Gold Collectibles and Curiosities

Original turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau portrait pocket Gold-filled watch by Waltham featuring a portrait of a female nymph with flowing locks of hair over flowers with matching flo...

Attributed to German jeweler Ernst Gideon Bek (1872-1945) 10K gold beautiful pink floral design enamel locket pendant, with a single pearl in the middle and two black and white pictures of a couple inside. Measure's 1.6 cm round, 2 cm to top of clasp. German Jewelry Designer Ernst Gideon Bek Born on April 18, 1872 in Pforzheim, Ernst Gideon Bek (1872-1945) was best known for making mesh handbags in silver, gold and platinum. Pforzheim in Germany, like Providence in the United States, was the center of jewelry manufacture at the time. Young Ernst had the opportunity to study jewelry and gain good practical experience in well-known local companies and workshops. In particular, at Rothacker, Kinzinger in Pforzheim and Baer in Hanau. A talented jeweler, he was CEO of the Pforzheim jewellery industry at the Chicago World’s Fair at the age of 24. At the age of 25 he founded his own company with branches in Birmingham, Paris, Toronto, New York, and India (1897). Noteworthy, Ernst’s wife, Emily, was the sister of one of the founders of the American jewelry company Binder Bros...

Engraved with simple and elegant scrollwork around its skirt, this European 12K gold thimble dates to the early 20th century. Cast in the late Victorian period, the thimble is engrav...

4th Edition of the magnum opus of the Scottish economist and moral philosopher Adam Smith. Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations London: A. Strahan and T. Cade...

This beautiful snuff box is made from sterling silver. Its inside is gold plated. Its shape is reminiscent of a book and lid and bottom are covered in a unique floral ornamental desi...

The Mont Blanc Homage to Frederic Chopin Fountain Pen is a vintage collectable item that pays tribute to the renowned composer. This fountain pen features a sleek design and a black ...

The Baron`s elegant cigarette holder in checked gold and amber. Made in France during the late 19th Century. Provenance: Baron Ehrenkrona, Hulterstad Manor in Sweden. Wear consiste...

Hammersmith: Kelmscott Press, 1894. Limited Edition Octavo, 8 1/4 x 5.5 in (206 x 140 mm) 392 pp. Edited by F.S. Ellis. One of 300 copies on Flower paper, printed in red and black i...

London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1913. Illustrated by Hugh Thompson. First, Limited Edition. 4to, Deluxe Edition, 12 1/4 x 9 1/2 inches (312 x 242 mm); pp. viii + 198 + 2. Twenty-two ...

Gold, Silver & Enamel Rainbow Trout Fishing Brooch. An exquisite 9 Carat gold fishing brooch by Alabaster & Wilson, Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter (established in 1887). The fishing ...

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...

This fountain pen was made by the well known Montblanc factory of Germany in approximately 1990 in their classic modern style. This fountain pen is their 'Meisterstuck' model and has...

Elegant and Stylish Rare Cartier Briquet Bark Design Gas Gold Plated Cigarette Lighter Cased With Original Box No.7406489 Serviced in Working Order, Made in Paris, France Cartier...

This antique pocket watch was made by the well known Hamilton watch company of the United States in approximately 1920. The watch is in good working order with a white porcelain face...

Sphere table cigarette lighter in 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver and translucent fire enamel on guilloché, in a modern contemporary style. Piezoelectric mechanism. Dimensions d...

Walking stick: jeweled walking stick, octagonal milord-shaped knob in 18 kt gold with on the top a large central octagonal gold-bearing quartz and 8 oval lateral ones in different co...

Glanvill, Joseph Plus Ultra; or, The progress and advancement of knowledge since the days of Aristotle. In an account of some of the most remarkable late improvements of practical, u...

Exquisitely carved antique Chinese amethyst peach amulet pendant on 14K yellow gold, natural pearl and faceted amethyst long chain necklace 19th Centu...

This jade and yellow gold pendant is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Europe, likely England, in circa 1965 in a Chinese inspir...

Presenting a set of 16 exquisite gold bracelets, once cherished by the legendary Elizabeth Taylor. Crafted in 18-karat gold, each bracelet is adorned with unique coin charms, collect...

Bowles's New Collection of English Moths and Butterflies; In Twelve Prints, All Drawn from Life Representing near 300 different Species of those Beautiful Insects. Elegantly and accurately Engraved and disposed in an Ornamental Order To each Print is added:-A Description of their Names, Food, and times of Change, By Benjamin Wilkes. London: Carington Bowles, 1764. Second Edition. Folio, (15 1/2 x 11 3/4 in, 394 x 300mm) Second edition, 1 title page and 12 plates engraved and hand-colored, trimmed to plate-mark at fore-edge, lightly browned, some spotting, later 3/4 red morocco with title and fillets in gilt, rubbed and a little stained, rebacked, corners worn. The plates were engraved by Henry Roberts as evidenced in the markings of each plate the first edition, but omitted in the second edition. [Nissen 4411; Linsey 183]. EXTREMELY RARE, COMPLETE BOUND SET of...

Circa 1930s carnelian & 14k white gold filigree ring. Fine craftsmanship. Size 6.5. The lattice filigree accented with Art Deco florets. 1" x 0.75" We are a family business that has...

20th century brass enamel chain and monogrammed black cloth regalia was worn by the Knights Templar of the Masonic fraternity for ceremonial meetings. Offered with a pewter and glass...

From the exuberant 1980s, this new old stock, in the original box vintage Gucci gold plated perfume bottle necklace / pendant is ready to be worn for the first time. Perfume tube has...

Chinese 14-Karat Gold and Jade Buddha Necklace Pendant with Ruby

Persian Manuscript Page depicting a garden scene. Circa 18th century. Hand painted scene depicts a hilly outdoor landscape where people are congre...

A precursor of Benjamin Franklin's famous and popular POOR RICHARD's ALMANAC Rider, Cardanus Rider's (1726) British Merlin; Adorned with many delightful Varieties and Useful Veritie...

This rare reproduction of the original 1926 Ronson Banjo features a gold-plated finish was produced by Ronson Japan in 1990. The lighter comes fully functional with fresh flit and fluid ready for use. Stamped on the lighter: Ronson Lighter US PATENT Dec,31,1918 RONSON WORLD'S FIRST AUTOMATIC...

Antique Gold Brooch set with rose cut diamond and enamel. Renaissance Revival brooch . Design: In the style of Carlo Giuliano, Robert Phillips, Charles Duron...

This vintage early 20th century Edwardian (1902 - 1918) diamond bracelet is elaborately designed in platinum & multiple precious gems. The bracelet center features six embellished ce...

18-karat yellow gold handmade bracelet consisting of gold wire and ball work. Unknown maker mark. Bracelet has a weight of 27 grams.

A handsome set of twelve tooled and leather bound books. Expert book binders have individually re-bound these carefully selected used books in fine leathers embossed and gold leafed ...

Silva: or, a Discourse of Forest-Trees, and the propagation of timber in His Majesty's Dominions; As it was delivered in the Royal Society on the 15th day of October, 1662, upon Occa...

Two leather bound volumes published in Dublin, Ireland in the mid 1700's. The Journals of the House of Commons of the Kingdom of Ireland from the Eleventh Year of King James the Fir...

This exceptional 14K gold Chai pendant, handcrafted in Israel during the 1970s, is a striking representation of Brutalist jewelry design. The pendant is large and solid, weighing an ...

Stunning 19th century Gothic art pendant with shields and gilt scrolling patterns. This late 1800s church relic truly has an aura of religiousness about it. This sanctuary pendant i...

French 19th century Louis XVI style painted and parcel gold-gilt barometer and thermometer. It is a recognizable ‘banjo’ shaped scientific instrument with all the carved details in g...

18th Century Italian Tabernacle Door Fragment. Unique piece that can go anywhere. Perfect for a sculpture on the wall in a hallway or niche.

A ‘Dervish’s’ Sword Stick Iron, steel and gold Turkey 19th Century Size: 58.5cm long - 23 ins long Provenance: Ex Oliver Hoare, Cabinet of Curiosities Exhibition, June 2012 E...

Chaucer, Geoffrey The Workes of our Ancient and Learned English Poet, Geffrey Chaucer, Newly Printed London: Adam Islip, 1602. Second Edition. Folio, 13 x 8 3/4 inches (328 x 223 ...

Molière (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin), ed. Georges Monval La Comtesse d'Escarbagnas Paris: Librairie des Bibliophiles, 1895. L. Leloir / Champollion. Limited Edition. 16mo., 7 x4 5/8 (...

Robert Louis Stevenson, Virginibus Puerisque and Other Papers. London: Chatto & Windus for the FLORENCE PRESS, 1910. Limited Edition. 4to, 10 x 7 1/2 in. (253 x 189 mm); [6] leaves, including 1 blank + 120 pp + [2] leaves, including 1 blank. 12 chromolithographed plates by Norman Wilkinson, printed on plate paper and not included in the pagination, legends on tissue guards printed in red. This is COPY no. 4 OF 12 COPIES PRINTED ON VELLUM, as noted on the limitation page, on verso of second leaf: «Of this edition of Virginibus Puerisque / have been printed on Aldwych hand- / made paper 250 copies, of which 235 are / for sale; on vellum 12 copies, of which 10 / are for sale. / Vellum Copy No. 4». Limp vellum binding with four green ties; gilt lettering on spine and upper cover, t.e.g. Very faint spotting to front free endpaper, slight offsetting of ties. Otherwise a pristine copy. Provenance: William Russell Flint (from the family, by descent). [Beinecke, Stevenson 79; Ransom 278:6; Tomkinson 85:6; Prideaux 13] Fine. A splendid edition of Stevenson's first collection of essays which promote a spirit of playfulness in defiance of both the hardships of human life and the restrictions imposed by bourgeois callowness. The volume brought together essays that had been previously published in the Cornhill Magazine and Macmillan’s: “Virginibus Puerisque i” (1876); “ ii” (1881); “iii: On Falling in Love” (1877); “iv: The Truth of Intercourse” (1879); “Crabbed Age and Youth” (1878); “An Apology for Idlers” (1877); “Ordered South” (1874); “Aes Triplex” (1878); “El Dorado” (1878); “The English Admirals” (1878); “Some Portraits by Raeburn” (previously unpublished); “Child’s Play” (1878); “Walking Tours” (1876); “Pan’s Pipes” (1878); “A Plea for Gas Lamps” (1878) The essays inspired Norman WILKINSON (1878 – 1971) to create the 12 striking and lyrical images that accompany the texts. Wilkinson was a British artist, renowned for his poster work and honored by the British Admiralty for coming up with the idea and design for “dazzle camouflage...

18kt Gold and Natural Diamonds "Universal Geneve" Manual Winding Women's Watch, 1970s Manual Winding. Working clock. Elegant and functional. 18kt yellow gold and 0.72ct natural dia...

Italy, late 18th century, church altar reliquary, hand carved solid wood, gesso, and silver leaf, in Baroque taste, finely detailed figural bust form, with hollowed central relic com...

Circa 1960s Cartier France 18K yellow gold whimsical and unusual Lion Brooch. Hand chased and detailed gold work and set with round cabochon carnelian stones and further set with dia...

Howells, William Dean Venetian Life; With Illustrations from Original Watercolors Boston: Houghton Mifflin, The Riverside Press, 1892. 2 volumes, 8vo 7 x 4 3/4 inches (172 x 120 mm); viii, 279 pp; 287 pp. 18 illustrations from watercolors by Childe Hassam, Ross Turner, F. Hopkinson Smith, and Rhoda Holmes...

This is a limited edition S.T Dupont Ligne 2 Lacquer American Art Deco (Chrysler Building) Lighter. Since the beginning of the 20th Century, Art Deco has influenced many areas of des...

This antique demi-parure set is completely unmarked but tests for a minimum of 14-karat yellow gold and is believed to have been made in England in circa 1890 in the period Victorian...

Early 20th century diamond & 14k gold ring. Size 6. 1/4 carat old European cut diamond set into a floret design with tulip cut work mo...

Rare Dunhill Rollagas Bordeaux Gold Dust Cigarette Lighter With Original Dunhill Box Lighter Made in Switzerland With Dunhill Box. In great working condition, has recently been ser...

This is a unique custom surfboard featuring a marquetry deck incorporating 24 carat gold leaf, designed and hand-crafted by the w o o d p o p studio which specialises in marquetry an...

Art Nouveau rose quartz, gold, ruby, emerald and diamond walking stick Russian, c. 1900 Height 91cm, width 7cm, depth 1.5cm This superb walking stick, crafted around 1900, embodi...

Hair bracelet descended from the mother of patriot Nathan Hale. Hale was handed in 1776. Gilt fittings & drum engraved "CHA" with a box with family annotations. No clasp. 12" with 3 ...

1997 OMAS Return to the Motherland Limited Edition Fountain Pen Solid 18K Gold · No. 063/200 · 123g · Mint Full Set w/ Original 1997 Red Ink A rare and historically weighted masterpiece — this 1997 OMAS Return to the Motherland fountain pen was created to honor the handover of Hong Kong from British to Chinese governance, marking one of the most significant geopolitical transitions of the 20th century. Only 200 examples were produced worldwide, each individually numbered. This piece is No. 063/200, preserved in mint, uninked condition, and complete with every original component. Crafted entirely in 18 karat gold and weighing an impressive 123 grams, the pen is sculpted in deep high-relief — a tactile narrative rendered directly into precious metal. Sculptural Symbolic Detail • Imperial Dragon in full sculptural relief — symbol of prosperity, sovereignty and protection • Flowing silk texture motifs — referencing millennia of Chinese heritage and continuity • Engraved Great Wall — endurance, culture, identity, the spine of civilization • Pink/White Dolphins — indigenous to Hong Kong waters, symbols of harmony, freedom, renewal • Red lacquer grip and finial — the color of fortune, vitality and auspicious beginnings in Chinese culture These elements are not printed — they are carved, dimensional and alive with symbolism. A writing instrument that feels like a piece of sculpture. Nib — Two-Tone Gold with Commemorative Engraving The pen is fitted with a two-tone 18K gold nib — white finished (rhodium/platinum over 18K) with inlaid yellow-gold dragon details and engraved: “HONG KONG 1997” Also signed OMAS · 18K This feature alone makes the edition unmistakable: culturally specific, commemorative, and produced at a level of craftsmanship few modern pens approach. Complete, Original Presentation ✔ No. 063/200 ✔ Inner and outer boxes (deep red, gold accents) ✔ Commemorative gold-plated display case...

London: T. N. Longman and O. Rees, 1803. Third Edition. 12mo, 6 1/4 x 4 inches (160 x 114 mm); pp. xii + 202. Half-bound in tan calf with raised bands and gilt decorations, black l...

A beautiful vintage Fountain Pen - a lovely decorative piece for the desk, but also still fully functional. The handle is Mother of Pearl that leads into an elegant Gold design 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...

A striking and important Surrealist collaboration. A rare SINGED COPY. Ernst, Max / René Crevel Mr. Knife Miss Fork; Translated by Kay Boyle Paris: The Black Sun Press, 1931. FIRS...

This stunning early 20th century Continental 18K gold lapel pin is beautiful & is artistically crafted with a stylish clover motif suitable for eit...

Elegant vintage Tiffany & Co. manual wind dress watch made with 18-karat yellow gold. It is slender and has a soft rectangular design.