Catalog (971)

A wonderful portrait miniature of an attractive young woman, painted in watercolor and gouache on organic wafer. The sitter, set against a bluish gray background, has a tortoiseshell comb in her hair and is wearing a black dress with lace at the cuffs and at the neckline. Pearl earrings and gold chains complete her ensemble.

The painting is in excellent condition, with no flaws. The red leather travel case has wear to the inside and outside, is missing the tiny eye the hook clasp goes through,...

A wonderful portrait of an attractive young woman, done in watercolor on organic wafer. The blue-eyed, red-haired sitter is in a black gown with a gauzy white top, highlighted by a large pink bow at her bodice. The artist carefully chose the ground color and the bow to complement the subject's coloring. The frame is period and probably original, with an eglomise glass cover to the painting.

The painting is in excellent condition, with no issues. The eglomise glass and the frame have wear but a...

This striking and well executed miniature watercolor painting, on natural organic material, depicts a blue-eyed handsome young gentleman. He is wearing a black coat and tie, white shirt with a stickpin, and is sporting a fashionable hairstyle for the times.

The sight size of the painting is 2 1/2" by 2". It is housed in its original cast brass locket which is 2 5/8" by 2 1/8", and, in the engine turned back, has a glazed aperture containing a woven plait of hair. Below this aperture is e...

An extremely well painted miniature portrait of a very handsome young man. The sitter is dressed in the traditional black coat and cravat, white shirt with a high stiff collar, and a stickpin. The portrait, on natural organic wafer, is housed in a 14K or higher gold case with a glazed rear aperture showing a lock of hair. Condition of the miniature and case are excellent, with no issues at all. Sight size is 2 1/8" by 1 3/4", and the locket size is 2 1/4" by 1 7/8".

Showing the whimsy that exemplifies good American folk art, this watercolor double portrait depicts a young man and woman who are clearly siblings. The artist achieved a starkness by having them in black clothing and not accentuating the details of their garb. In fact, the basic touches of color are only the blue in the girl's eyes and in the sky against which they are posed. Note that neither sitter is gazing directly at the viewer, nor are they looking in the same direction. The combination of...

A charming oil on cardboard American folk art painting of a white clapboard house with a red porch, set amidst trees and greenery. Overall very fine condition with some truly minor scuffs. The gilt frame is period. Sight size is 16 inches by 12 inches.

A rare and wonderful American doll or child's bench, with a shaped crest rail over 3 spindles and a plank seat, with 6 turned legs. The crest rail and the seat are decorated with polychrome free-hand flowers. Those areas, and the splayed arms, spindles, and central leg also have gilt line borders or decorative motifs.

Because of the delicate nature of this form, and the fact that not that many were made, it is highly uncommon to find surviving examples in any condition, let alone one as beauti...

A charming metal artist's trade sign mounted under glass in a fine period wood frame. Obviously done to showcase his skill, it shows a palette with brushes resting in the thumb hole along with flowers, additional flowers and a bird outside of the palette.

The sign and the frame with its original backboard are in excellent condition. Sight size 13 1/2" by 9 1/2", and a framed size of 17" by 12 1/2".

An attractive 18th century English porcelain teabowl and saucer, made by one of the Liverpool factories. Excellent condition with no problems. The saucer is 4 3/4" in diameter, with the bowl being 3" in diameter and 1 3/4" in height.

A fine American tinsel or foil painting depicting a wreath of flowers, with a bird, around a grouping of fruit and foliage. The wreath is on a variation of the relatively rare "snowflake" type of background. This technique appears to have been done primarily in the 1870's period. The frame and wooden backboard are original.

There is a crack in the glass at the top left, and a small piece of glass is missing. The frame is in good condition with a number of very small scattered flecks of paint ...

A large drawn trumpet bowl leads to a double series opaque twist (dsot) stem comprised of a pair of heavy spiral threads outside of a central gauze. The bowl is engraved with a rising sun, a well-known masonic symbol. In all, this item has a wonderful and strong presence to it. Thick firing foot with a rough snapped pontil.

The glass is in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, other flaws, or restoration. The height is 4 5/8", with a bowl diameter of 3" and a foot diameter of 2 3/4".

An extremely large, beautiful, and fine English wine glass, elegant in its simplicity. The bucket bowl sits above a stem of the double series opaque twist type, which has a pair of spiral threads outside of a central gauze.

Conical foot with a rough pontil. Good color and tool marks, with no condition issues. The height is 7 5/8", with a bowl diameter of 3" and a foot diameter of 3 3/8". Glasses of this size are quite uncommon in this period.

A rare pale green Dutch or German roemer with a large cup bowl above a wide hollow stem flaring out to a folded foot. Immediately beneath the bowl is an applied milled collar above a section with applied strawberry prunts, below which is another collar.

This huge example is 8" tall, with a bowl diameter of 5" and a foot diameter of 4 1/2". The condition is excellent, with no cracks chips, mineral deposits, restoration, or other problems.

NOTE: The roemer was purchased in 1970 from Kunstza...

A striking miniature portrait by Johann Christian Schoeller. The sitter is a girl child, dressed in purple, with a basket of flowers on her lap and posed in front of a window showing a landscape. Charming and colorful, this is an fine example of Schoeller's work. Presented in a period bronze frame, with an overall size of 3" by 2". The reverse has a label and a backing paper with the artist's name. Excellent condition.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Schoeller (1752 - 1851) was born in Alsace, traine...

A large and beautifully painted portrait miniature by Aimee Thibault. Done in watercolor on organic wafer, the work shows a distinguished older gentleman of serious mien, set against a dark background, in a black tie and jacket with a white shirt and collar. The size of the miniature is due to Thibault having worked in France for a large part of her life, where such portraits were often done on a much grander scale than miniatures in the U.S. The portrait is signed Aimee Thibault along the righ...

A wonderful aide de memoir (carnet de bal) of brushed steel with gilded embellishments allowing a pattern of foliage to show through from the metal beneath. On the front, reverse painted on glass, is an extremely detailed scene of the Tuilleries, with the Louvre in the background. 3 3/4" by 2 3/8". Excellent condition.

A finely painted watercolor portrait of a good looking gentleman wearing a black jacket and a white shirt, stock and collar. The talented artist specifically painted the entire piece in shades of white, black, and gray. Note the way he used white highlighting on the left collar and shoulder of the sitter to give a sense of depth to the piece.

The back of this work deserves special mention as it is composed of a backing of metal guilloche. (Guilloche is a decorative technique in which a very pr...

Nothing less than superb would describe the quality of this c1835 American portrait miniature. The artist, as yet to be identified, even went so far as to show the shadow cast on the cheeks of the sitter by the lower rims of the glasses. The sight size is 2 7/8" by 2", with the size of the modern black painted wood frame being 5 1/2" by 5".

A striking and nicely painted oil on canvas pair of American portraits. The sitters (by family repute) are Hendrick Henry Lasher (1788 - 1843) and Hannah Sharp (1793 - 1851) of New York.

Painted in a straightforward, stark style, the artist has deftly used dark tones for the clothing the background, focusing the light and the viewer's attention on the faces.

Condition is very good, with no holes or large amounts of restoration. The paintings having been relined and the period frames touched ...

An antique Georgian balustroid drinking glass featuring a bell bowl over a shoulder annulated knop. Further, there is medial teared inverted baluster knop and a basal knop. The foot is domed and folded with a rough snapped pontil.

No condition issues and standing 5 3/8" tall, with a bowl diameter of 2" and a foot diameter of 2 1/4".

Black enamel on gold with central hair plait. Lettered on the front with "Memori" and initials. The reverse is engraved "Sarah Jackson Obt 20th Dec 1828 Aged 32 Also of Margaret Jackson Obt 8th Feb 1841 Aged 32".

Excellent condition, with a length of 1 11/16" and a width of 1 1/2".

A fine example of an English lead metal antique air twist glass. The ogee bowl is above a multiple spiral air twist (MSAT) stem above a conical foot with a rough pontil.

The condition is excellent, with no chips, scratches, or restoration. Good color, striations, and tooling marks. The height is 6 1/8", with a bowl diameter of 2 1/8" and a foot diameter of 2 1/2".

An elegantly proportioned and executed Georgian wine flute, of lead metal. The drawn trumpet bowl sits above a double series opaque twist (DSOT) stem which is comprised of a pair of spiral threads around a central gauze. Conical foot with rough, snapped pontil. The condition of the glass is excellent, with no cracks or chips. Good color, striations, and tool marks. There is a very small pot stone at the rim and foot rim. Any discolorations, specks, or streaks are due to the photos. The height o...

A nicely painted portrait of a fashionably dressed attractive young woman, done in watercolor on natural wafer. The sitter is wearing a lace-edged blue dress, tightly belted at the waist, with a gold and red brooch centered at the bodice, and a lace cap, The painting and the ebonized wood frame (which has a finely craquelured surface) are in fine condition. Sight size is 2 7/8" by 2 1/4", with a frame size of 5 1/4" by 4 1/2".

A very nicely done naive watercolor of a gentleman, housed in its original embossed brass frame. The painting has had no restoration and has no tears or losses. sight size is 2 1/4" by 1 3/4", and the framed size is 3 3/4" by 3 1/8".

A Flight Barr & Barr plate with a gilded undulating rim with a central en grisaille armorial crest featuring a sheep carrying a pennant. Fully marked on the reverse with an impressed FBB mark and an additional painted mark.

Excellent condition with no issues. The second photo shows the color of the paste more accurately. 7 3/4" diameter.

An exceptional and uncommon William Reid porcelain coffee cup, with an oriental figure beside a table, flanked by a dragonfly and birds flying over a leafless tree, the whole painted in bright colors. The handle is of the angular loop type.

The condition is excellent, with no chips, cracks, fading, paint loss, or restoration. Height is 2 3/8" with a diameter of 2 1/8".

NOTES: 1. Because the factory was in business for so short a period (1756-1761), and its output was quite limited, porcela...

A colorful Uzbeki velvet Ikat textile fragment in a striking plethora of colors. In good overall condition and mounted on linen. The sight size is 20" by 16" and the overall size is 23 1/2" by 19 1/4".

Purchased in Istanbul in 1996 for a private collection.

NOTES: 1. Ikats are the oldest known patterned textiles in the world. Though existing for thousands of years, these fabrics garnered fame in the nineteenth century, when the finest examples of them from Central Asia were used as a for...

A wonderful offering of a c1758 Vauxhall porcelain coffee can, very finely potted and painted in the highly sought after and uncommon "sticky blue". The scene is of two figures on a hill with a tree and a pagoda.

The condition is excellent, looking factory fresh, with no chips, cracks, paint loss, staining, restoration, etc. Any apparent shadows, white areas, streaks, or other issues are only due to photographic flaws and are not present when viewed in person. The can is 2 9/16" tall, with...

A delicately potted and painted Vauxhall porcelain tea bowl with an outcurving lip, and depicting rockwork, trees, and an oriental pavilion. The interior with 3 dots and the bottom with a label from the Marie Evans collection.

The diameter is 2 7/8" and the height is 1 5/8". Condition is excellent, with no chips, cracks, restoration, or paint loss. Please note that any dark lines in the photos are shadows from the display stand.

An excellently painted miniature portrait of a gentleman, rendered by Thomas Richmond in watercolor on organic wafer. The sitter, with powdered hair, is attired in a black coat, matching waistcoat, and a frilled white shirt and stock.

Presented in a gilt metal frame, with printed interior scene on the reverse. The condition is excellent, with strong colors and no issues. Any white specks in the photo are dust motes. The overall size is 2 5/8" by 2".

It should be mentioned that Richmond sign...

A strong oil on wood portrait of a gentleman sporting a long ponytail, and wearing a large black hat, a ruffled white shirt, a brownish-gray jacket. Cleverly executed to look like the painting is oval and in a mat, in actuality the entire surface is painted and is not a mat.

The condition of this work is excellent, with no issues or restoration. The frame, which is modern, nicely complements this work sight size is 6 1/2" by 4 1/2", with the framed size being 8 3/4" by 7".

A beautifully made Shiebler silver medallion of the type known as the Etruscan or Homeric series. The medallion features a bust length rendering of a soldier wearing a crested helmet displaying a dog or wolf. The reverse of the piece is fully marked "W84/Shiebler/(wings mark)/Sterling/720". Shiebler and his company, in addition to their very fine general reputation, were especially noted for their medallion work inspired by the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The condition of the brooc...

A besutiful and exceptional old Sheffield standish, the tray ornately wrought with scallop shell and foliage motifs, raised on 4 curving feet with similar work. Within the tray are the following separate components: two silver square ink bottle holders, two heavy cut glass ink bottles; two silver ink bottle lids, a round silver chamberstick holder, a silver chamberstick wrought with groove and scallop designs, a silver bobeche for the chamberstick, and a silver snuffer.

The construction of ...

A well painted c1800 - 1812 miniature of a British officer. The sitter is wearing the uniform of a major general, with a red tunic, blue lapels and collar, and gold epaulettes and buttons. The miniature is signed lower left, with a somewhat indecipherable calligraphic monogram of "RM"?. Presented in a gilt metal frame with a bevelled blue glass back. Excellent condition, with an overall size of 2 1/2" by 2"

A well painted miniature portrait, executed in watercolors on organic material. The sitter is a nice looking blue-eyed young man wearing a black coat and blue patterned waistcoat. Presented in what appears to be the original heavy cast gilt bronze frame.

There are no condition issues with the painting, and the sight size is 4 1/2" by 3 1/2" with an overall size of 6" by 5 1/4".

Nicely painted on organic wafer, this miniature portrait is of a handsome gentleman set against a bluish-gray background. Housed in a low karat gilded cast foliate pendant case with an empty glazed aperture verso. The miniature is in a specially made leather case that opens and props open to allow the miniature to be displayed or removed.

The condition of the miniature and case are excellent, with no issues to speak of. The white areas along the top edge and at the lower left are due to re...

A miniature portrait of a handsome gentleman in a blue jacket with gold buttons. Presented in the original cast foliate case, the reverse having chessboard hairwork centered with "RD" initials in underlying gold topped with pearls.

Excellent condition with any apparent issues being due to my infamous photographic skills. The case size is 2 1/2" by 2".

A pair of oil on card paintings, each signed lower left, by C. Ph. Weber. The first is of a church and churchyard behind a rock wall. The second depicts fishing along the Delaware river. Typical of the artist's work is the fine use of light and color, rendering an almost impressionistic feel.

Condition of the paintings is very good, with no damage or restoration. There are some scattered minor areas of surface dirt on the fishing scene, which could easily be cleaned without harming the painti...

A charming watercolor on paper painting depicting a young woman holding a note or book in her lap while her pet dog begs for attention. The dress, feathered hat, and hairdo, as well as the construction style of the house show this to be a woman of means, as well as placing this work in the 1800-1803 time period. This is likely a schoolgirl painting, done in freestyle rather than the more common stenciling. Presented in a period giltwood frame.

There are no folds or creases in this example. The...

A nicely painted waist length portrait, done on organic material, of an attractive woman with dark brown eyes and hair. The sitter, posed in front of a reddish-brown drape, is wearing a black gown with a lace collar cinched with a brooch matching her earrings. A gold chain with two pendants completes her outfit. Presented in a later gilt frame.

The painting is in excellent condition with no issues. The sight size is 2 1/2" by 2" and the framed size is 5 1/2" by 4 1/2".

A watercolor portrait, on natural wafer, of a handsome gentleman attired in a black jacket and vest with a pale pink cravat. Housed in a very heavy and well-made brass case with the reverse side being fully glazed over fabric.

The condition of the painting and the case is excellent, with no flaws. The white dots and background color variations are just due to exterior dust and light reflections. Overall size is 2 7/8" by 2 3/8".

This charming cup, decorated with a fence, flowers, and rocks, is painted in vibrant and clear red, green, pink and a splash of yellow. Finely potted, the somewhat elongated form has an incurving lower section and a scroll handle with a thumb rest. The condition is excellent, with no problems at all. Height is 2 5/8" and the diameter is 2 1/8".

A charming and simple creamer, very probably Longton Hall porcelain and painted by the Trembly Rose painter. There is a museum accession number on the base.

The condition is very good, with no cracks, chips, or paint loss to speak of. There is a tiny, tight clay split at the juncture of the spout and the body, truly of no importance. The height is 3 3/8".

A beautiful Longton Hall bowl, decorated with polychrome flowers, most likely done by the Trembly Rose painter. Very fine condition with fresh colors, no cracks, paint loss, or restoration. The diameter is 4 3/8" and the height is 2".

A fine in-period Kangxi saucer with two dragons. The reverse with a Ming dynasty mark which is not uncommonly found on legitimate Kangxi pieces.

Excellent bright, vibrant condition with no problems at all. (The lightness of the double line border at the lower part of the photos is due to reflection, and is not paint loss or fading.) The diameter is 4 1/2".

A signed Hyacinthe Mercier miniature portrait, painted on natural wafer. The beautifully rendered sitter is a pleasant looking woman wearing a lace bonnet with lavender and light blue bows, and a dark blue robe or gown. "Mercier 1824" in script along the right side.

The painting is in excellent condition, with some rough edges which do not show while the piece is in its period bronze frame. Sight size is 2 3/8" by 1 7/8", with a frame size of 2 3/4" by 2 1/4".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Mlle Hy...

A large button, done in watercolor on organic material, with a glass cover and a copper rim with a steel back. The scene depicted is of a grand house and garden, identified along the lower edge as "Maison de Mdm Vanne".

The button is in excellent condition, though the back could use a bit of cleaning to remove some oxidation. The diameter is 1 1/2".

PLEASE NOTE: We collected buttons for many years, but have decided to sell our collection. The buttons shown on our site represent but a sma...

A charming button with a beautiful border of champlevé work with a turquoise enamel on brass.

The condition is excellent with no problems and a few errant black dots of paint. The diameter is 1 1/4".

PLEASE NOTE: We collected buttons for many years, but have decided to sell our collection. The buttons shown on our site represent but a small sample on what we have, so please do not hesitate to ask if you are looking for a particular type.

Also, we frequently add items to our site,...

An English wine glass featuring a pointed round funnel bowl with a solid teared base above a short plain stem section above a ball knop topping a four-sided molded pedestal stem. Lead glass. Conical foot with folded rim. Rough pontil.

Fine condition with no issues, standing 5 1/2" tall with a bowl diameter of 2 3/8" and a foot diameter of 2 5/8". Good color and striations. The glass has museum and collection labels and marks on the foot, all easiy removed if desired.

Deaccessioned from...

A beautiful decanter set composed of 3 barrel shaped decanters, each heavily cut and retaining the original target stoppers. The stand is electroplate silver and of elegantly molded trefoil form, with rings to hold the stoppers.

Both the stand and decanters are in excellent condition, the glass without chips, etc., and the stand with little to no bleeding. The height is 10" and the width is 9".

An elegantly proportioned and executed Georgian wine flute, of lead metal. The drawn trumpet bowl sits above a double series opaque twist (DSOT) stem which is comprised of a pair of spiral threads around a central gauze. Conical foot with rough, snapped pontil.

The condition of the glass is excellent, with no cracks or chips. Good color, striations, and tool marks. There is a very small pot stone at the foot rim. Any discolorations, specks, or streaks are due to the photos. The height of this ...

A very early Bow porcelain coffee cup with the "Cross-Legged Chinaman" pattern. Adding to the rarity of this cup, in addition to its age, is the crabstock handle.

he condition of the cup is excellent, with no cracks, chips, staining, or restoration. The height is 2 1/4" and the diameter is 2 1/8".

A beautifully made heavy copper trivet of wonderful form. Pierced top, paw feet, and strong rivet construction. Excellent condition. 11 1/2" by 7 1/2" by 5 1/4".

A beautiful Chelsea finger bowl of bellied form, the rim with a brownish-red line, and the body and interior painted with various flowers. Red anchor mark.

This wonderful example of an uncommon form is in excellent condition, with no flaws or issues to speak of. 3" in height, 3 3/4" maximum diameter.

A beautiful Bow shallow bowl painted in the famille rose manner with rockwork, bamboo, flowers and foliage. Purchased over 15 years ago and retaining the label of Mercury Antiques, a well-known and respected London porcelain dealer.

Superb condition with bright paint and no chips, cracks, restoration, or paint loss. The diameter is 7 7/8".

An extremely fine baluster wine glass of beautiful proportions and lead composition. The flared bell bowl with an air tear in its base sits atop a stem with a medial flattened ball knop. Strong domed with rough, snapped pontil. Height 6 inches, bowl diameter 2 1/2 inches, foot diameter 3 inches. Superb condition.

An elegant lead metal wine glass of balustroid type, having a round funnel bowl over a shoulder angular knop over a straight stem with an extended tear and basal knop. High conical folded foot. A well-fashioned and tall example of this form.

Overall excellent condition, with no restoration or cracks. Wonderful color, striations, and tooling marks. There is a small potstone inclusion near the rim (showing as the white spot in the main photo), and an in-the-making sliver slice under the foot, ju...

A beautiful example of the Coalport factory "Rock and Tree" pattern, done in the Imari palette, derived from the Japanese. This pattern was highly favored by George, the Prince of Wales and the Prince Regent, and was used and still displayed at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.

The dish, or soup bowl, is in superb condition, with no flaws and with factory-fresh looking painting and gilding. The diameter is 9 1/2".

Note: Two photos of the front are shown to show both halves without reflect...

An attractive antique wine glass with a waisted bucket bowl above a single series air twist stem with a pair of spiral cables. The glass has a conical foot and is 6 1/4 inches tall, with a bowl diameter of 2 5/16 inches and a foot diameter of 2 5/8 inches. There is a very small invisible fill under the foot.