Late 19th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

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...

A Large Antique French Sevres Style Porcelain Hand Painted Plaque Depicting "The Last Supper" after Leonardo da Vinci, within an exceptional Onyx and Champleve enamel frame. Circa 18...

Unusually shaped, Victorian Period, sterling silver-mounted, threaded crystal match striker, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1899, Levi and Salaman - makers. Measures 2 inch...

American Victorian standing scale with mahogany center post and brass weight and height measure with platform base on wheels (signed FAIRBANKS)

Beautiful antique gilt bronze plaque in bas relief of a Greek goddess depicted with wings, probably the goddess Clio, the plaque is mounted on a hardwood carving in neo-Gothic reviva...

This extraordinary concert grand piano with 88 keys was made by the prestigious firm Steinway & Sons around 1894. The case's decoration was entrust...

PRESENTING an EXTREMELY UNIQUE and RARE 19C British Tunbridgeware Hair Pin/Bobbin or Slide. This slide is unlike any of it’s kind we have seen before, it is a VERY RARE survivor. From circa 1860 – 80 and made in Tunbridge Wells, England. Made of walnut with gorgeous marquetry inlay on the entirety of the front with classic Tunbridgeware micro-mosaic all over the front. The rear is walnut. The marquetry inlay appears to be various different woods, namely, maple, walnut and satinwood. Would have been worn in a Lady’s hair bun with the micro-mosaic facing forward. This would have belonged to a VERY ELEGANT LADY in the mid to late 19th Century. Tunbridge ware is a form of decoratively inlaid woodwork, typically in the form of boxes, that is characteristic of Tonbridge and the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent in the 18th and 19th centuries. The decoration typically consists of a mosaic of many very small pieces of different coloured woods that form a pictorial vignette. Shaped rods and slivers of wood were first carefully glued together, then cut into many thin slices of identical pictorial veneer with a fine saw. Elaborately striped and feathered bandings for framing were pre-formed in a similar fashion. There is a collection of Tunbridge ware in the Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery in Tunbridge Wells. The famous makers of Tunbridge ware were in the Tunbridge Wells area of Kent; their most notable work was from circa 1830-1900. Early makers of Tunbridge ware, in Tunbridge Wells in the mid-18th century, were the Burrows family, and Fenner and Co. In the 19th century, around 1830, James Burrows invented a technique of creating mosaics from wooden tesserae. Henry Hollamby, apprenticed to the Burrows family, set up on his own in 1842 and became an important manufacturer of Tunbridge ware, employing about 40 people. Edmund Nye (1797–1863) and his father took over the Fenner company when William Fenner retired in 1840, after 30 years in partnership with him. Thomas Barton (1819–1903), previously apprenticed at the Wise factory, joined the Nyes in 1836, and worked as Nye’s designer; he took over the business in 1863 and continued there until his death. In Tonbridge (near to Tunbridge Wells), George Wise (1703–1779) is known to have had a business in 1746. It continued with his son Thomas, and Thomas’s nephew George (1779–1869), who took over in 1806. In its early years the company made articles such as workboxes and tea caddies with prints of popular views; later items had pictures created from mosaics. Their workshop in Tonbridge, Wise’s Tunbridge Ware Manufactory, was next to the Big Bridge over the Medway; the building was demolished in 1886 to widen the approach to the bridge. Tunbridge ware became popular with visitors to the spa town of Tunbridge Wells, who bought them as souvenirs and gifts. Articles included cribbage boards, paperweights, writing slopes, snuffboxes and glove boxes. At the Great Exhibition of 1851, Tunbridge ware by Edmund Nye, Robert Russell and Henry Hollamby was shown; Edmund Nye received a commendation from the judges for his work. He exhibited a table depicting a mosaic of a ship at sea; 110,800 tesserae were used in making the picture. The manufacturers of Tunbridge ware were cottage industries, and they were no more than nine in Tunbridge Wells and one in Tonbridge. The number declined in the 1880s; competent craftsmen were hard to find, and public tastes changed. After the death of Thomas Barton in 1903 the only surviving firm was Boyce, Brown and Kemp, which closed in 1927. Marquetry was an old technique which was continued by Nye and Barton to create images such as birds or butterflies. ‘Green Oak’ as caused by the fungus Chlorociboria aeruginascens. Stickware and half-square mosaic was invented by James Burrows in about 1830: a bunch of wooden sticks of different colours, each having triangular or diamond-shaped cross section, were tightly glued together; in the case of stickware, the resulting block was dried, then turned to form an article such as the base of a pincushion. For half-square mosaic, thin slices were taken from the composite block, and applied to a surface. Tesselated mosaic, was a development by James Burrows of half-square mosaic; it was adopted by George Wise and Edmund Nye. Minute tesserae were used to form a wide variety of geometric and pictorial designs. Many sorts of wood were used for the various colours; about 40 were in regular use. Only natural colors were used; green was provided by “green oak”, produced by the action of fungus on fallen oak. Designs for articles were often taken from designs of Berlin wool work.

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...

This print is a historically significant map titled "Arabia, the Red Sea, and the Persian Gulf," originally published in 1882 as part of the 'Comprehensive Atlas and Geography of the...

Set of old religious books dating from the 19th century. From an old protestant library near Le Havre in France. These books are called "Commentaries". These beautiful books are perf...

Antique map titled 'Angleterre Ancienne'. Original old map of Ancient Britain. Source unknown, to be determined. Published circa 1880.

KELMSCOTT PRESS Orbeliani, Sulkhan-Saba. Translated by Oliver Wardrop. The Book of Wisdom and Lies; A book of Traditional Stories From Georgia in Asia Hammersmith: Kelmscott Press, ...

Title: 1882 Map of Venezuela, Colombia (New Granada), and Ecuador This map from 1882 provides a detailed representation of Venezuela, the United States of Colombia (historically ref...

Natural specimen from Wunderkammer: Stuffed bird (Passer Domesticus) Domestic sparrow, mounted on a wooden base with cartouche. Specimen for laboratory and Natural history cabinet. S...

Designed in the French Rococo style, this clock and barometer set have been beautifully ornamented with scrolling foliate gilt bronze forms. The two are diamond shaped, with symmetri...

Inspired by a scene from Ramakian or Ramayan, the Indian epic Rama and Sita. Antique Indian Temple Toy bronze camel on wheels. Antique hindu bronze temple camel with rider statue toy on wheels. Commonly known as "Temple Toys...

What did Broadway look like at the turn of the 20th Century ? Here is a scarce and important block-by-block view. New York: The Mail and Express, 1899. FIRST EDITION Oblong folio, 6...

We are delighted to offer for sale this original Victorian games compendium with a complete suite of games This is a very well made and c...

Schiedmayer grand piano with a french polished, burr walnut cabinet. The burr walnut is figured creating rippled patterns in the veneer reminiscent of oil on water. The serpentine piano cheek features carvings of scrolling foliage, spirals and a dual linear case moulding that borders the cabinet in high relief. The cut-out filigree music desk...

Fabulous map of Southern New York . With a vignette of Lower Manhattan Original color. Engraved and printed by the George F. Cram Company, Indianapolis. Published, C.1900. Unfram...

A fine antique Russian Imperial silver & cloisonne kovsh, Pavel Akimov Ovchinnikov, Moscow, 1896. Ovchinnikov is recognized as one of Russia's most famous enamellers, he produced inc...

An 1899, Bluthner grand piano with a rosewood case, decorated with Art Nouveau and Empire style elements. It was showcased at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle. Piano bought by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in the Coronation year of 1902 to be situated in the ballroom of Malborough House. It was sold in 1936 to Major Maconochie in Bath. This piano is in great original condition having only had two previous owners. A rare opportunity to acquire a royal piano. The piano cheek side panel is inlaid with an Art Nouveau design featuring a stylised female head surrounded by whiplash lines and foliage. Musical instruments sit centrally in the design. Columnar, Empire style gilt mounts stand each side of the inlay. Napoleonic emblems of stars, palmettes and foliage feature here. Symmetrical female heads with flowing tresses and floral...

Rococo style, 1874, Steinway Sons Centennial concert grand piano with a rosewood case, filigree music desk and ornately carved, reverse scroll legs. Piano is rebuilt. The piano cheek features a carved, Classical meander and acanthus in high relief. The two-pedal piano lyre features carved inverted fish, c-scrolls and a central cartouche. The music desk in an openwork arabesque design and a central lyre motif. A sinuous wave pattern double moulding surrounds the cabinet base. At the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there were several manufacturer's competitions, including a piano competition. The Steinway company sent two grand pianos displaying their latest developments, demonstrating the firm's innovative and markedly improved piano quality. Their determined pursuit of quality was rewarded at the world exhibition with a gold medal. Steinway won the competition against several established, well-known American piano makers, including Chickering and Sons and Weber. This Steinway concert grand...

Stunning and sculptural, Arts & Crafts era, church bible or book stand. This late 1800s bible stand has beautiful details and it is in remarkably good condition. The stunning overal...

Pre-reservation Cheyenne dress. Hand-sewn, pieced together; blue trade cloth, ribbon-like edging, cowry shell cape on both sides. This piece without any restoration. Hard to find thi...

Victorian taxidermy ebonised mounted elephant ear. A rare Victorian taxidermy ebonised mounted elephant ear. This item is very rare due to its subject matter, presentation and accompanying Cites Article 10 certificate. The framed artifact...

Antique Snooker table or Antique billiard table by Thurston London England. A very good quality 'Country House" mahogany Snooker table or bill...

Victorian taxidermy toy horse, late 19th century. Unusual and rare, a bit bizarre, this model of a horse with glass eyes, is made of a stuff...

Circa 1880 French Gothic style Baldachin or Statuary Niche. Derived from canopies for processions, the term has come to signify all such coverings, most famously the Bernini high alt...

Albert Gast upright piano with a quartered, walnut case and ornate, brass candlesticks. Entire cabinet inlaid in neoclassical designs. Piano has an eighty-eight keyboard and two pedals. Front panel features inlay of a central urn surrounded by scrolling acanthus and flowers. The cabinet pilasters are carved Corinthian style with a palmette flourish. The scroll piano cheeks are carved with curlicue strapwork and inlaid with foliage and flowers. The piano legs...

This is a large volume antique copy of Faust by Goethe. A German, bound fiction book, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) was a G...

Decorate a wall with this antique frame depicting "The Last Supper". Hand crafted in Spain circa 1880, and built with silverplated on copper, the detailed relief work showcases Chris...

The Poems of William Shakespeare according to the text of the original copies, including the lyrics, songs, and snatches found in his dramas; according to the text of the original co...

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...

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.

An exceptional carved walnut full size billiard table and accessories by Cox & Yeman. London, circa 1880. One end bearing an ivorine la...

PRESENTING A RARE and FULLY AUTHENTIC General William Tecumseh Sherman Autograph. Last page of a hand written letter, circa 1885-1890. P...

Unique Gothic Revival two shelf sculpture stand with a beautiful patina. This impressive and adjustable Gothic stand dates from circa 1890. To find this rare and sizeable antique mo...

Antique amethyst and enamel cat-shaped cane French, Late 19th Century Height 87cm, width 4.5cm, depth 4.5cm This remarkable antique cane, dating back to late 19th century France, ...

Antique (19th century) huqqa (hookah) finely crafted from silver, of ovoid form resting on three-legged stand with floral designs around the neck and embossed designs throughout. 20...

Pair Antique English Sheffield Silver Mounted Trophy Horns, Circa 1890.

This is an antique novel, A Legend of Montrose by Sir Walter Scott. An English, bound book of Scottish interest, dating to the Victorian period, published 1896. A prominent Scottish author, Sir Walter Scott (1771 - 1832) is well known for the novels Rob Roy, Ivanhoe and The Heart of Midlothian, as well as narrative poems including The Lady of the Lake. A Legend of Montrose is set in 17th century...

This minature table top sized chest of drawers is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from the United States and date to approximately 1880 and done in a Colonial style. This n...

This is an antique copy of The Life & Explorations of Dr. Livingstone. An English language African travel and history book, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1875. A Victorian p...

ABOUT An antique Japanese Kendo leather mask with steel face guard and thick padding. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1920. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Leather, Ste...

"Pictures and Royal Portraits Illustrative of English and Scottish History, from the Introduction of Christianity to the Present Time" by Thomas Archer. Blackie & Son, n.d. in two qu...

19th-century gaff rigged pond yacht, fully rigged over simulated plank deck with fittings, the hull varnished to the waterline and painted green beneath, with brass rudder and leaded...

This exceptional wall-mounted display features an antique dagger and scabbard from Najran, a culturally rich region in southern Saudi Arabia renowned f...

Antique costume print including many different costumes including costumes of Hungary, Tyrol, Sweden and others. This print originates from 'Blätter für Kostümkunde. Historische ...

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...

French Planetary Clock In Golden Brass And Tellurium Marble, Planetarium Rare French planetary from the 19th century in brass and Royal Red marble base...

Antique map titled 'Johnson's France (..)'. Original map showing France, Spain and Portugal. With inset maps of Corsica and Gibraltar Rock. This map ori...

Great map of Pennsylvania Drawn and Engraved by W. & A.K. Johnston Published By A & C Black, Edinburgh. Original colour Unframed. Repair to a minor tear on bottom edge.

This antique butcher shop horse meat advertising sign, or Boucherie Chevaline' has no maker's marks, but presumed to have originated from France a...

One of the more popular mechanical banks, and from my own long time collection of these banks. Made for children to teach them to save their money by putting a penny away and have f...

Large Antique French Neoclassical Brass Scale, by Berenger & Co, Lyon France, Circa 1870 A stunning Large Antique French Neoclassical Brass Scale, crafted by the renowned Berenger & Co of Lyon during the mid to late 19th Century. This remarkable brass shop keepers, assay or pharmacist scale...

An Attractive Late 19th Century Mahogany Miniature, Or Childs, Wellington Chest, Having Rectangular Top Over Seven Drawers With Original Turned Wooden Knobs, Enclosed By Hinged Pilas...

19th century Russian princess with tiara and elaborate jewelry portrait miniature This young woman is wearing elaborate jewelry and a golden tiara....

This is a superb decorative glass cased bronze model of the Colubrina da Fortezza cannon, late 19th century in date. It features a 25 cm long brass barrel mounted on a two-wheel car...

Set of 5 Antique French Bronze (Apothecary) Metric Weights with Original Wooden Block, Circa 1880 A handsome and authentic set of 19th-century French bronze metric weights, housed i...