Catalog (971)

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 17th century French tapestry table runner, with the motif weaving flowers and fruit throughout the piece. The overall condition is excellent, with no holes or tears. Carefully laid down on a linen backing. The length is 67" and the width is 13 3/4".

Acquired from a long time private collection, where it was used as a table display piece, but could certainly be used, in smaller segments, to make a number of exquisite pillows.

This is a beautiful and elegant 18th lead toasting glass. It is of two part construction, and features a flared drawn trumpet bowl, and a multiple spiral (MSAT) stem on a conical foot with a rough snapped pontil.

Excellent color with good tool marks and striations on the bowl and foot; pristine condition. Please note that what appears to be a disturbance on the front of the bowl is merely a reflection or glare.

A tall 7 1/4" in height, 2 7/16" bowl diameter, 2 11/16" foot diameter.

An 18th century glass, or goblet, of the Newcastle light baluster type. Lead glass; round funnel bowl, inverted baluster knop with multiple tears above a flattened knop above a large inverted baluster knop with a tear, basal knop. Rough snapped pontil. Strong form, perfect condition. 9 inches tall, 4 3/16 inch diameter bowl, 3 3/4 inch diameter foot

A striking dark green enamel on copper button, dating from the 18th century. There is a central stylized flower, with a central faux pearl with branches emanating from it. Each branch has tiny faux pearls set in it. Circling the flower are two concentric rings of gold stars. To finish off the exquisite and detailed workmanship of this tour de force is a border of faux pearls.

While examples similar to this form can be found, albeit with difficulty, most are blue, and the use of the green c...

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...

An uncommon and striking bowl in a deep Bristol blue color. The top rim is scalloped, the sides are step and panel cut, and the underside of the foot is radial cut. Excellent condition with a 5" bowl diameter and a 4" foot diameter.

A fine and charming portrait miniature with an unusual and exceptional reverse. The sitter is a sweet woman painted in an ethereal manner. She is wearing pearl earrings and a cream gown with a pair of roses at the low point of the neckline. There is a lace fichu with a double blue line at the border. The background is done in a grayish green color.

The case is of gilt floral form, with the reverse being testudines with a large inset area of sterling silver, the initials "GU" engraved in the ce...

A superb in-period Kangxi scalloped dish with two Long Eliza figures and a Jumping Boy figure in the central scene. Immediately surrounding that scene the cavetto is divided into compartments, each with a flower head motif. Surrounding that are further compartments, each containing a different stylized botanical speciman. The reverse of the dish with a full Kangxi mark in the center Surrounding that, in raised compartments, are floral depictions, and outside that a border of various symbols.

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A truly lovely and engaging portrait miniature, on natural wafer, of a beautiful young woman. The subject, attired in a green velvet dress with a black cape and a white fichu, is seated in front of an orange drapery with a view of a landscape. The framing of this gem is of fine construction, with an inner gold plated frame that is easily removable (and replaced) if a smaller overall size is desired. Both frames are in very fine order.

The condition of the painting is excellent, with bright col...

These wonderful painted (some outlining is printed) plaques were done in the Staffordshire area of England in the late 18th century. They are 6 1/2" long and 4 1/2" wide. Each depicts a classical head in profile. It is uncommon to find a pair, especially in such wonderful condition. There are no chips, cracks or repairs of any kind, and the painting is vibrant and unscratched.

A very fine miniature of a young lady, done in watercolor on organic wafer. Signed lower right "Becker Px". The sitter is a wearing a gown with elaborate bows along the neckline and sleeves, and a pink sash. The glassless gilded wood frame is original to the painting.

There is a good amount of information on the back, some of which is missing or hard to make out. However, what can be determined is that this is a portrait of Julie von Haller, who was a member of the court of the Homburg Landg...

A fine set of 4 watercolor schoolgirl paintings executed with a very high degree of artistry, probably originally done as bookplates. They have been mounted in pairs in attractive figured maple frames. The first frame has the paintings shown in the 2nd and 3rd photos and the 2nd frame has the paintings shown in the 4th and 5th photos.

The paintings and frames are in excellent condition, with the first frame, shown in the top left of the first photo, measuring 12 5/8" by 10 3/4". The second fr...

A nicely done late 18th century miniature of a woman wearing a blue dress and white fichu, her powdered hair with an interwoven white ribbon. Presented in a gilt bracelet clasp mount. Excellent condition with an overall size of 1 3/8" by 1 1/8".

A fine example of an Abraham Parsell watercolor on organic wafer. The sitter, with brown hair and hazel eyes, is dressed in a black coat and cravat and a white shirt with gold stickpin. The background is done in the multi-color style typical of Parsell's work, as is the sketch on the reverse of the wafer.

The 2 3/8" by 2" sight size miniature is housed in a cast foliate case with a glazed lens on the reverse. The condition of the painting is fine, with no cracks, chips, restoration, or bowing....

An Abraham Parsell painting on natural organic material of a young man with his hand resting on a book. All the characteristics that make Parsell so sought after are present, from the folky treatment of the face, the frizzy hair, and the accessory point of interest, in this case the book. The sitter is Dye Brewer, of Edenton, Chowan county, NC, and this painting descended in the family to a direct relative, a Mrs. Morris of Houston, TX.

The miniature is in a beautiful, cast foliate, period lo...

A miniature portrait painting by Abraham Parsell, done in his recognizable style with somewhat frizzy hair, and the sitter posed with his arm on a chair. Housed in its original cast foliate frame with a rear aperture containing a lock of hair.

The painting is 2 5/16" by 1 7/8", while the overall locket size is 2 1/2" by 2 1/8". Condition is excellent with no chips, cracks, bowing, paint loss or restoration.

Note: Abraham Parsell (1792 - after 1856), a popular American folk miniature painte...

A fine miniature portrait by Jeremiah Meyer, painted in watercolor on organic wafer. The sitter, an attractive woman with long brown hair, is simply presented in a teal gown, with no jewelry or other distractions from her natural beauty.

The painting has no cracks, chips, bowing, or restoration. The brass case is in fine condition with an unimportant dent in the back. The overall size is 1 7/8" by 1 5/8".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Born in Germany, and brought to England in 1749, Jeremiah Me...

A nicely done miniature portrait, on natural organic material, of an attractive young woman. The sitter is wearing a white dress, a black necklace and earrings, and an upswept hairdo. The painting is housed in its blue velvet travel case, with a glass cover.

Condition is excellent, with no problems. The sight size is 2" by 1 1/2", and the closed case size is 3" by 2 1/2".

A very nice watercolor painting on natural wafer. The sitter is a beautiful young girl with hazel eyes and brown hair, simply dressed in a bluish gray gown with lace edging at the bodice.

The painting is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, bowing, or restoration. The original pressed brass frame with wood backing, and has some dents and a crease, which do not take away from the appearance. Sight size is 2 3/8" by 1 7/8", with the framed size being 3 3/4" by 3".

A sweet tinsel (foil) painting of a large bouquet of flowers. The painting itself is in very good condition, with no chips, breaks, or image loss. The period or earlier gilded wood frame has normal expected wear. Period wood backboard. The sight size is 11 1/4" by 9 5/8", and the overall size is 12 3/4" by 11".

NOTE: Between September 12, 2012 and January 13, 2013 the American Folk Art Museum held an exhibit on this art form. The following is excerpted from the catalog of that exhibition: "T...

A c1795 continental miniature of a gent who looks somewhat disgruntled, possibly with the waistcoat with blue polka dots and the black jacket with pearl buttons that his wife picked out for him. The reverse of the painting has a "B" embroidered on pink silk fabric. Both the front and back have beveled glass. The diameter of the gilt metal case is 2".

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".

An unusual family grouping of three miniature portraits on organic wafers. All pieces, clearly done by the same hand (as yet unidentified), have a wonderful "feel" to them and are cleanly executed. The reverend in his black non-liturgical clothing, his wife in her black dress with white lace and cap, and their beautiful daughter, posed beside a tree and attired in a high-waisted gown with a blue ribbon and wearing a tortoiseshell comb in her hair, are set against a blue sky background. An old in...

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...

An 18th century coffee cup painted in blue and white. Nicely potted, the decoration features an oriental scene of a garden structure on a promontory, and trees, flowers, and foliage. Excellent condition, with no issues, and a height and diameter of 2 3/8".

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...

A graceful stepped strap-handled pitcher of lead glass, featuring trailed threading at the rim, and engraved "RFE" with vines above ribbons, the reverse with flowering vines.

The condition is excellent, with no flaws to speak of. Good color and tooling. Snapped rough pontil. The height is 7 1/4".

A nicely painted portrait miniature on natural organic wafer. The sitter is a gentleman dressed in a black jacket and stock, with a white shirt and vest, set against a background which shades from light blue to a darker blue hue. Housed in its original cast foliate case with a glazed rear aperture containing a circlet of hair.

The condition of the painting is excellent with no cracks, chips, paint loss, bowing, or restoration. The case is in good condition with the back of it showing wear and ...

A powerful watercolor on wafer miniature, where the artist decided to show the sitter staring head-on and almost directly at the viewer. The unusual crisscross tie is used to further enhance the strength and immediacy of the handsome subject.

The simple gilt metal case is 2 3/8" by 2", and is in excellent condition, with a missing cover glass to the aperture on the reverse, which is of no import.

A very fine American portrait miniature painting, on natural organic material, of a young man attired in the latest fashion of his period, wearing a brown vest and velvet collar coat.

The miniature is 2 inches by 1 1/2 inches sight size and the deep purple velvet-lined thermoplastic case it is in is 3 inches by 2 1/2 inches. The piece is in superb condition, with no cracks, chips, bowing, or inpainting. The case, with its gilt brass liner, has only a tiny nick at one point on the edge and is ...

A beautifully limned tinsel, or foil, painting, reverse painted on glass. The subject matter is a white urn, filled with a an array of various flowers, including a large rose and a lily. The period and probably original frame is of high quality.

This good-sized painting is in overall excellent condition, as is the frame. The sight size is 14 5/8" by 12 3/8", and the framed size is 19 5/8" by 17 1/4".

NOTE: Foil paintings were done primarily in the second half of the 19th century, and ...

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.

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 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...

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.

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".

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 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 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".

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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".

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 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".

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 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 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 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".

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 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".

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 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 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...