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CHLOE S/S 2001 Stella McCartney Gold Asymmetrical Wire Frame Shield Sunglasses
By Chloé, Stella McCartney
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: CHLOE S/S 2001 Gold Asymmetrical Wire Frame Shield Sunglasses 76S
Brand / Manufacturer: Chloe
Collection: Spring / Summer 2001
Designer: Stella McCartney
Style: Shiel...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Wisconsin
Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Locket with 14K Chain
Located in Big Bend, WI
10K yellow gold round locket with diamond on chain. The Victorian locket measures just over 1 3/8" long with bail by 1 1/8" diameter. There is a small round earth mined diamond accen...
Category
1890s Victorian Antique Wisconsin
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
IPPOLITA "Classico" Hammered Sterling Silver Ball Necklace
Stud Earrings Set
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: IPPOLITA "Classico" Hammered Sterling Silver Ball Necklace & Stud Earrings Set
Brand / Manufacturer: Ippolita
Collection: Classico
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Wisconsin
EMILIO PUCCI c.1960
s Op Art Signature Print One Piece Bodysuit Bathing Swimsuit
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Emilio Pucci c.1960's op art signature print one piece bathing suit. Multicolor op art signature print mesh lycra in shades of green, yellow, orange...
Category
1960s Italian Wisconsin
Antique Persian Halvai Bidjar Rug, c. 1895
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Rare High-End Antique Rug Dated C. 1895, Pink & Beige Tribal Nomadic Masterpiece
About this rug: These pieces are So difficult to get your hands on. They are always kept in wealthy...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Tribal Antique Wisconsin
Materials
Wool
Legato by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 60 Pieces
By Towle Silversmiths
Located in Big Bend, WI
The traditional curves and contours of Legato are restrained by a modern touch emphasizing the graceful handle of this pattern. The rich and precise ornamentation on the edges of Legato will please the most discriminating eye. Bring refinement and sophistication to your table.
Legato by Towle...
Category
20th Century Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
"Lake Michigan Shore, " Oil on Board, Signed
By Francesco Spicuzza
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Lake Michigan Shore" is an original oil painting on board by Francesco Spicuzza. The artist shows the impact of Impressionism in his landscapes from around 1930. "Lake Michigan Shor...
Category
1930s Wisconsin
Materials
Oil, Board
Rattail Antique by Dominick
Haff Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 59 pcs
By Dominick
Haff
Located in Big Bend, WI
Rattail Antique by Reed & Barton/Dominick and Haff sterling silver flatware set with fabulous pistol-grip handle knives - 59 pieces. This set includes:
8 Regular Knives, pistol-gri...
Category
19th Century Antique Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
Abstract Blue and Cream Persian Rug with Calligraphy Design, 4
x 6
By Orley Shabahang, Bahram Shabahang
Located in New York, NY
This abstract blue and cream Persian rug, measuring 4' x 6', is part of Orley Shabahang’s celebrated Abstract Collection and is titled Calli...
Category
2010s Persian Wisconsin
Materials
Wool
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2009 Army Green Suede Leather Cargo Pant Fold Over Joggers
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2009 Army Green Suede Leather Cargo Pant Fold Over Joggers
Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen
Collection: A/W 2009
Style: Cargo Joggers
Color(s): Shades...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Wisconsin
GIANNI VERSACE A/W 1983 Gold Black Floral Silk Lame Skirt Size 42 NOS NWT
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
Fall/Winter 1983 New Old Stock Gianni Versace gold and black silk floral lame skirt. Full pleated skirt. Quilted waistband. Black trim at hem. Two pockets. Hook/eye and button closur...
Category
1980s Italian Wisconsin
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 1995 “Highland Rape” Multicolor Pattern Sleeveless Sweater
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 1995 “Highland Rape” Multicolor Pattern Sleeveless Sweater
Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen
Collection: A/W 1995
Designer:...
Category
1990s Italian Wisconsin
Royal Danish by International Sterling Silver Dinner Flatware for Eight, 61 Pcs
By International Silver
Located in Big Bend, WI
Eight dinner size knives 9 3/4",
8 dinner size forks 7 3/4",
Eight salad forks 6 3/8",
8 teaspoons 6 1/8",
Eight hollow handle butter spreaders all-sterling 6",
Eight cocktail fork...
Category
1930s American Vintage Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
Nude Male and Nude Female,
original lithograph pair signed by R.C. Gorman
By R.C. Gorman
Located in Milwaukee, WI
R. C. Gorman is better known for his images of colorful and elegant Navajo figures. This pair of prints, however, offers a view into his personal life. The pair of nude figures in th...
Category
1970s Contemporary Wisconsin
Materials
Lithograph
Wedgwood by International Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 8 Dinner 51 pcs
By International Silver
Located in Big Bend, WI
The beauty of classic tradition is captured in Internationals Grecian motif Wedgwood pattern. The delicate scrolled relief border gracefully encloses a detailed Grecian urn with intr...
Category
20th Century Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
VALENTINO Boutique A/W 2000 Black Metallic Sequin Knit Scoop Neck Top
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Thiensville, WI
Valentino Boutique Autumn/Winter 2000 black metallic sequin knit scoop neck top designed by Valentino Garavani. Black semi-sheer knit with all over sequin clusters. 3/4 length sleeve...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Wisconsin
Palladio Fiddle Thread Italy Sterling Silver Flatware Set 140 pcs Dinner Italian
Located in Big Bend, WI
Monumental Dinner Size Palladio AKA Fiddle Thread Italy 925 Sterling Silver Flatware set - 140 pieces. This set was originally purchased a...
Category
20th Century Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
Ornamental #19 by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 129 Pc Grape
By Georg Jensen
Located in Big Bend, WI
Rare handmade ornamental #19 by Georg Jensen sterling silver flatware set with superb pierced Art Nouveau grapes motif - 129 pieces. Early "GI" hallmark for 1910-1925. This set includes:
12 dinner size knives, 9 1/2",
12 dinner size forks, 8 1/4",
12 salad forks, 6 7/8",
12 place soup spoons, 7 1/4",
12 iced tea spoons, 7",
12 pastry forks, 3-tine, 6",
12 serving spoons, 8 3/8",
eight luncheon knives, 7 5/8",
eight teaspoons, 5 1/2",
eight ice cream spoons, 6 1/2",
ten luncheon forks, 7 1/8",
ten hollow handle all-sterling butter...
Category
Early 20th Century Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
Baronet Aka Arvesolv by Hans Hansen Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Danish
By Hans Hansen
Located in Big Bend, WI
Baronet aka Arvesolv #7 by Hans Hansen Danish sterling silver flatware set - 91 pieces. This set includes:
12 dinner knives, 9 1/4",
12 dinner forks, 7",
12 salad forks, 6 1/4",
12 teaspoons, 6",
12 cream soup spoons, 6 3/8",
12 hollow handle butter spreaders, all-sterling, 5 7/8",
12 cocktail forks, 5 1/2",
one gravy ladle, with spout, 6 1/4",
one cold meat fork, 9 1/8",
one pickle fork, 6 7/8",
one salad set, two-piece, 8",
one berry spoon, 9 3/8",
one tomato spoon...
Category
19th Century Antique Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
Silver Flutes by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 32 Pieces
By Towle Silversmiths
Located in Big Bend, WI
Silver flutes by Towle sterling silver flatware set, 32 pieces. This set includes:
eight knives, 9",
eight forks, 7 3/8",
eight salad forks,...
Category
20th Century Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
HOBE c.1960
s Gold Diamond Crystal Tassels Pendant Rope Chain Necklace Signed
By Hobé Jewelry
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage c.1960's Hobe crystal geometric statement pendant with gold-tone chain tassels and rope chain. Two large overlapped cut out diamond shaped pendants have two rows of prong set...
Category
1960s Vintage Wisconsin
Northern Lights by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 30 Pieces
By International Silver
Located in Big Bend, WI
Mid-Century Modern Northern Lights by International glossy Sterling silver flatware set, 30 pieces. This set includes:
6 knives, 8 ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
Persian by Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 24 Service 147 Pcs
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Big Bend, WI
Persian originated in 1872 when exotic lands were all in vogue (Japanese, Egyptian, Persian). It is absolutely striking with its ornate design. It is a beautiful example of the silve...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pink Coyote
pink steel patina outdoor sculpture
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Pink steel patina
48 inches high and approx. 30 inches wide.
Indoor or outdoor sculpture.
Category
1990s Wisconsin
Materials
Steel
COURREGES c.1960s Black Sparkle Sheen Knit Zip-Up Sleeveless Sweater Top
By André Courrèges, Courrèges
Located in Thiensville, WI
Brand / Manufacturer: Courreges
Circa: 1960s
Designer: Andre Courreges
Style: Sweater top
Color(s): Shades of black, silver
Lined: No
Marked Fabric Content: "74% polyamide, 24% poly...
Category
1960s French Wisconsin
17th century etching baroque portrait male subject hat realistic print
By Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This is an excellent example of the kind of portraiture produced by Castiglione during the early part of the 17th century. In the image, we see the visage of a man with a mustache, wearing a fur-lined hat topped with a feathery decoration. The image is reminiscent of the work of Rembrandt van Rijn, himself known for his portraits in the form of etchings.
4 x 3.5 inches, image
15.25 x 13.25 inches, frame
Inscribed "GC" in the plate, lower left
This impression is from the edition ca. 1825 from the original plate of ca. 1635.
Unlike many Italian artists, Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione was profoundly influenced by foreigners. He first studied with local artists in his native Genoa, absorbing not only Tuscan Mannerism and Caravaggism but also the style of Peter Paul Rubens, who had worked in Genoa. From 1621 Castiglione also worked in Anthony van Dyck's Genoa studio. Early on, he was attracted to Flemish animal...
Category
17th Century Baroque Wisconsin
Materials
Etching
MOSCHINO S/S 2006 Cheap
Chic Ivory Black Vertical Panel Striped A-Line Skirt
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Rosella Jardini
Located in Thiensville, WI
Brand / Manufacturer: Moschino
Collection: Spring 2006
Designer: Rosella Jardini
Style: Above-the-knee skirt
Color(s): Shades of ivory, black, white
Lined: Yes
Marked Fabric Content:...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Wisconsin
"Melody in G" Original Painted Steel Sculpture by: Ralph Wickstrom
By Ralph Wickstrom
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Melody in G" is a painted steel sculpture by Ralph Wickstrom created in 2000. Wickstrom's portfolio is very diverse in form and shape, and yet this piece seems to stand out from the...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Wisconsin
Materials
Steel
colorful contemporary abstract acrylic painting expressionist busy signed
By Alayna Rose
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Undefined' is an original acrylic painting on canvas by Alayna Rose, signed by the artist in the lower left. Working within the tradition of Abstract Expressionism, much of Rose's w...
Category
2010s Abstract Wisconsin
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
OOAK EDWARDIAN Victorian 1900s 1910s Tan Wool Art Nouveau Embroidered Coat Sz L
Located in Thiensville, WI
OOAK Vintage 1900s-1910s Edwardian tan long coat. Large notched lapel with topstitching. Long sleeves with pintuck detail. 5 buttons on cuff. Center front...
Category
Early 20th Century Wisconsin
GUCCI A/W 2013 Black Channel Quilted Beaver Fur Trim Hooded Down Puffer Coat
By Frida Giannini, Gucci
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: GUCCI A/W 2013 Black Channel Quilted Beaver Fur Trim Hooded Down Puffer Coat
Estimated Retail: $3295
Brand / Manufacturer: Gucci
Collection: Autumn / Winter 2013
Des...
Category
2010s Italian Wisconsin
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2007 Black Wool Geometric Paneled V-Neck Cocktail Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2007 Black Wool Geometric Paneled V-Neck Cocktail Dress
Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen
Designer: Alexander McQueen
Collection: c.2007
Style: Sheath Dres...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Wisconsin
"Green Meadow, " Sunny Landscape Oil on Wood signed on back by Robert Richter
By Robert Richter
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Green Meadow" is an original oil painting on wood by Robert Richter. The artist signed the piece on the back. This artwork features an expansive green landscape with yellow, brown, ...
Category
Early 2000s Outsider Art Wisconsin
Materials
Wood, Oil
English King by Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver Sandwich Tong Mechanical GW Rare
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Big Bend, WI
Sterling silver sandwich tong / asparagus serving tong mechanical, gold washed, and pierced 9 1/8" in the pattern English King by Tiffany and Co. It is not monogrammed and is in exce...
Category
20th Century Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
ETRO Floral Kaleidoscope Gray Ombre Sleeveless Shift Cocktail Dress NWT
By Etro, Veronica Etro
Located in Thiensville, WI
Etro floral kaleidoscope gray ombre sleeveless shift cocktail dress; new with tags. Designed by Veronica Etro. Multi-color floral kaleidoscope print over top stone to charcoal gray o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wisconsin
"Sierra Madre, " Original Color Woodblock Nude signed by Carol Summers
By Carol Summers
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Sierra Madre" is a color woodblock signed by Carol Summers. As suggested by the title, the print teeters the line between Summers' fanciful landscapes an...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Wisconsin
Materials
Woodcut
Chrysanthemum by Tiffany Sterling Silver Bouillon Cup with Gold Liner Hollowware
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Big Bend, WI
Chrysanthemum by Tiffany
Co. sterling silver bouillon cup with gold chrysanthemum liner. The cup is marked with #14782/4848, and has an "M" date mark that dates from 1873-91. I...
Category
19th Century Antique Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
GUCCI Black Jersey Knit Sleeveless Draped Shift Cocktail Dress
By Gucci
Located in Thiensville, WI
Gucci black jersey knit sleeveless draped shift cocktail dress. Crew neckline. Front crisscrossed drape detail with rectangular gold-toned metal brooch. Sleeveless. Shift style. Cen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wisconsin
Celeste by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 36 Pcs Mid Century Mod
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
In the mid to late 1950's "space age silver" was all the rage. In 1957, the year of Sputnik, star-studded sterling flatware was continuing to be designed and released, which continued all through the 60's. President Kennedy's mission in 1961 to reach the moon culminated the successful voyage of the Apollo 11 spacecraft in 1969. It was an exciting time in space...
Category
20th Century Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vision de Paris (Vision of Paris)
By Marc Chagall
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Framed 25.75 x 21.75 in
No. 287 in the Catalogue Raisonne of Chagall's lithographs
This lithograph came from "The Lithographs of Chagall: Volume I" by Fernand Mourlot and Marc Chag...
Category
1960s Wisconsin
Materials
Lithograph
Fontainebleau by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 87 pc Dinner
By Gorham
Located in Big Bend, WI
The academic nature in which designer Antione Heller looked to the past for inspiration also stems from the Beaux Arts movement. This multi-motif, figural pattern features French fig...
Category
20th Century Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
"Sketch Near Pittsfield, " realist landscape ink sketch rural scene signed
By Stephen Parrish
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Sketch Near Pittsfield" is an original etching signed by the artist Stephen Parrish. It depicts a small group of buildings next to a lake. A path runs next to them, and the entire s...
Category
1880s Wisconsin
Materials
Etching
Ava (1940s Art Deco Fashion Rendition)
art deco drawing by Jorge Ruiz-Martinez
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Ava (1940s Art Deco Fashion Rendition)' is an original drawing by the American artist Jorge Ruiz-Martinez. The artist works in an art deco style, imagining graceful figures in histo...
Category
2010s Art Deco Wisconsin
Materials
Paper, Charcoal
Celeste by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 38 Pieces Retro, 1950s
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Celeste by Gorham, circa 1956 sterling silver flatware set - 38 pieces. This pattern has a great 1950s look! This set includes: Eight regular knives,...
Category
1950s Vintage Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
19th century color lithograph figures cemetery willow tree memorial headstone
By Nathaniel Currier
Located in Milwaukee, WI
The present hand-colored lithograph was produced as part of the funeral and mourning culture in the United States during the 19th century. Images like this were popular as ways of remembering loved ones, an alternative to portraiture of the deceased. This lithograph shows a man, woman and child in morning clothes next to an urn-topped stone monument. Behind are additional putto-topped headstones beneath weeping willows, with a steepled church beyond. The monument contains a space where a family could inscribe the name and death dates of a deceased loved one. In this case, it has been inscribed to a young Civil War soldier:
William W. Peabody
Died at Fairfax Seminary, VA
December 18th, 1864
Aged 18 years
The young Mr. Peabody probably died in service for the Union during the American Civil War. Farifax Seminary was a Union hospital and military headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The hospital served nearly two thousand soldiers during the war time. Five hundred were also buried on the Seminary's grounds.
13.75 x 9.5 inches, artwork
23 x 19 inches, frame
Published before 1864
Inscribed bottom center "Lith. & Pub. by N. Currier. 2 Spruce St. N.Y."
Framed to conservation standards using 100 percent rag matting and TruVue Conservation Clear glass, housed in a gold gilded moulding.
Nathaniel Currier was a tall introspective man with a melancholy nature. He could captivate people with his piercing stare or charm them with his sparkling blue eyes. Nathaniel was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on March 27th, 1813, the second of four children. His parents, Nathaniel and Hannah Currier, were distant cousins who lived a humble yet spartan life. When Nathaniel was eight years old, tragedy struck. Nathaniel’s father unexpectedly passed away leaving Nathaniel and his eleven-year-old brother Lorenzo to provide for the family. In addition to their mother, Nathaniel and Lorenzo had to care for six-year-old sister Elizabeth and two-year-old brother Charles. Nathaniel worked a series of odd jobs to support the family, and at fifteen, he started what would become a life-long career when he apprenticed in the Boston lithography shop of William and John Pendleton.
A Bavarian gentleman named Alois Senefelder invented lithography just 30 years prior to young Nat Currier’s apprenticeship. While under the employ of the brothers Pendleton, Nat was taught the art of lithography by the firm’s chief printer, a French national named Dubois, who brought the lithography trade to America.
Lithography involves grinding a piece of limestone flat and smooth then drawing in mirror image on the stone with a special grease pencil. After the image is completed, the stone is etched with a solution of aqua fortis leaving the greased areas in slight relief. Water is then used to wet the stone and greased-ink is rolled onto the raised areas. Since grease and water do not mix, the greased-ink is repelled by the moisture on the stone and clings to the original grease pencil lines. The stone is then placed in a press and used as a printing block to impart black on white images to paper.
In 1833, now twenty-years old and an accomplished lithographer, Nat Currier left Boston and moved to Philadelphia to do contract work for M.E.D. Brown, a noted engraver and printer. With the promise of good money, Currier hired on to help Brown prepare lithographic stones of scientific images for the American Journal of Sciences and Arts. When Nat completed the contract work in 1834, he traveled to New York City to work once again for his mentor John Pendleton, who was now operating his own shop located at 137 Broadway. Soon after the reunion, Pendleton expressed an interest in returning to Boston and offered to sell his print shop to Currier. Young Nat did not have the financial resources to buy the shop, but being the resourceful type he found another local printer by the name of Stodart. Together they bought Pendleton’s business.
The firm ‘Currier & Stodart’ specialized in "job" printing. They produced many different types of printed items, most notably music manuscripts for local publishers. By 1835, Stodart was frustrated that the business was not making enough money and he ended the partnership, taking his investment with him. With little more than some lithographic stones, and a talent for his trade, twenty-two year old Nat Currier set up shop in a temporary office at 1 Wall Street in New York City. He named his new enterprise ‘N. Currier, Lithographer’
Nathaniel continued as a job printer and duplicated everything from music sheets to architectural plans. He experimented with portraits, disaster scenes and memorial prints, and any thing that he could sell to the public from tables in front of his shop. During 1835 he produced a disaster print Ruins of the Planter's Hotel, New Orleans, which fell at two O’clock on the Morning of the 15th of May 1835, burying 50 persons, 40 of whom Escaped with their Lives. The public had a thirst for newsworthy events, and newspapers of the day did not include pictures. By producing this print, Nat gave the public a new way to “see” the news. The print sold reasonably well, an important fact that was not lost on Currier.
Nat met and married Eliza Farnsworth in 1840. He also produced a print that same year titled Awful Conflagration of the Steamboat Lexington in Long Island Sound on Monday Evening, January 18, 1840, by which melancholy occurrence over One Hundred Persons Perished. This print sold out very quickly, and Currier was approached by an enterprising publication who contracted him to print a single sheet addition of their paper, the New York Sun. This single page paper is presumed to be the first illustrated newspaper ever published.
The success of the Lexington print launched his career nationally and put him in a position to finally lift his family up. In 1841, Nat and Eliza had their first child, a son they named Edward West Currier. That same year Nat hired his twenty-one year old brother Charles and taught him the lithography trade, he also hired his artistically inclined brother Lorenzo to travel out west and make sketches of the new frontier as material for future prints. Charles worked for the firm on and off over the years, and invented a new type of lithographic crayon which he patented and named the Crayola. Lorenzo continued selling sketches to Nat for the next few years.
In 1843, Nat and Eliza had a daughter, Eliza West Currier, but tragedy struck in early 1847 when their young daughter died from a prolonged illness. Nat and Eliza were grief stricken, and Eliza, driven by despair, gave up on life and passed away just four months after her daughter’s death.
The subject of Nat Currier’s artwork changed following the death of his wife and daughter, and he produced many memorial prints and sentimental prints during the late 1840s. The memorial prints generally depicted grief stricken families posed by gravestones (the stones were left blank so the purchasers could fill in the names of the dearly departed). The sentimental prints usually depicted idealized portraits of women and children, titled with popular Christian names of the day.
Late in 1847, Nat Currier married Lura Ormsbee, a friend of the family. Lura was a self-sufficient woman, and she immediately set out to help Nat raise six-year-old Edward and get their house in order. In 1849, Lura delivered a son, Walter Black Currier, but fate dealt them a blow when young Walter died one year later. While Nat and Lura were grieving the loss of their new son, word came from San Francisco that Nat’s brother Lorenzo had also passed away from a brief illness. Nat sank deeper into his natural quiet melancholy. Friends stopped by to console the couple, and Lura began to set an extra place at their table for these unexpected guests. She continued this tradition throughout their lives.
In 1852, Charles introduced a friend, James Merritt Ives, to Nat and suggested he hire him as a bookkeeper. Jim Ives was a native New Yorker born in 1824 and raised on the grounds of Bellevue Hospital where his father was employed as superintendent. Jim was a self-trained artist and professional bookkeeper. He was also a plump and jovial man, presenting the exact opposite image of his new boss.
Jim Ives met Charles Currier through Caroline Clark, the object of Jim’s affection. Caroline’s sister Elizabeth was married to Charles, and Caroline was a close friend of the Currier family. Jim eventually proposed marriage to Caroline and solicited an introduction to Nat Currier, through Charles, in hopes of securing a more stable income to support his future wife.
Ives quickly set out to improve and modernize his new employer’s bookkeeping methods. He reorganized the firm’s sizable inventory, and used his artistic skills to streamline the firm’s production methods. By 1857, Nathaniel had become so dependent on Jims’ skills and initiative that he offered him a full partnership in the firm and appointed him general manager. The two men chose the name ‘Currier & Ives’ for the new partnership, and became close friends.
Currier & Ives produced their prints in a building at 33 Spruce Street where they occupied the third, fourth and fifth floors. The third floor was devoted to the hand operated printing presses that were built by Nat's cousin, Cyrus Currier, at his shop Cyrus Currier & Sons in Newark, NJ. The fourth floor found the artists, lithographers and the stone grinders at work. The fifth floor housed the coloring department, and was one of the earliest production lines in the country. The colorists were generally immigrant girls, mostly German, who came to America with some formal artistic training. Each colorist was responsible for adding a single color to a print. As a colorist finished applying their color, the print was passed down the line to the next colorist to add their color. The colorists worked from a master print displayed above their table, which showed where the proper colors were to be placed. At the end of the table was a touch up artist who checked the prints for quality, touching-in areas that may have been missed as it passed down the line. During the Civil War, demand for prints became so great that coloring stencils were developed to speed up production.
Although most Currier & Ives prints were colored in house, some were sent out to contract artists. The rate Currier & Ives paid these artists for coloring work was one dollar per one hundred small folios (a penny a print) and one dollar per one dozen large folios. Currier & Ives also offered uncolored prints to dealers, with instructions (included on the price list) on how to 'prepare the prints for coloring.' In addition, schools could order uncolored prints from the firm’s catalogue to use in their painting classes.
Nathaniel Currier and James Merritt Ives attracted a wide circle of friends during their years in business. Some of their more famous acquaintances included Horace Greeley, Phineas T. Barnum, and the outspoken abolitionists Rev. Henry Ward, and John Greenleaf Whittier (the latter being a cousin of Mr. Currier).
Nat Currier and Jim Ives described their business as "Publishers of Cheap and Popular Pictures" and produced many categories of prints. These included Disaster Scenes, Sentimental Images, Sports, Humor, Hunting Scenes, Politics, Religion, City and Rural Scenes, Trains, Ships, Fire Fighters, Famous Race Horses, Historical Portraits, and just about any other topic that satisfied the general public's taste. In all, the firm produced in excess of 7500 different titles, totaling over one million prints produced from 1835 to 1907.
Nat Currier retired in 1880, and signed over his share of the firm to his son Edward. Nat died eight years later at his summer home 'Lion’s Gate' in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Jim Ives remained active in the firm until his death in 1895, when his share of the firm passed to his eldest son, Chauncey.
In 1902, faced will failing health from the ravages of Tuberculosis, Edward Currier sold his share of the firm to Chauncey Ives...
Category
Mid-19th Century Romantic Wisconsin
Materials
Watercolor, Lithograph
Royal Danish by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service Dinner 67pc
By International Silver
Located in Big Bend, WI
Eight dinner size knives, 9 3/4"
Eight dinner size forks, 7 3/4"
Eight salad forks, 6 3/8"
Eight teaspoons, 6 1/8"
Eight hollow handle butter spreaders all-sterling, 6"
Eight cocktai...
Category
1940s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
BALENCIAGA S/S 2015 Navy Blue Asymmetrical Slit Tank Top
By Alexander Wang, Balenciaga
Located in Thiensville, WI
BALENCIAGA S/S 2015 Navy Blue Asymmetrical Slit Tank Top
Brand / Manufacturer: Balenciaga
Collection: Spring / Summer 2015
Style: Tank top
Color(s): Navy blue
Lined: No
Marked Fa...
Category
2010s Italian Wisconsin
Bath
By Carolyn Schlam
Located in Milwaukee, WI
A signed oil painting representing the portrait of a woman in the bath. Contemporary painting.
Height 40" x 28" Length
Category
2010s Contemporary Wisconsin
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$6,750
Famine
original Shona stone sculpture signed by Rangarirai Makunde
By Rangarirai Makunde
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Famine' is an original springstone sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Rangarirai Makunde. The sculpture presents a solitary figure who stands facing directly forward. He hold...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin
Materials
Stone
HERMES c.1970s Green White Printed Knit Long Sleeve Turtleneck Midi Dress
By Hermès
Located in Thiensville, WI
Brand / Manufacturer: Hermes
Circa: 1970s
Style: Midi Dress
Color(s): Shades of green, white
Lined: No
Unmarked Fabric Content (feel of): Jersey knit (primary fabric)
Additional Deta...
Category
1970s Belgian Wisconsin
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2000 "Eye" White Herringbone Illusion Bell Sleeve Top NWT
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2000 "Eye" White Herringbone Illusion Bell Sleeve Top NWT - Runway Look #56
Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen
Collection: Spring / Summer 2000 “Eye”
Des...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Wisconsin
EMILIO PUCCI 1960
s Pink Multicolor Kaleidoscope Floral Print Silk Sheath Dress
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage c.1960's Emilio Pucci off white silk jersey sheath dress. Kaleidoscope multicolor floral motif. V-neckline with decorative border detail. 3...
Category
1960s Italian Wisconsin
JEAN PATOU c.1960
s Yellow Diamond Brocade Halter Shift Cocktail Dress
By Jean Patou
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Jean Patou late 1960's yellow and silver diamond brocade halter cocktail dress. Yellow and silver lurex diamond patterned brocade. Mandarin coll...
Category
1960s French Wisconsin
"La Phalène des Isles de la Mer, " figurative art nouveau ornate print
By Franz Melchers
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"La Phalène des Isles de la Mer" or "The Moth of the Islands of the Sea" is an original color lithograph by Franz Melchers. This piece was published in L'Estampe Moderne I, an Art No...
Category
1890s Art Nouveau Wisconsin
Materials
Lithograph
18K White Gold 3/4ct tw Diamond Filigree Ring size 6.5
Located in Big Bend, WI
18K white gold filigree ring with diamonds. There are 13 round diamonds weighing about .75cts total. There is some hand engraved detail on the band. The natural earth mined diamonds ...
Category
1920s Vintage Wisconsin
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
EMILIO PUCCI c.1970
s Aqua Teal Printed Cotton Shirt
Pleated Skirt Dress Set
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Thiensville, WI
EMILIO PUCCI c.1970's Aqua Teal Printed Cotton Shirt & Pleated Skirt Dress Set
Circa: c.1970's
Label(s): Emilio Pucci; Saks Fifth Avenue Emilio Pucci Boutique
Designer: Emilio Pucci...
Category
1970s Italian Wisconsin
"Pajaro Caballo (Bird House), " Acrylic on Canvas by Miguel-Castro Leñero
By Miguel Castro Leñero
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Pajaro Caballo (Bird House)" is an original acrylic painting on canvas by Miguel-Castro Lenero. Abstract representations of animals are rendered in thick acrylic paint in dark paste...
Category
1980s Neo-Expressionist Wisconsin
Materials
Acrylic
Louis XV by Birks Canada Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 60 pcs
By Henry Birks
Son
Located in Big Bend, WI
Scarce Louis XV by Birks (Canada) sterling silver Flatware set, 60 pieces. This set includes:
8 Knives, 8 5/8"
8 Forks, 7"
8 Pastry Forks w/bar, 6"
8 Small Teaspoons, 5 1/2"
8 Hollo...
Category
20th Century Canadian Wisconsin
Materials
Sterling Silver
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 1998 “Golden Shower” Metallic Sheer Mesh Panel Knit Top
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 1998 “Golden Shower” Metallic Sheer Mesh Panel Knit Top
Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen
Collection: S/S 1998 “Golden Showe...
Category
1990s Italian Wisconsin
Angel By My Side
Located in Milwaukee, WI
John Hallett is a Wisconsin-based veterinarian-turned-artist.
Edition 2/50.
Signed left side.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wisconsin
Materials
Bronze





