19th c. Expandable Leather Wrapped Binoculars c.1880

French Military Binoculars Leather Wrapped stamped MV SRL field gear 4.5 W x 2.13 D x 5.63 H Preowned original vintage condition. Nicks, wear presen...

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...

This striking brass menorah, crafted in the Netherlands during the late 19th century, exemplifies a blend of artistic craftsmanship and symbolic meaning. Measuring approximately 20 i...

Two-tone leather quirt with fringe drops. Shot filled handle. Period: 19th century Origin: Montana Size: quirt 18" overall with flappers 33" plus wrist wrap.                 Family ...

Binoculars opera glasses with leather case.

Antique 19th Century Victorian grocers scales consist of a cast iron base with a ridged brass column supporting a cast iron balancing arm from which white glazed stoneware plate is s...

Antique 19th Century Victorian solid silver smoker's compendium, fashioned in the form of a seated dog indulging in a pipe, featuring a pull-off head. The charming design is compleme...

A beautiful small European coin purse. Fine tooled leather and an accordion expandable top, for change, snuff or 420 - in great conditio The piece is a compliment and nice addition...

This elegant pair of early 20th-century Swedish theater binoculars blends polished aluminum and richly textured leather, offering both refined craftsmanship and functionality. Design...

Binoculars Navy with polished steel adjustable tripod base. With polished aluminium and steel binoculars with clear glass lens, magnifying x8 times. Adjustable height.