazing color is what makes this antique truly special. Have you also noticed the 'stand-alone' etched oak branches with acorns? They symbolize growth and unlimited potential since an acorn can grow into a huge oak tree that, by itself, can seed an entire forest. Both with the light switched on and off you could not wish for a more stylish, European antique fixture. It is of the kind that you certainly don't find anymore in this day and age. This ideal hallway or bedroom pendant light...

This is an antique scientist's field microscope. An English, brass, pocket instrument, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Appealing brass ...

This is an antique technical drawing set. A German, architect's or cartographer's instrument case by Wichmann, dating to the early 20th c...

A stylish vintage German Rosenthal Studio-Linie original boxed ‘Keramik-Solitärspiel’ (Solitaire Game) by renowned Danish painter, designer and artist B...

AUTHOR: SHELLEY, Mary Wollstonecraft - Frederick Schiller. TITLE: Frankenstein: Or, The Modern Prometheus - bound with - The Ghost-Seer. PUBLISHER: London: Richard Bentley, 1839. ...

Bisque doll by Simon & Halbig for Kämmer Reinhardt, Germany, ca 1900 A lovely bisque doll of 60 cm long with moving eyes, giving her a flirty look. She wears an antique European lac...

A wonderful German table lighter by Karl Wieden. The Silver finish is patinated perfectly and the Repoussé Figures of the "Night Watch' are well ...

This is a wonderful mid-century playing card box, most probably bakelite, featuring a small moveable pointer on the lid, above the words "NO TRUMPS." In a fabulous orange and cream s...

This pair of old skis is made of wood and metal. This is a French work. Circa 1950

19th century Spanish Colonial carved giltwood Triptych of Virgin Mary & Christ Child Late 19th century, South America Of exceptional quality, the hinged three panel devotional ic...

Inside Palm Springs offers an exclusive glimpse into 22 spectacular homes – spanning the 1920s to mid-century modern to contemporary – featuring striking photography and expert insig...

An antique map of the Tuscan city of Pisa engraved for The 'Itinerarium Italiæ Nov-antiquæ' by Matthäus Merian the Elder and printed in 1640....

Rare – 1987 Franklin Mint ‘The Raj’ Chess Set "The RAJ" hand painted India-British War 1857, Franklin Mint highest quality metal chess set game year 1...

This Pleyel concert grand piano crafted in Paris in 1870 is a timeless masterpiece that embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of 19th-century French piano manufacturing. Pleyel instruments are renowned for their exceptional quality and rich musicality, representing the pinnacle of piano design in the Romantic era, and this piano – an early example of the technological innovation of cross-stringing that was burgeoning during the period – is one in a series of only six ever produced. This piano is in extraordinarily immaculate condition with nearly every original part, including the soundboard, pristine ivory keys, and the brass inlay in its beautifully figured walnut cabinet. Candle stands slide forward on either side of the collapsable music desk. This piano was first purchased by the French Count Charles Étienne Gustave Le Clerc, count of Juigné (1825-1900), one of the wealthiest landowners in Brittany and a member of the French National Assembly, later a member of the House of Representatives, and in late life, the Senate. The piano was restored in 1997 at Maison Erard by master restorationist Frits Janmaat in Amsterdam, and later conditioned by Edwin Beunk. In recent years, some of Europe's finest historically-informed musical artists played this Pleyel in PBS concert performances in collaboration with the late Sergiu Luca. Standing on substantial carved legs and brass wheels, the piano exudes a majestic presence through the graceful lines of its Second Empire style cabinet that embodies the period's aesthetics. The keyboard, meticulously crafted from ivory and ebony, is a testament to the attention to detail in every aspect. Its 85 keys...

Antique map titled 'L'Asie Suivant les Nouvelles Decouvertes (..).' Interesting and very unusual map of the Asian continent. The map is based primarily on Dutch sources, particular...

The Brazilian modern design book extensively classifies the work of 15 of the most representative Brazilian furniture designers in the mod...

Under-appreciated but exceptionally made Antique New Williams Company treadle sewing machine with leather belt and working mechanism. Inside it ...

A wonderful piece and very eye catching. Perhaps Tibetan but could also be from South East Asian or India/Nepal. The Buddha appears to be made of ceramic or carved from stone wit...

Beautiful Lot of two Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from t...

Model Riva with wooden structure in light wood in honey brown finish. Speed-boat modal with many hand-crafted details. Model on wooden base.  

London, Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, & Roberts, various publishing dates. Bound in tan leather with red and brown with gilt spines. Marbelized end papers. All with bookplates ins...

Architectural miniature staircase model, masterpiece A miniature staircase model, partly of oak with pressed wood, which is also called a masterpiece in the craft school of the earl...

This wonderful toy will give anyone joy when they see it in operation. Just pull the lever down on the right side, let it go, and watch Howdy fly around the bar. Please check out o...

Herbert, Frank. Dune. Philadelphia, New York, London: Chilton Company, 1965. Book Club Edition. In the original illustrated dust jacket and red cloth boards, with silver embossed tit...

A magnificent pair of full size replica 19th Century naval canons. These full size '3-pound' ship' canons are replicas of the 17th and 18th Century guns that would have lined the s...

Catalog of the seminal avant-garde exhibition held at Peggy Guggenheim's Art of This Century Gallery in 1942 and published in an edition of 2500. Edited by Peggy Guggenheim with cont...

Antique German set of eleven Putz stick-legged sheep with a shepherd boy and his dog. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativit...

Vintage Marble Large Chess Set with hand carved Turquoise Onyx Pieces Vintage mid 20th century Mexican stone marble chess set complete chess board in ...

Cabinet of curiosities of plaster pieces and antique book artwork. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. Olot has a long tradition in the production o...

High Styles : Twentieth-Century American Design, Introduction by Lisa Phillips with Essays by David A. Hanks. New York : Whitney Museum Of American Art In Association With Summit Boo...