Catalog (971)

A beautiful example of a Lowestoft porcelain pickle leaf dish with a grape and vine decoration and the berry border. Vein molded on the reverse. The foot rim has a workman's mark.

The condition is excellent, with no flaws. Light areas in the photo are due to reflections as opposed to paint loss. Width is 3 1/2" and the length is 4".

A spectacular First Period Worcester porcelain dish decorated by James Giles. The dish is quite large, at 9 1/4" in diameter, and is molded with an undulating border, wide fluting running from the edges to the recessed central scalloped area. The overall form is that of a soup dish, but it appears to be overly large for that. That area is decorated with three beautiful butterflies around a central flower sprig. The entire plate is fulsomely decorated with sprigs and bunches of a variety of flowe...

A fine enameled button showing a young girl with an elaborate hat and a pink dress with a rose-adorned white jabot. The portrait is surrounded with ruby and white pastes set into openwork brass.

The condition is excellent, with no issues, and 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 p...

A wonderful example of a Dr. Wall, or First period, Worcester small bowl, thinly potted and pencilled (painted with a very fine brush) in black with the "Boy on a Buffalo" pattern. The buffalo is standing by a large tree at the water's edge, sampans off the shore, with a bird, other foliage, and a building in the scene. A flower is on the interior bottom. A workman's mark is on the bottom, as is a label from when this item was displayed at the 1998 Albert Amor Exhibition of the Vincent Townrow C...

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 in the making dip at one point on the rim. Any discolorations, specks, or streaks are due to the photos or d...

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,...

A nice wine glass with an ogee bowl engraved with flowers and foliage. The stem is of the double series opaque twist type, containing a multiple spiral band around a central 4-ply central column of heavy spiral threads.

Lead metal with a conical foot with a rough, snapped pontil. The glass is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, cloudiness, or restoration. Good color, striations, and tooling marks. The height is 5 5/8" with a bowl diameter of 1 7/8" and a foot diameter of 2 3/8".

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".

A fine double series opaque twist wine glass with a bell bowl above a stem containing a pair of corkscrews outside of a single multi-ply corkscrew.

Conical foot with rough, snapped pontil. The condition of the glass is excellent, with no cracks, chips, or restoration. Good color, striations, and tooling marks. Any discolorations, specks, or streaks are due to the photos. The height of this fine piece is 6 3/4", with a bowl diameter of 2 13/16" and a foot diameter of 3".

A huge stamped silver button with a scarab enameled in green, green shaded with brown, and blue. This is surrounded by pastes set in holes drilled through the silver. Of unusual size and form, the button is shown on color plate 26 of Stefan Schiff's book "Buttons: Art in Miniature".

Excellent condition with no issues. The diameter is 1 11/16".

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.

A well proportioned and elegant baluster wine glass dating from the period of George I. This fine example features a trumpet bowl over a collar directly over an annulated knop. The stem leads into a true baluster knop over a short section over a folded foot with a rough, snapped pontil.

The condition is excellent, with no issues and with good color, tooling marks, and striations. The height is 5 7/8", with a bowl diameter of 2 3/8" and a foot diameter of 2 3/4".

NOTES: 1. This glass is si...

A miniature painting of a lovely young woman attired in a double strand coral necklace and a blue gown with puffy sleeves and a pink flower at the waist sash. Excellent condition with no issues, and in a period black wood frame. Sight size is 3 1/2" by 2 7/8", and the framed size is 5 5/8" by 4 1/2".

NOTE: I have shown two full length photos as the background color varies somewhat depending on whether the painting is seen in natural, fluorescent, or incandescent lighting.

A fine and rare 18th century English button with a hand painted scene on paper under glass depicting 5 blacks working in the field. The button is vermeil, gold on silver, with the back showing English hallmarks. Excellent condition, with no issues. The button is 1" by 13/16".

A fine example of an English porcelain coffee can, made by the Richard Chaffers & Co. manufactory in Liverpool. As to be expected, and as it should be, the soapstone based body resembles that of Worcester.

This particular piece is decorated with a variation of the "Scarlet Japan" pattern, and shows bright colors and careful painting. The condition is excellent, with no chips, cracks, restoration, or other problems. The height is 2 1/4" and the diameter is 2 1/8".

A superb English sweetmeat glass of elegant form, the flared double ogee bowl with moulded flutes leading into a moulded stem with a flattened shoulder knop and 5 basal collars above a spiral molded domed foot.

This fine example stands 6 1/8 inches tall, with a bowl diameter of 3 3/4 inches and a foot diameter of 3 1/4 inches. Perfect condition with wonderful color and tooling marks. Rough, snapped pontil.

A striking French button featuring a transfer print on enameled porcelain of a swallow. Brass back and surround. The condition is excellent with no problems, and 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.

A rare Worcester porcelain coffee can, tapering slightly toward the base and molded with corrugated ribs above a finely scalloped foot, the lobed rim with a slight flare, and the double scroll handle with a pointed thumbrest. Painted in the Chinese style with flowering plants, the border with half-flowerheads linked by a red line above leafy tendrils.

Excellent condition with vibrant colors, no chips, cracks, or restoration. A slight paint skip is on one petal of one half-flowerhead, shown in...

A very uncommon and fine example of a tinque button with a blue base. No condition issues. In spite of the appearance in the photos, the edges of the gold foil are sharp and not blurred. This wonderful example has a goodly diameter for a tingue at 7/16" and a depth of 5/16".

NOTES: 1. Tingues are constructed with a layer of clear colorless glass with a very thin colored glass (typically red) sheet overlay on top. This piece is cemented to a glass base with a thin sheet of reflective gold foi...

A fine and early Worcester sweetmeat, the open shell curled over at one side, the undulating rim strongly shaded in green with a yellow inner border to the green. Painted in the Meissen style with a central flower spray surrounded by scattered smaller sprays.

Superb bright condition with no issues at all. The length is 4 3/4", the width 5 1/4", and the height 1 3/4".

NOTE: A similar dish, in a more common color, sparser painting, and with wear sold at the Bonham's sale in March, 2010.

A fine Georgian double series opaque twist (dsot) ale glass with an elongated round funnel bowl engraved with hops and barley, the stem with a pair of spiral threads outside of a lace twist. For a similar glass see Bickerton p.226, figure 683.

The glass stands 7 1/2 inches tall, with a bowl diameter of 2 3/8 inches and a foot diameter of 3 inches. Good color, striations, and tool marks, with a rough snapped pontil. Wonderful condition with no flaws or restoration.

A very fine example of an rare tingue, being of yellow color and cylindrical form. No condition issues. In spite of the appearance in the main photo, the edges of the gold foil are sharp and not blurred. The last photo shows this. This fine example has a diameter of 1/4" and a length of 3/8".

NOTES: 1. Tingues are constructed with a layer of clear colorless glass with a very thin colored glass (typically red) sheet overlay on top. This piece is cemented to a glass base with a thin sheet of ...

Signed J.J. and dated 1772 on the lower right, this watercolor on wafer shows an obviously well-off woman attired in the latest finery, and with an elaborate hairdo with a lace cap.

Excellent condition, with no flaws to speak of, and measuring 1 1/2" by 1 1/4". Housed, with a cover glass, in a velvet lined leather travel case measuring 2 1/2" by 2 1/4" when closed.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: James Jennings of London (active 1763 - 1793) exhibited at the Society of Artists from 1763 to 1783, and was ...

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 round facetted example of what can best be described as flying saucer shape, as seen from the side. Uncommon transparent red base. No condition issues. In spite of the appearance in the main photo, the edges of the gold foil are sharp and not blurred. The last photo shows this. This fine example has a diameter of 1/2" and a thickness of 1/4".

NOTES: 1. Tingues are constructed with a layer of clear colorless glass with a very thin colored glass (typically red) sheet overlay on top. This p...

A round facetted example of what can best be described as flying saucer shape, as seen from the side. No condition issues, and with a diameter of 3/8" and a thickness of 5/16".

NOTES: 1. Tingues are constructed with a layer of clear colorless glass with a very thin colored glass (typically red) sheet overlay on top. This piece is cemented to a glass base with a thin sheet of reflective gold foil or leaf between them. The button is faceted to improve reflection.

2. Tingues are nam...

A fine example of polychrome painting on enamel with cut steels, depicting a woman on a berry picking outing. The front of her dress is picked out with gold flecks, which do not photograph well. This button belongs to the genre which arose due to the interests of the increasingly wealthy French middle class in the places and ways people enjoyed their leisure. Note the buildings in the background, indicating that the activity is taking place outside the bustle of the city.

No condition problem...

A fine example of French polychrome painting on enamel with cut steels, depicting the cherubic infant Cupid holding a bird. During the Victorian era images of Cupid or cherubs were widespread, symbolizing the romantic and sentimental interests of the time. No condition problems, and the cut steels are brighter in person than the photo shows. 1 1/16" diameter.

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

A fine example of polychrome painting on enamel with cut steels, depicting a couple fishing. This genre arose due to the interests of the increasingly wealthy French middle class in the places and ways people enjoyed their leisure. No condition problems, and the cut steels are brighter in person than the photo shows. 1 3/8" diameter.

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 ...

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.

Hand painted on natural organic wafer, this button depicts a cherub beside a flame topped memorial column, with greenery along the border. Photos under different lighting are shown, with the second photo probably being the most accurate in natural light.

No condition issues, and a diameter of 1 3/8".

Absolutely charming, and a rare piece.

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 o...

This beautiful example is of large size at 1 1/4", and features a large clear central paste surrounded by 8 shaped green pastes, the whole encircled by clear pastes. The second photo more accurately shows the color of the green pastes. The back of the button is either silver or a base metal. In excellent condition with no issues.

Any whiteness or flecks in the photo are either light reflections or dust.

Provenance: Private purchase from the Speights Button Collection.

PLEASE NOTE: W...

A true tour de force of the use of pastes in buttons. This fine example is of large size at 1 1/4", and features a sprig of flowers in a circlet mounted on cobalt glass. Visible beneath the glass is guillochet worked metal. The back of the button is either silver or a base metal.

In excellent condition with no issues. Any whiteness or flecks in the photo are either light reflection or dust.

Provenance: Private purchase from the Speights Button Collection.

PLEASE NOTE: We collected buttons...

A nicely painted miniature portrait, on natural wafer, of a fashionably attired gentleman. The sitter is wearing a white shirt and stock, a black coat with velvet lapels, and a gray vest with black polka dots. Presented in a period, and possibly original, ebonized frame.

No cracks, chips, restoration or other condition issues. Sight size is 2 1/2" by 1 3/4", and the frame size is 4 3/8" by 3 3/8".

A large gin bari button depicting flowers against a green background, the whole with a silver surround and backing. Uncommon hexagonal shape. Excellent condition with no issues, and any apparent imperfections are due to reflections in the photo. The diameter is 1 1/4".

NOTES:
1. Buttons of this type, a pure Japanese creation, were primarily done in the late 19th century, and the subjects display the Japanese elegance and simplicity in depicting nature oriented themes, with asymmetr...

A very fine Wedgwood jasperware button showing three women in classical garb with a child astride a sheep. Uncommon for both the scene and the dark blue ground color, rather than the usual Wedgwood blue. Dating from the 4th quarter of the 18th century, the button is incised "WEDGWOOD" and "255" with a later mount, which is not uncommon.

Excellent condition with no issues of note, and of a very large size at 1 5/8".

PLEASE NOTE: We collected buttons for many years, but have decided to sell ...

An very fine Wedgwood jasperware button showing a classical figure holding an apple, with a cherub reaching for it. Dating from the 4th quarter of the 18th century, the button is incised "WEDGWOOD" and "63" and the later mount is hallmarked. Excellent condition with no issues of note, and of very large size at 1 11/16". The metal surround is not lopsided as shown in the photo, which was taken at a slight angle.

PLEASE NOTE: We collected buttons for many years, but have decided to sell our coll...

An extremely nice Wedgwood jasperware button depicting Andromache weeping over the ashes of Hector. Dating from the 4th quarter of the 18th century, the button is incised "WEDGWOOD" and the later mount is hallmarked as silver.

Excellent condition with no issues of note, and of very large size at 1 5/8". The metal surround is not lopsided as shown in the photo, which was taken at a slight angle.

PLEASE NOTE: We collected buttons for many years, but have decided to sell our collection. The b...

Painted in watercolor on organic material, with the sitter attired in a black coat, vest, and stock, and sporting a stickpin. In a wood frame with fragments on the back possibly indicating the artist and/or the sitter.

Very good condition with no chips, cracks, bowing, or restoration. Sight size is 2 1/4" by 1 13/16", and the framed size is 3 7/8" by 3 3/8".

A fine example of a textile fragment from a 17th century chausable, purple cut velvet in a geometric vine design on a yellow background, mounted on silk. Overall fine condition, with a sight size of 18" by 18 1/2".

A fine and early Bow porcelain Blanc de Chine thinly potted coffee cup with raised prunus blossoms and an angular crabstock handle.

Excellent condition with no cracks, losses or restoration. Slight and scattered tiny spots of kiln spitting as to be expected. The height is 2 9/16" and the bowl diameter is 2 7/16".

A fine English wine glass with an ogee bowl with 16 flutes in the lower half. The stem features an unusual single series opaque twist (SSOT) configuration of 4 spiral tapes, making for a very pleasing appearance. Conical foot with a rough pontil. Good color and tool marks, with no condition issues. The height is 5 3/4", with a bowl diameter of 2" and a foot diameter of 2 3/4".

A superb example of a Worcester pickle dish with the "Two Peony Rock Bird" pattern with formal plant scrolls around the edge. The pattern is classified as uncommon, and the leaf form pickle dish is less common than the shell form. A workman's mark is on the underside.

The piece offered here is as fine as it could be, with no chips, cracks, paint loss, or restoration. The colors are vibrant with good contrast. Any areas of white, paint skipping, or faintness are due to reflections in the photos...

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 fine Georgian ratafia glass featuring an extremely narrow drawn trumpet bowl, the top half engraved with flowers and leaves, and the bottom half of the bowl with molded fluting. The stem is a double series opaque twist (DSOT) with a pair of spiral tapes outside of a loose central gauze. Conical foot with rough pontil.

The glass is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, cloudiness, or restoration. Good color, striations, and tooling marks. Wonderfully and elegantly proportioned, bei...

A nicely painted portrait of a fashionably dressed attractive young woman, done in watercolor on natural wafer. The painting and the ebonized wood frame are in fine condition. Sight size is 2 7/8" by 2 3/8", with a frame size of 5 1/4" by 4 1/2".

A pair of antique English ale glasses of unusual form and color. Each with an elongated funnel bowl and medial knop, and a rough snapped pontil. The condition is excellent with no issues. The height is 6"

An early 19th c silk damask vestment with a floral and crown motif. The orphrey portion dates from the 17th century. Actually in quite good condition, with some scattered wear. 46" in length.

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...

A wonderful idyllic scene of a girl gathering flowers in a hat. Near her is a lake with cows watering, while in the immediate background is another group of cows and a young girl. The far background has trees and a house. The charming naïve style, and the inclusion so many items of interest combine to make this work an exceptional piece.

Often even simple watercolors of this age have substantial condition issues, ranging from tears, stain, folds, di89scolrations, etc. The example offered here...

A beautiful miniature portrait of a young man, done by William Egley. The painting is in a stickpin mounted elaborate gold case, with engraving on the reverse identifying the sitter as "John McDonnell Webb/August 1839". A plait of hair is in the glazed rear aperture.

Both the painting and case are in excellent condition, with no issues. The spots in the photos are due to external dust. Sight size is 1 5/8" by 1 1/4", with an overall size of 2" by 1 5/8".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: William Egl...

A fine pair of strongly painted miniature portraits done on natural wafer. Based on the technique and the area in which the sitters lived (Cincinnati), a strong attribution to Richard Verbrick can be made.

The woman is finely attired in a black puffy sleeved dress with lace at the collar and a wide black belt. Her jewelry includes a brooch at her neckline and earrings, with a tortoiseshell comb in her hair. The gent is wearing a black coat, white shirt, collar, and ascot.

The condition of th...

A fine example of a double series opaque twist (DSOT) wine glass. The lower half of the bowl is spiral molded, with the stem containing a pair of corkscrews outside on a single central corkscrew.

The condition of the glass is excellent, with no chips, cracks, hazing, or restoration. Wonderful color and tooling marks. Rough snapped pontil. The height is a goodly 7 1/4", with a bowl diameter of 2 1/4" and a foot diameter of 2 7/8".

A very interesting portrait miniature of a gentleman. Done in watercolor on organic material, it shows a half length naive depiction of a man posed with his hand in his waistcoat. The overall "feel" of this work is that it was done in the en grisaille style, in spite of the color in the man's lips, his vest, and cummerbund.

Condition of the painting and simple metal frame is excellent (light areas at the edges are due to reflections off the chamfered glass), with a size of 2 1/4" by 1 3/4".

A miniature portrait, painted in watercolor on organic wafer, depicting a gentleman with powdered hair, a deep blue jacket, and a white shirt and tie.

The miniature is housed in a period, heavy gilt bronze frame which in and of itself has a good amount of intrinsic value.. Neither the painting nor the frame have any condition issues. Sight size is 2 1/8" by 1 5/8", with a frame size of 5 5/8" by 3 1/4".

A charming pair of portraits of a brother and sister, painted in watercolor on natural material.

The condition of both paintings is excellent, with no issues. The gold case is also without problems. Sight size is 2 1/8" by 1 3/4", and the overall size is 2 3/8" by 1 7/8".

A naïve but appealing watercolor and gouache painting on organic wafer of a young gentleman. The background is done with great effect in blues, brown, and pink.

The 2 1/4" by 1 3/4" painting is in fine condition, with no flaws to speak of. The case is structurally sound, with a glazed aperture on the rear, but could use a good overall cleaning.

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 charming painting done in watercolor on organic material. The child, identified as E.A. Brown (1845-1850) is portrayed against a pink and blue clouded background, indicative that this is a mourning memento. Paintings of young children are always highly sought after and collected.

The painting is in excellent condition, with no issues. The case is damaged on the back, with a section missing, which does not detract from the desirability of this little gem. The size is 1 5/8" by 1 1/4".

A nicely done portrait miniature of a gentleman, executed in watercolor on natural organic material. Housed in its original ebonized wood frame which has an interesting musical motif as the hanger base.

No condition issues for either the painting or the frame. Sight size is 2 7/8" by 2 1/4", and the framed size is 4 3/4" by 4 1/4".