Description

A late 18th century Georgian period wine glass dating around 1780. It is a facet stem example with a rounded funnel type bowl. The stem is diamond faceted and the large conical foot has a rough snapped pontil to the underside. The bowl is engraved with a rose and rosebud, and a fleeing bird. The flower head can also be seen by looking straight down through the bowl, the careful cutting of the bowl base forms another rose shape when viewed this way. These are symbols of the Jacobite cause, but the glass is too late in history to be a termed a true Jacobite glass as the cause was spent by this time. Glasses with such symbology were still used though by those remembering the uprising, in the way a club or society has it's symbols. The glass is of English lead type and it is a good example of it's type.

Condition

Very minor wear. A couple of tiny nicks to the foot rim.


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Description

A striking and superbly decorative large gold painted carved hardwood panel of antelope with birds. It certainly has Art Deco influence in the French style, but is is possibly a little later and central African in origin. It is carved from two joined hand cut planks of hardwood, possibly teak or mahogany. The planks have then been all hand carved with some pierced detail, the tooling marks where the wood was worked are still visible. It is finished in gold paint, the quality of which is much higher than usual. Unfortunately I can't find any signatures or other details to provide accurate attribution, it certainly isn't a factory or mass produced item, and the hand cutting of the planks suggests artisan crafting in very low or single numbers. The panel is quite large and probably made for wall hanging, or to be incorporated into something else. The planks are thinker than you may expect, and it is heavy due to the hardwood construction.

It's a fabulous looking piece and will make a real impact and statement on display, it's also very unlikely to be many similar pieces around. If you have the right location it is going to look amazing.
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Description

A late 19th century combined Stereoscope and Graphoscope by Nagretti and Zambra of London with engraved label to the front. It appears near identical to the Roswell's 'Patent' example, so may well be a rebadged version sold by N&Z rather than their own design. It's main feature is the stereoscope for viewing 3D cards, and it is surprising how effective this still looks even with all todays technology. The holding plate sldes backwards and forwards to focus the image and there are brass fingers to keep the photocard in place. It also has a large optcal lens for viewing details in prints, this swings up and the stero lenses fold down out of the way.

It is late Victorian in period dating around 1880 and it is in walnut. The card holder has fretwork above and a frosted glass panel to allow for backlighting of translucent items. There is an armature which holds the lenses at an angle for easier viewing. Also included are four stereo cards so you can enjoy the effect straight away if you do not already have a collection. Along with being great fun it is also beautifully made and a lovely piece of furniture in it's own right.
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Description

A 19th century Walnut work or sewing box with marquetry inlay. It is similar to Tunbridge ware with the marquetry inlay in stained veneers. It dates around 1880 during the later Victorian and is likely English. The inlay would have been stronger in colour when made and this naturally fades over the years. It has a working lock with key and the interior features an multi compartment lift out tray and an open area beneath. It would have be used for sewing implements and similar. The exterior is a little lighter than average for walnut and has nice dark bands running through it. The interior has been recently recovered and painted in blue over pink giving a faded look.

Condition

Exterior with minor losses of inlay and normal age related wear, knocks, scratches etc. Lid stays slightly ajar and slightly offeset, but does still lock. Interior recently repapered and painted in blue over pink, paint odour still present. Shrikage splits to base. Nicely polished surface, waxed and ready for display
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Description

A vintage West African Akan goldweight. It is of figural form with a person holding perhaps an egg and a bird in front on a post. These items were originally used for weighing gold dust and other items, and were of known weight so trade could be conducted fairly between seller and buyer. The origin of these items dates right back to the 1400's and they were used into the 20th century. They are difficult to date as they have been made in the same form over so many years, but most available examples are 20th century pieces made for the tourist market as is likely with this piece.

Condition

Minor casting flaws as expected. Some patina build up in the crevices.



Approx Dimensions

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Description

A late Victorian or Edwardian attractve decanter box in golden oak. It is fitted with a high quality Bramah lock and lined with a textured leatherette inside. These items are also sometimes referred to as Tantalus, although technically this requires the contents to be on display. This example has three compartments fitted with spirit decanters. The decanters are of panel moulded design and are slightly later than the box, and probably inter-war. The lock functions and it comes with the key, be aware the box can self lock, so don't leave the keys inside. It has plated metal mounts to the exterior and was possibly a military piece, as I have seen similar examples before with regimental details.

Condition

Normal wear, aging and marks, to the body. Decanters of correct type but later replacements. Lock works fine. Decanters with minor chips and nibbles but nothing major and fine to use.

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Description

A heavy iron strong box dating around the 1940's. It is of utilitarian build and has a full length riveted hinge. The lock latch entrances are recessed to make it more difficult to lever open. The interior is plain and painted red whilst the exterior is painted a dark grey tone. Great for an industrial themed office/room and of course perfectly usable too. Comes with key and the lock works fine.

Condition

Wear and chips to the paint with some marks etc. Lock works fine.



Approx Dimensions


Height: 9.5 cm ( 3 3/4 inch )
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Description

A 19th century Victorian period fitted dressing case dating around 1860. It is in burr walnut, is brass edged and has a brass plaque in the lid etched with the initials 'DA'. The case has a brass Bramah lock and the release button is etched 'Fisher 188 Strand', this for the retailer Samuel Fisher, a well known London retailer of high class and fashionable goods who operated from this address in the mid to late 19th century.

The lid opens to reveal silver plated bottles and jars of various forms, all chased and with matching DA initials. There is also a tray of implements which all seem original and includes a Sampson Mordan miniature pencil with garnet set end. Even the scissors appear original and have the Fisher mark. The front section is a tray which lifts out to reveal an empty area for further items. The button on the back edge presses to release a sprung drawer at the bottom and this is lined in blue fabric for jewellery etc. Set into the lid is a mirror with a ruched velvet back, this is released with a catch hidden just behind the lock latches and can be a bit tricky to open.. Behind the mirror is a pouch for papers, notes etc.
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Description

A late 19th century turquoise opaline glass vase. It is hand enamelled in low relief with flowers and leaves. There are also traces of gilt bands to the base and rim, now largely worn. These pieces were popular during the late Victorian period. They are commonly called Bristol glass due to the association with production at Nailsea although they were also produced in other regions.

Condition

Wear to gilt bands. Minor wear to enamel. A good example of it's type.



Approx Dimensions


Height: 26.5 cm ( 10 3/8 inch )
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Description

A large brightly decorated Italian vase in the style of an albarello. It is of traditional maiolica glaze and painted with the sun and moon and a profile of a 17th century style man. It is large in size and in the shape of an albarello, but meant as a decorative vase. No makers marks, probably early 20th century in period. Very decorative and stylish.

Condition

Hand thrown and with glaze flaws and misses from production. Some crazing and glaze scrapes around the rim and base. Artisan hand made to reflect the 17th century look and style rather than a factory made perfect piece.



Approx Dimensions


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