Eight 19th Century Mushroom Models

A Botanical model by Robert Brendel, famous German botanist, 19th century. As detailed by the University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum, "In the late 19th century Botanist and model-mak...

Miniature cabinet around 1870 ash, lower part with three drawers, showcase top with small pediment, original glass and fittings Dimensions: height 104 cm - width 50.5 cm - depth...

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,...

Rare and fascinating educational mechanical model dating from the 19th century, made of bronze and mounted on a fine wood base. This type of object was used for educational purposes,...

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...

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 ...

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...

19th Century Folk Art Painted Dress Model or Doll, Beautiful example of a dress model with a sweet, expressive face. The slightly distressed paint adds to its charm. Our pieces are l...

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...

19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Barley A rare antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around 1900. Highly ...