19th Century Historical Memorabilia

Fine Early 19th-Century Portrait Miniature of Napoleon Bonaparte Watercolor on Paper Original Period Frame An evocative and finely executed early 19th-century portrait miniature de...

Popular in the 19th century, domed glass displays offered protection for portico clocks and flora & fauna specimens without compromising visibility. Inside this cloche is an oval eas...

Wonderful and rare "Cent-Suisses" bicorne. This beautiful bicorne is made of black felt, with gold braid, and a six-turned gold braid trim, on which is the gilded brass Cent-Suisses ...

A charming set of three boxed coin shaped medallions celebrating the silver jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. The medallions of rounded shape are each contained in a turned boxwood ...

This late 19th-century English leather top hat box, paired with an American-made beaver fur top hat, exudes timeless craftsmanship and style. The b...

This is an antique Dandy’s walking cane. An English, gentleman’s stick in ebonised mahogany with a silver handle, dating to the late Victorian period, and hallmarked in 1889. A super...

Antique Chinese sedan chair, China, late 19th century. This colorful and extraordinary decorated antique sedan or wedding chair from China is r...

Superior quality large scale Italian Grand Tour bronze of the god Silenus after the Roman original excavated at Pompeii in 1864. This very fine cast shows the god holding aloft a coi...

A Rare and Historic 1859 Elkington Silvered Bronze Victorian Centerpiece with Cut-Glass Bowl. Presenting a magnificent Victorian silvered bronze centerpiece of unmatched rarity and importance, crafted by the renowned Elkington Mason Co., Birmingham, in 1859. This exceptional work, complete with its original cut-glass bowl, epitomizes 19th-century British craftsmanship and artistry. Hallmarked to the base, this centerpiece showcases intricate sculptural details, embodying a high level of technical prowess and aesthetic refinement characteristic of Elkington's celebrated works. The centerpiece's striking design features three meticulously rendered figures—a young hunter, a friar, and a fishmonger—each embodying elements of Victorian life and industry. At their feet, a loyal spaniel and various game highlight the naturalistic approach to the composition, enhanced by the masterful chasing and dynamic form. This sculptural ensemble rests on an elaborately decorated base, exuding both grandeur and narrative depth. Adding profound historical value are two engraved plaques. The first, dated “January 28, 1859,” reads: “Presented to William Johnson Esq. as a token of respect esteem by the workpeople in the employ of Messrs Richard Johnson Brother, Manchester.” The second, an inscription from 1941, states: “Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers, Alias Wire Workers of the City of London, Presented by Arthur Laurence Johnson M.A., Grandson of William Johnson, both Wire Workers, with his Daughter Eleanor Morton Johnson, a Freeman of the Company, to commemorate his Mastership 1941-42.” These inscriptions chart a rich lineage, connecting the Johnson family to pivotal moments in industrial history. William Johnson, alongside his brother Richard, assumed leadership of a wire-drawing firm in 1838, which would later become Richard Johnson Nephew Ltd. Their contributions included providing galvanized armored wire for the historic 1857 transatlantic telegraph cable...

Elaborately handcrafted, intricately decorated set of two late Biedermeier brass goblets/ mugs from the so-called "second period" aorund 1860 in Austria. This artfully made antique B...

A stunning set of opera or theatre glasses in original leather case. By Colmont FT Paris France, Circa 1890s Gorgeous Mother-of-pearl and abalone inset on brass cylindrical body w...

Late 19th-early 20th century carousel horse on custom stand, American. A fine & fun example. Restored prior to the current owner's acquisition of it, it likely had handles to mount &...

A historic Charleston silver presentation goblet made by W. Carrington & Co, King Street, for the calvary tilt in Charleston between the Charleston L...

Pair of Confederate Civil War Cast Iron Cannonballs with Century Ormolu Mounts,* United States, Circa 1861–1863 *This offering consists of four pieces, two cannonballs, and two peri...

Set of antique iron measure of capacity ton for educational use. Beautifully aged, slightly rusty patina but still very robust. The white letters are hand painted on the black paint...

Chandelier for the private dining room in Otto Wagners famous "Erste Villa Wagner," Hüttelbergstrasse, Vienna similar to the crown-rim of the Romanic and Gothic period (see also Jarm...

Native American beadwork gauntlets with Indian Chiefs in feathered headdresses, probably souix, Ca 1880-90 Native American beadwork gauntlet...

19th century wooden riding boot trees, molds or forms. Great decorative and conversational piece, ideal for decorative purpose.

Transport yourself back in time with our exquisite 19th-century Singer Sewing Machine, discovered in France. Crafted with a sturdy cast iron base and an elegant oak frame, this vinta...

Imperial Russian Bronze Commemorative Cross of the Crimean War, 1853–1856 A rare mid-19th century Imperial Russian bronze devotional cross commemorating the Crimean War (1853–1856)....

Set of Six Double-Sided Victorian Tole Cartouche Panels by Whitelegg & Sons for Thomas Wombwell’s Menagerie (12 Paintings) Menagerie Signs – for TW Monogram for the Whitelegg & Sons...

19th century carved wooden figural nutcracker of Otto Von Bismarck A wooden nutcracker with figural scene of Otto Von Bismarck In working condition,...

An antique Royal Standard of the United Kingdom, possibly by Benjamin Edgington, London. The fabric is in a giltwood frame under glass. Each of the four quadrants on the flag represe...

A Rare and Important American White Marble Sculpture of Thomas Jefferson Holding The Declaration of Independence. Circa 1870, in the Manner of Horatio Stone (1808 –1875). Inscribed on scroll: 'The Declaration of Independence, It becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another. etc. etc. T. Jefferson. The present work is unsigned but is reminiscent of Horatio Stone's life-size marble figure of John Hancock...

Finely crafted miniature display stand in dark hardwood, likely hongmu, realized during the late Qing Dinasty (end of 19th Century) and featuring a delicately pierced and reticulated...

19th-century Bohemian Persian Enameled Portrait of Decanter Naser al-Din Shah Qajar This exquisite 19th-century Bohemian Persian decanter features a ...

A delicate pair of handmade brass ladies magnifying wire rim eye glasses from the American Civil War era, circa 1860. A unique pair of antique spectacles, cleverly designed with ext...

This is one of the more desirable of the McKenney and Hall plates because it involve two figures and depicts a female and her child. It is completely original, as are all of the McKe...

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 ...

This is a rare 31-star medallion printed American flag, celebrating the addition of California to the Union. The flag is printed on silk and has a spectacular “Great Star” canton pat...

Circa 1860s Benham & Froud copper double-handled jelly pan, London, UK. 6-dot mark, obr & cross on bottom. Spun with centering dot also still clear. Size 16 on a handle. Chandos St. ...

An 1870 leather bound, hard cover edition of Godey’s Lady’s Book, Volume LXXX published by Louis Antoine Godey. Godey’s Lady’s Book was a 19th-century American magazine known for i...

This prestige weapon was commissioned by Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia as a diplomatic gift for the renowned French Armenian merchant and honorary French envoy Matig Kevorkoff, a pr...

For sale a very rare early 19th century infants coffin carrier, this would of been housed on a horse and cart hearse. The casket has a decorative wrought...

"RALLY FREEMEN! …COME ONE! COME ALL! AND SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR THE BEST COUNTRY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH." A CIVIL WAR RECRUITMENT BROADSIDE FOR THE...

A working antique iron book press which sits atop a four drawer art storage cabinet with two brass identification card holders on each drawer. ...

Amazing late 19th century French oak camera from Spain. Made in oak and gold metal and in its color. Beautiful piece of decoration. Measures: Adjustable height 55.11in-66.92in.

American mechanical piggy bank TAMMANY BANK called "The fat man". Plychrome cast iron, the right arm and the movable head so that the "fat man" puts the piece in his room while noddi...

Museum quality tabletop Stereoscope by British maker R. & J. Beck London. It is fitted with with adjustable rack and pinion focusing and elevation adjustment for ease of viewing. Eac...

Original Italian carriage from around 1870-80. Four-wheeled carriage equipped with a large foldable canvas bellows, with a two-seat seat for passengers and fitted with a higher seat ...

Austro-Hungarian period safe F. WERTHEIM & C. with key, 1800s Style Vintage Periodo del design Before 1890s Production Period Before 1890s Year Manufactured 1800 Maker Wertheim & C. ...

This beautiful Art nouveau green and golden color cast iron Christmas tree stand, was made in Germany, in the 1910s. A nice addition for your Christmas decoration. It holds a stem up...

French Floor Safe Magaud de Charf Circa 1830 A marvel of mechanical ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship, this fully functioning French hobnail safe represents one of the most se...

Sir Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington's Silk Handkerchief, Framed with Portrait Engraving and Provenance Letter, circa 1820–1850, in Giltwood Frame with Glass Sir Arthur We...

"Painted Heraldic Panel – Coat Of Arms Of The Grand Duchy Of Luxembourg J. Leroy, Painter-decorator" Painted heraldic panel – Coat of arms of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg J. LEROY, ...

An extremely rare ring that commemorates the naval hero, Horatio Nelson, who died in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar, fighting against the Napoleonic forces. Dr William Nelson, the admiral's brother, ordered 58 mourning rings for family and friends and every admiral and post-captain who fought at the Battle of Trafalgar . The ring is inscribed on the bezel ‘Trafalgar’; outside the hoop with Nelson’s motto in Latin, ‘Let him who earned it bear the palm [of victory]’, adopted by Nelson from a poem ‘Ad Ventos’ written in 1727 by John Jortin (1698-1770). Inside is the inscription ‘Lost to his country 21 October 1805, aged 47’. The initials N and B stand for Nelson and Bronte. Admiral Nelson was given the title of Duke of Bronte in 1799 by the King of Sicily and in 1801 became a Viscount. The two coronets above the initials refer to these titles. Tthe motto Palmam qui meruit ferat ("let him who has earned it, bear the palm") was added to his coat of arms in 1798 after the Battle of the Nile. Nelson was buried with full honours in St Paul's Cathedral. His cortege consisted of 32 admirals, over a hundred captains, and an escort of 10,000 soldiers. This ring is an example of only fifty-eight that were made by Nelson's jeweller John Salter in 1806. Thirty-one were for Nelson's close family and friends, the rest for pall-bearers and other dignitaries (see The Nelson Dispatch, vol.3 pt.XII, oct.1990). Three similar examples of this ring are held extremely prestigious museums in the capital. One is in the Greenwich National Maritime Museum in London, another in The British Museum in London and another in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, exhibited in the Jewellery Gallery, case 23, no. 8. The ring has a particularly special provenance, arguably like no other mourning ring of Admiral Nelson’s. The ring belonged to the Reverend Alexander John Scott. The Reverend Alexander John Scott (1768-1840) was a British naval chaplain. He was appointed to the flagship H.M.S. Victory in 1803 where he served as private secretary to Lord Nelson. He was with Nelson when when he was shot on the quarter-deck of the Victory at the battle of Trafalgar on the 21st October 1805. Scott attended his dying chief in the cockpit of the flagship, receiving his last wishes. He refused to leave Nelson's body until it was brought back to England and placed in the coffin to lie in the Painted Hall Greenwich. The ring, lock of hair and music book were passed down by the direct descendants of the Reverend Alexander John Scott's family and eventually gifted to the previous owners. The music book was a personal possession of the Reverend which gives watertight provenance of the person who owned the ring. It is not clear exactly what Admiral Nelson’s last words really were although Scott documents Nelson’s last words to be “God and my country“. However, it is also recorded that a statement during his last hours was "Thank God I have done my duty.” Perhaps these two statements uttered in the last moments sound similar when mumbled by a feeble dying man. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy is that Scott remained by Admiral Nelson’s side as he died and his version is probably the most reliable. The lock of hair is reputedly that of Lord Admiral Nelson. Without a DNA test there can be no conclusive proof of such. However, given that Reverend Alexander John Scott was with Nelson from the moment he was shot on the quarter-deck of H.M.S. Victory until the moment he was placed in his coffin, there is no reason to believe it is not a lock of Nelson’s hair. It is difficult to overstate the significance and rarity of Nelson’s mourning rings. With only fifty-eight made, the vast majority of them were given to close family members and only a few were given to close friends. A close friend who receives a morning ring...

PRESENTING a FANTASTIC and HISTORIC Early 19C American Hepplewhite Virginian Secretary Chest with OUTSTANDING Provenance. This Secretary Chest was made in Virginia in the Early 19th Century, circa 1810. It is made of cherry, walnut and maple and is most definitely in the Hepplewhite Style of the period, with it’s original Hepplewhite brass drawer pulls. IT IS A REALLY INTRIGUING AND HISTORIC PIECE, ESPECIALLY, WHEN VIEWED IN CONTEXT WITH IT”S AMAZING PROVENANCE! This piece was originally owned by Major William Alexander Obenchain who ‘hailed’ from the State of Virginia. He was an engineer and was in the Virginia Corps of Engineers during the Civil War and served on General Robert E. Lee’s staff. It was acquired by him before the Civil War and we believe that this piece was on campaign with him during the War. We know for a fact that he fought at the Richmond Campaign in 1864, as we have, in our Collection, his original Field Map for that Campaign which ended the War. It has remained in family ownership ever since. It has come directly from the Family Estate, together with other VERY IMPORTANT items belonging to Major Obenchain and other IMPORTANT items that belonged to his wife, Eliza Calvert Hall-Obenchain. ALL these items contained in the Collection, are listed/posted individually on our Website. The top drawer is on retractable curved side hinge supports and pulls outwards and drops to reveal a secretary and writing area. The Bureau/Secretary Gallery has 6 drawers and 6 cubbies, a central tabernacle door with another drawer and 2 cubbies and this is flanked by 2 secret pull out compartments. The central tabernacle door has it’s original key and working lock. Closed, it is almost ‘flush’ like the rest of the drawers, with some very minor bowing through age. The 3 drawers underneath are graduated in size and it ends with a serpentine shaped base and sits on four hand carved legs with original metal casters, marked ‘Universal 3’. It has it’s original brasses and hardware throughout, save the addition to 2 contemporary replacement brass hinges to the drop down desk front, as the original hinges were broken, could not be repaired and were not supporting the weight of the drop down leaf. Some minor repairs but not noticeable. Otherwise, the piece is in it’s entirely, ORIGINAL condition! What makes this piece even MORE INTRIGUING and APPEALING HISTORICALLY, are the 2 ‘historic’ circular holes on the piece:- (1) in the back of the piece as seen in the photos. This hole is not symmetrical or fully round and appears to serve no purpose to the piece whatsoever. Sometimes, pieces have holes for wiring for lighting, put in them over the years, but this one never had such lighting or, indeed, any such explanation for this hole, AND (2) the rear hole is replicated, in the corner portion of the bottom drawer and someone (a very long time ago) has used a tin can top, to cover the hole in the back of the drawer. The tin can top is period to the Civil War Era and is embossed “Minimum Volume 1 Pint”. Our conclusion, is that (whilst we are, by no means ballistic experts) that these holes were created by musket balls, fired during one of the Major’s campaigns in the Civil War. It is entirely conceivable that this piece, being strapped into a covered wagon for carriage, would have been on it’s side. We are of the opinion that both holes, were caused or created by a musket ball entered the chest trough the base and back. We also believe that ‘the Major’, used what he had at his disposal on the battlefield, namely, a tin can lid to repair the hole in the drawer. SO THIS PIECE IS A VERY SPECIAL PIECE OF US HISTORY, INDEED! NOT ONLY IS IT AN EARLY 19th CENTURY AMERICAN PIECE, WITH A CONNECTION TO THE STATE OF VIRGINIA, THE CIVIL WAR, HISTORIC & IMPORTANT FIGURES IN THAT WAR AND IMPECCABLE PROVENANCE AND HISTORY! IT IS TRULY UNIQUE! William Alexander Obenchain. Born April 27, 1841 at Buchanan, Botetourt Co., Virginia. Parents: Thomas Jefferson Obenchain and Elizabeth Ann Sweetland. Entered VMI on July 18, 1859 as a member of the VMI (Virginia Military Institute...

A rare Christmas candleholder clip set off five. Each is made from thin sheet metal, this would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree. These are out of the p...

This antique Victorian knife cleaning and sharpening machine was made by Kent's of London England in circa 1880 in the period Victorian style. The machine is composed of two sharpening stones...

Vintage Farriers corrective horseshoes shadowboxed wall hanging. Intriguing and wonderful display case exhibiting 19 different early corrective horseshoes. Several of the shoes have ...

Fabulous looking full page McKenny and Hall folio sheet "WAA-TOP-E-NOT", a Chippewa tribe warrior, from the three volume series "Indian Tribes of North America". The Chippewa tribe,...

Three mounted and giltwood framed chromolithograph plates from L'Ornement Polychrome: Motifs de tous les styles, art ancien et asiatique, Moyen Age, Renaissance, XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles, by A. Racinet, 1869-1873. Published by Firmin-Didot, Paris. Specifically, the three framed plates are Middle Ages, Renaissance and 17th century. This reference work “created to render major services to our industrial arts” brings the archeological art...

19th century French cash register A fine old antique register for display Measures: 16" wide x 17" deep x 9" high Good antique condition.

A hand seal. Clear glass body, gilt silver fittings. Figurative pig finial with gemstone eyes. Unmarked. Collectible Desk Accessories, Writing Instruments, Jewelry. Dimensions: 3 x 1...

Antique 19th Century French gold mounted on mother of pearl, extensive traveling etui set, of elongated octagonal form, the gold mounted with polished mother of pearl panels and the lid applied with cast and enamelled floral decoration, the lid opens with a push-button. Inside enclosing the original gold and steel implements:, scissors, pen knife...

A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...

Antique collection of Italian Grand Tour plaster intaglios Italian, Early 19th Century Height 39.5cm, width 27cm, depth 5cm Consisting o...

A fine 19th Century ceremonial toasting horn or rhyton. Comprised of large, curved horn set with silver plated mounts. Fitted with 2 silver-plated collars (each with jumps rings fo...

Presented is an original Benjamin Harrison presidential peace medal. This bronze medal was originally struck by the U.S. Mint in 1889 as a peace offering to the various Native American tribes in the U.S. The obverse of the medal has a raised relief side profile bust of President Harrison, with the text "Benjamin Harrison President U.S.A. 1889". The reverse of the medal has the word "PEACE" at top, with a scene of a settler and Native American talking in front of a log cabin. Below, a crossed tomahawk and peace pipe are enclosed by a wreath of laurel leaves. The medal is displayed on a blue velvet presentation collar with gold striped edging and light purple fabric on the reverse. The medal is attached under a blue fabric covered button. Following the British and French practice of handing out silver medals to tribal chiefs, George Washington began a policy of presenting peace medals to American Indian leaders at treaty signings and other formal ceremonies. Every subsequent American president from Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison is represented on a presidential peace medal, with the exception of William Henry Harrison...

19th Century beautiful imperial eagle badge from Napoleon III period. Crowned eagle with spread wings, standing on an orb cut out with the number 30. Two fixing parts at the back of ...