French Collectibles and Curiosities

Lithographic print of the fight of the French frigate Minerva against two vessels and an English frigate on February 2nd, 1779, taken from the book Historical Gallery of Versailles 430. Chacoane is the engraver. Original print by Victor Gilbert Théodore Gudin...

French miniature Breton Doll furniture, ca 1900 Oak wooden set with a hand-carved classic symbols of Breton design, including pinwheels, ball and stick, and incised flowers. Britta...

Large double harp with gold-patinated head and neck and carved paw feet on the base. The harp is marked on the neck "Pleyel, Lyion & Cie (Paris). Harp, sysle. Gve Lyon. Brevete. No. ...

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...

A French rustic wooden sled from the 19th century with curving extremities. Charming our eyes with its rustic appearance and nicely weathered pati...

A Fully Working Gold Plated S. T. Dupont Line 1 Large Lighter With Laque de Chine Casing. Made in Paris, France. One of the first regulated flame lighters. The type of the light...

Antique Walking Stick with 925 Sterling Silver Handle, Early 20th Century This refined antique walking stick features a beautifully crafted solid silver handle, richly decorated wit...

A Dupont roller petrol lighter made in France. This is a very rare pocket petrol lighter created in Paris France during the post war period, back in the 1945. The lighter has been p...

Rare and beautifully handcrafted, finest quality and meaningful church censer. This possibly unique church incense burner was handcrafted arou...

Ruhlmann, Genie de l'Art Deco (Ruhlmann Art Deco Genius), a special edition of the French magazine L'estampille, L'Objet d'Art published during the exhibition at the Musée des Années...

Dufy Treasures of the French Painting book. Original Raoul Dufy lithograph book containing 9 plates. Each plate could easily be framed. Very rare Raoul Dufy d...

This beautiful telephone is made of crystal and brass. It's makes for a historical statement in one's home. A conversation piece from the past. The crystal is cut and shaped on the b...

Triple helix of a Beechcraft 200 aircraft, blade plane Beechcraft 200

Fabulous vintage mother-of-pearl and brass opera glasses made by Chevalier in Paris, circa 1960s. Complete functional glasses that are in good condition and measure 4" x 2.5". Si...

French chess game in the thematic of Ancient Egypt. The chess pieces are in painted and waxed plaster, the board is in wood and the is also a display shel...

France / 1900 / Crucifix / copper / Antique / Religious Antique standing crucifix from the 1900s, France. Crafted from high-quality cast copper, this piece features intricate detail...

This monumental and architectural church fixture could be the perfect addition to your Gothic collection or interior. If you appreciate the history and beauty of the French Gothic style then this amazing light fixture from the late 1800s could be perfect for you. When we first saw this work of lighting art, we were in awe and, as it goes with great antiques, we still are. The magnificent design, but also the quality of all the handcrafted and bronze elements make this antique chandelier a true work of art and a real joy to look at. With five Gothic style, winged gargoyle...

A beautiful and elegant chess set designed by Rena Dumas for Hermes circa 1985. Come with a leather folder. Pieces are made of steel and brass. The King...

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 ...

Antique French camera lucida, a mid 1800s drawing aide tool with original box. A camera Lucida is generally considered to have been invented by the English chemist W. H. Wollaston in...

A very fine, large fire-gilded bronze church chandelier in Louis XVI style, France, late 18th century. This wonderful piece is finely elaborate in precise detail decorated with elega...

This pair of antique lorgnette opera glasses were made by LeRoy of France in approximately 1880 in the period Victorian style. These bi...

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...

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...

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...

Antique book collection of French photos and portraits 19th century

Catalog published in conjunction with an exhibition of the works of Jean Royere held at the Jacques Lacoste Gallery in Paris from 25 May-2 July 1999. Lacoste was, and is, a passionat...

Vintage St. Dupont Soubreny Lighter from 1990 This vintage St. Dupont Soubreny lighter dates from 1990 and features an elegant two-tone design in black Chinese lacquer and gold plati...

Aldunil gas lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill This is a very rare gas pocket-lighter, created in France for the Alfred Dunhill Company in Paris, back in the 1952. This semi-automatic lighter is the iconic and popular Aldunil model, crafted with art deco patterns in solid .800/.999 sterling silver with 18 karats rose-gold vermeil. All finished with high polish and substantial weight. This very early Aldunil Dunhill lighter is highly collectible and is decorated with diagonal undulates ribbed lines. Model: ALDUNIL. First Produced: Paris, France 1952. Material: 18 karats rose gold. over .800 Sterling silver. Weight: 74.4 Grams, (47.70 Dwt). Measurements: 60 mm by 23 mm by 12 mm (2.36 x 0.91 x 0.47 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks: the jewelry atelier maker's mark, three times with the mark of the Crab for the assay of the .800 silver, the Parisian maker's mark, the reference number, the six-digits serial number and signed in full as follow, "DUNHILL PARIS 64 134482". Alfred Dunhill He inherited his father’s London saddlery in 1893. Following the increase in motor car ownership, Alfred developed the business to include motoring accessories, which he called ‘Dunhill’s Motorities’. This included goggles, timepieces, picnic sets, and leather coats, and it wasn’t long before the brand became associated with men’s general motoring attire. They opened two shops in Mayfair and had a catalogue of over 1300 items. Between the 1904 and 1905, Dunhill introduced their ‘Windshield Pipe’, to help drivers combat the effect of wind and travel on their ability to smoke. This marked both the end of the ‘motorities’ focus and their entry into the world of smoking ephemera, and they shortly opened their first tobacconist in 1907 on Duke Street. The proximity to several esteemed Private Members Clubs around the Mayfair, St James’ area ensured that the venture was a success. (From Nicholas Wells With Thanks). Literature: Blei-Bottoni, The Dunhill Petrol Lighter "A Unique Story", Unique SRL 2004 first edition. Figure-571 Pp-284 for illustrations of this model in silver and gold. Note: This Aldunil pocket lighter is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier. This lighter just need a new flint and proper butane gas. Was tested and is in working condition. Condition: The overall condition of this Alfred Dunhill lighter...

A 19th century Louis Philippe miniature sample commode made of solid walnut with French polish finish. Three dovetailed drawers with turned knobs and one hidden top drawer. The top k...

Vintage French Toy Car Decoration from Vilac, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional inform...

Antique print titled 'Belegering van Jerusalem door Nebucadnezar (..)'. This original antique print shows the siege of Jerusalem by King Nebucha...

Bibendum Michelin Man Bronze Car Mascot, Hood Ornament, Automobilia, France 1909. This is a highly collectible Bibendum Michelin Man bronze car mascot, Hood Ornament, Mascotte Voitur...

A pocket lighter designed by Cartier. This is a beautiful butane pocket lighter, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of Cartier, back in the 1970's. The lighter is a classi...

Claude Lalanne (1925-2019) A rare gilt-bronze dragonfly frame, France C. 1985, Signed on reverse Cl. Lalanne Artcurial 25/450. Measures: 4" high x 3...

This is a very attractive complete game of Marble Solitaire with a hardwood circular board and 35 mixed stone marbles, probably French. The circular turned board is made of polished hardwood, with a good grain figure. The board has 32 equi-spaced holes with an additional one in the centre and a gallery to the outer perimeter. Three small circular pads have been attached to the base of the board to protect the surface it sits on. It comes complete with a full set of 35 (32 Plus 3 spare) handmade playing marbles of mixed stone, clay and agate and of different colours. Some of the clay marbles...

An early 18th Century antique hand carved and polychromed hand painted table crucifix from France with its original patina preserved. This crucifix could possible date back as early ...

French 1950 wall cross and water font in faience, manufactured with the same expertise as tiles. The Henriot Quimper manufacture was created in the 19th mid-century. This wall cross...

L'Illustration was started as a newspaper by Edouard Charton in Paris on March 4th, 1843. It was the first illustrated newspaper in the country and the first to use photographs. Foll...

Fabulous Modernist statement necklace with the most desirable and exquisite detailing and craftsmanship, if you love Art Deco then this should be making your heart skip a beat. Featu...

This mid-1800s child is a “mix” between an early articulated artist model and a lay figure mannequin. It must have been made by special request be...

Superb 19th-century polychrome wooden rocking horse. A superb example, probably the finest we have seen, with a beautiful patina. Magnificent leather saddle, mane and small tail made...

With landscape mobile, Roy Lichtenstein has designed a beautiful "art system" as a table centerpiece. Invoking Alexander Calder's standing mobiles, Lichtenstein termed this piece a "stabile." It is in fact a non-moving object representing a tall tree set in a green basin...

Carte de la Terre de Canaan ou Terre Promise Cartographer: Le St. Robert Date of Publication: 1750 This exquisite 18th-century map, 'Carte de la Terre de Canaan ou Terre Promise', w...

20th Century French Wooden Grape Crate. A rustic relic of traditional French winemaking, this wooden grape crate embodies the authentic charm of vineyard life. Constructed with sturd...

Wonderful craftsmanship, deeply carved, solid oak, Gothic Revival wall coat rack. Anyone who has ever visited a Gothic (Revival) church or another Gothic style building will immedia...

"18th Century Maritime Hourglass 30 Second Stopwatch" 18th-Century Maritime Sandglass 30-Second Log Timer Hand-Blown Glass, Original Wood Frame, Nautical Navigation Instrument Heig...

Antique French Victorian bridal wedding crown handmade tiara on giltwood console stand. Material: giltwood, wax, linen Design: French Folk Art Style: ...

Toulouse-Lautrec, a French book by Gerard Dorozoi, 1992. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864 - 1901) is almost unique among artists because he became as famous for his appearance and per...

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...

Sculpture Concorde model in high quality resin, scale 1/25. Vertical base in blackened steel. Exceptional piece. Made in France. Base: L 71 x D 55cm. Model: Wingspan 100cm x heig...

A pair of emptied ostrich eggs with their turned solid oak bases, dating back to the 19th century and originating from a cabinet of curiosities, Ostrich eggs are particularly impres...

The 'Paris Berlin 1900-1933 ' is a soft-cover book covering an exhibition from July 12-November 6, 1978, at The Centre Pompidou, Paris, France. Book cover...

Standing at 21 inches in height, this set of large late nineteenth century French solid brass scales features two hanging brass pans that hang from chains. Six accompanying gram wei...

Wonderful unique piece made by hand by one of the most relevant fashion designers of the mid-century, Jacques Esterel, showing inside the signature, name of the piece, numbering 1/1 and creation date 57, a sublime work worthy of belong to any of the best fashion and design museums in the world given its relevance as the only known piece of this type that has been handcrafted and signed by Jacque Esterel himself. This fantastic rigid brass band shows beautiful acid etchings of Roman horse chariots and linear ornaments with three closing positions for different sizes. This band was placed on the head as a decorative accessory or crown known as a tiara...

Paris Secret et Insolite (Secret and Unusual Paris), a French book by Rodolphe Trouilleux. Under the cobblestones, surprises: forgotten dead-ends, a cloister converted into workshops...

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Branded with the Iconic LV monogram From our Boxes collection, we are pleased to offer this rare example Louis Vuitton Cigar C...

Take flight into history with this breathtaking WWI-era biplane model, expertly crafted in France circa 1950. A true masterpiece of craftsmanship, this large scale brass airplane boa...

The wood and wire birdcage faithfully depicting the chateau.

This authentic early 20th-century coffee grinder was crafted in France by Peugeot Frères, renowned for their exceptional cast iron mills long before they became famous for automobiles. Stamped with the original oval brass badge reading “Peugeot Frères, Valentigney (Doubs)”, this piece was produced in the company’s historic foundry in eastern France. The cast iron body features deeply embossed lettering: “Peugeot Frères Brevetés S.G.D.G.”, a French patent mark meaning “Patented Without Government Guarantee,” used between 1844 and 1968. The top grinding chamber is enclosed by a domed lid, while the open bevel gear mechanism is powered by a curved crank fitted with a worn, turned wood handle. Below, a single walnut drawer in warm hardwood collects the freshly ground coffee, accented by a decorative turned knob. With its crisp castings, sculptural industrial form, and rich patina, this antique Peugeot...