Catalog (971)

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 watercolor miniature portrait done by Richard Morrell Staigg. The sitter is a nice-looking blue-eyed young man in a black coat and cravat, with a light blue vest. As is usual with Staigg, the painting is superbly limned. It is housed in one half of a leather case.

The condition is excellent, with no problems whatsoever. Sight size is 3 1/2" by 3".

A rare Chaffers Liverpool porcelain hexagonal beaker, handpainted in blue and white. The design, taken from the Chinese, shows alternating panels of floral groups, with a trellised and floral diaper along the upper rim.

The condition of this piece is excellent, with no cracks or restoration. There is a tiny firing bite at the rim, and the bottom shows kiln bubbling common to this factory. The height is 3" and the diameter is 2 3/8". Retains the label of Winifred Williams, a well known and hig...

A superb and elegant multiple spiral opaque twist wine glass, with four features contributing to the rarity of this glass. The first is the bowl, which is highly unusual and could best be described as ogee form with an extremely swollen upper portion. Second is the enamel portion itself, with a multiple spiral opaque twist (msot), a type encountered very infrequently. Third is the presence of a central knop, with any knop on an opaque twist being uncommon. Finally is the folded foot, occurring e...

A fine example of a triple knopped double series opaque twist (DSOT) antique wine glass. The bell bowl sits above a stem with three heavy spiral threads outside of a loose central gauze, and with shoulder, medial, and basal knops. Conical foot with rough, snapped pontil.

The vast majority of opaque twist glasses have straight stems, and the addition of even one knop adds substantially to the difficulty of making them, and the value. Each additional knop increases these factors. Also, unlike ...

A stunning miniature portrait painting, watercolor on natural organic material, of a beautiful young girl with hazel eyes. The artist has painted the sitter with a background of clouds against a blue sky, often thought to denote that the piece was done as a mourning keepsake.

The condition of the painting is excellent, with no chips, cracks, bowing, or restoration. This little gem is housed in its original cast bronze brooch, with a mother-of-pearl backing. The sight size is 1 5/8" by 1...

This extremely rare and very early Derby enameled wine taster is of circular shape with gadrooned sides, and has a pierced scroll handle in puce with the exterior handle ends with applied leaves in green. The exterior has puce foliate sprays, and the interior has a circular central panel edged with black and red lines containing an insect.

While the form itself is uncommon, they are usually done in blue and white, and polychrome examples are of the "utmost rarity." It is for this reason that ...

A beautifully executed miniature folk art watercolor on thin card portrait by J. H. Gillespie, housed in a cast foliate metal locket with an aperture on the reverse.

The condition is excellent, with no issues whatsoever. The reverse of the case is lacking the surround and glazing to the aperture.

Note: Gillespie was active on the East Coast of North America, Baltimore, New York, and Philadelphia around the 1829-1838 time period. Gillespie painted miniature portraits and silhouettes very c...

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 spectacular and beautiful circa 1730 English silk embroidered apron front, exquisitely embroidered in polychrome silk and metallic threads with garlands and sprays of flowers urns. Scalloped edges are finished with embroidered metallic trim. A somewhat later but very similar example is shown in The Lotus Collection.

There are some scattered unimportant splits and very very minor and small spots of discoloration, all to be expected in such a delicate piece. The textile size is 41 3/8" by 17 ...

An uncommon tinsel, or foil, painting on glass. Extremely vibrant, with deep colors, the painting shows a bluebird surrounded by a variety of fruit, with a compote of fruit behind it. It is rare to have a foil scene without a lot of open space between subjects.

The painting is in excellent condition, as is the later frame, which measures 16 1/4" by 13 1/4".

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 beautiful and charming portrait on porcelain, painted, and signed on the reverse, by the well-known English artist, William Corden. The sitter is a young girl in a pretty white dress trimmed in blue, with matching shoes and necklace. She is seated in front of a red drapery, holding a basket of flowers, with several scattered by her side on the chaise-longue. signed on the reverse. Mounted in a period, and probably original, gilt over gesso frame.

The sight size of this gem is 6 1/4" by 5 1/8...

A beautifully fashioned English antique firing dram glass. Most glasses of this type (opaque twist firing glasses) have an ogee or ovoid bowl, as opposed to this funnel, or conical, type. The lower half of the bowl is fluted, while the stem contains a double series opaque twist comprised of a pair of spiral threads outside of a central gauze.

Condition is excellent, with no problems at all. Good color, striations, and tooling. The height is 4 1/4", with a bowl diameter of 2" and a foot diamete...

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.

A lovely late 19th c tightly woven wool Tibetan prayer mat with Buddhist symbols, An excellent example from a private collection.

With clear colors and in wonderful condition, the rug measures 30" by 22".

A fine tinsel, or foil, painting. The relatively uncommon subject matter is a basket of fruit, nicely reverse painted on glass with tinsel backing. What unfortunately doesn't show well in the photo, because of the lighting, is the bunch of grapes directly under the basket.

The painting is in very good condition, with what is probably its original gilded frame and wood backing. The overall size is 16" by 14".

A nice double series opaque twist (DSOT) wine glass with an ovoid bowl (slightly ogee) which has a fluted lower half. The stem has a pair of 9-ply spiral bands outside of a lace twist. Conical foot, snapped pontil.

Fine condition with no problems. The height is 5 1/8", and a bowl diameter of 2" with a foot diameter of 2 7/8".

Note: Because of the extreme closeups of the photos, and the non-ideal lighting conditions, there might appear to be spots, discolorations, or hazes in the glass, whic...

An elegant Georgian antique wine glass with an engraved round funnel bowl with a fluted lower half. The engraving has vines, clusters of grapes, and other fruit. The stem is a double series opaque twist (DSOT), comprised of a pair of 7-ply spiral bands outside of a multi-ply corkscrew. Conical foot with a snapped pontil.

The glass is in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, or repairs. It stands 6 1/4" tall, with a bowl diameter of 2 3/8" and a foot diameter of 2 0/16".

Note: Because o...

A beautiful opaque twist cordial glass, the bucket bowl fulsomely engraved with fruiting grapevines. The stem, of the single series opaque twist type (SSOT), making it much less common than the usual double series, has two spiral gauzes. Conical foot with snapped pontil.

This gem is in excellent condition, showing good color, tool marks, striations, and appropriate foot wear. It stands 6" tall, with a bowl diameter of 1 13/16" and a foot diameter of 2 1/2".

Note: Because of the extreme close...

A nicely proportioned waisted bucket bowl antique English Georgian air twist wine glass. The stem is a multiple-spiral air twist (MSAT) and the foot is conical and folded, with a snapped pontil

Condition is excellent with no chips, cracks, or restoration. Good color, striations, and tool marks. There is a very small piece of frit in the side of the bowl. The glass is 6 1/4" tall, with a bowl diameter of 2 3/8" and a foot diameter of 2 3/4".

Note: Because of the extreme closeups of the photos...

A very good antique English enamel twist wine glass, having a round funnel bowl with a fluted lower half. The stem contains a single series opaque twist with a pair of spiral gauzes. Conical foot with snapped pontil.

No condition issues, and the glass is 5 7/16" in height, with a bowl diameter of 2" and a foot diameter of 2 9/16".

Note: Because of the extreme closeups of the photos, and the non-ideal lighting conditions, there might appear to be spots, discolorations, or hazes in the glass, ...

A beautiful polychrome Lowestoft creamer, of the Chelsea Ewer, or Dolphin Ewer, form, in a highly desirable small size. The body is molded and painted, in the style of the "Tulip Painter", with a variety of leaves and flowers in bright, vibrant colors.

Superb condition, with no chips, cracks, restoration, or paint loss. The length, from spout tip to the end of the handle, is 3 3/4", the height is 3", and the width is 2".

A beautiful and uncommon Derby basket-molded stand, or undertray, with a scalloped rim and a basket-weave border, The center is painted with fruit in shades of yellow, iron-red, puce, green, and brown. Surrounding the center, and on the border, are insects painted in a variety of colors. The underside of the stand has 5 patch marks.

Frequently, when referring to Derby, the literature, or catalogs, have references to "the moth painter," or the "principal fruit painter," or the like. In realit...

A beautifully executed oil on canvas painting by George Harland, a noted British artist. The scene depicts a man returning in a rowboat at dusk. It combines elements of luminism and impressionism, and was done when both of those styles were in fashion. Harland was a highly thought of painter and was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London in 1907.

The painting is in excellent condition, with no impainting or restoration. The superb, elaborate yet elegant, frame, which has some very minor rest...

A nice Bow patty pan of tapered form with a ridged lip. Painted in a bright blue with flowers and leaves, the exterior with three twig motifs.

Excellent condition, with no problems. 3 7/8" diameter at the top, 2 3/16" at the foot. 1 5/16" in height.

A fine watercolor folksy miniature portrait painting. The sitter is a nice looking young gentleman dressed in a black coat, patterned white vest, white shirt with stud, and a black stock tie. Housed in its original red leather travel case.

Excellent condition, with no cracks, bowing, or other problems. The sight size is 2 5/8" by 2".

An uncommon English firing dram glass with an ogee bowl, c 1765, made of lead metal. The stem is of the double series opaque twist type (DSOT) and is comprised of a pair of 6-ply spiral bands outside of a pair of spiral tapes. The terraced foot is highly desirable and sought after by collectors. Snapped pontil.

The height is 3 13/16", with a bowl diameter of 2" and a foot diameter of 2 5/8".

Note: Because of the extreme closeups of the photos, and the non-ideal lighting conditions,...

A very nice English Georgian wine glass with a round funnel bowl, the lower half being molded with flutes. The stem is of the double series opaque twist type (DSOT) and is comprised of a pair of multi-ply corkscrews outside of a pair of spiral threads. Conical foot with a snapped pontil.

Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. Good color, striations, and tool marks. Normal and expected wear to foot. The height is 5 5/8", with a bowl diameter of 2" and a foot diameter of 2 7/1...

A lovely and rare Chaffers Liverpool porcelain miniature tea bowl, hand painted with three sprigs of flowers, the interior with a pair of leaves, the rim painted with a puce color. Condition is excellent, with no chips, cracks, or restoration. The enameling is vibrant with no loss. Apparent losses in some spots are due to lighting in the photos, and are not present in person. The height is 1" and the top diameter is 1 5/8".

A rare and fine early English Derby porcelain miniature tea bowl and saucer, painted with roses and other flower sprigs, the rims of both in puce. Overall excellent condition, with good colors and paint integrity, no cracks or restoration, and only a tiny chip to the footrim of the bowl. The height of the bowl is 1", with a top diameter of 1 5/8". The saucer is 2 1/2" in diameter.

A beautiful and very early 18th century bizarre silk fragment, from a chausable of the period. Vegetal and flower motifs in polychrome silk, silver and gold thread on a salmon ground, the entire piece mounted on cotton. Excellent overall condition, with some expected oxidation of the metallic threads. The panel itself is 28" in length, and 9 3/4" at its widest. The mounted size is 30 1/4" by 11 1/4".

Note: Bizarre silks are a style of figured silk fabrics popular in Europe in the late 17th a...

An unusual foil, or tinsel, painting depicting two birds hovering over a large flowering plant. The painting is done basically in tones of taupe and green. The frame is period and is most likely original. The back is sealed with paper that appears to have been a student's calligraphy practice.

Condition is very good, with some very minor paint separation at some points on the edges. The grayish areas in the painting are shadows from when the photograph was taken. The sight size is 15 1/2" ...

A fine and completely fitted English rosewood lap desk, or travelling desk. The top plaque and keyhole escutcheon are mother-of pearl. The interior has two silver covered glass sander jars (minor dents), two glass inkwells, three compartments with wood covers, a leather blotter, and a velvet pad. All these are in a lift out tray. There is a drop down leather writing surface. Everything appears to be original.

The desk is in overall excellent condition, with dimensions of 11" long by 7 3/4" de...

A playing card game box of coromandel wood, with mother-of-pearl plaque on the top and keyhole escutcheon. The interior has a silk lined lid, and is divided into 5 sections, three of which contain 5 or 6 old decks of playing cards made by the Goodall Company, one section containing 4 Bezique registers made by Goodall, 4 whist markers made by De La Rue & Co., and a small booklet on how to play Bezique. The fifth section has two scoring pegs and an old newspaper article on playing Bezique.

The b...

An American miniature portrait painting, on natural organic material, of an older woman, unusual in that the subject is directly facing the viewer, and her image fills practically the entirety of the painting. The sitter has brown eyes, brown hair done in sausage curls, and is wearing a white lace cap and ruffled collar.

The artist was clearly well trained, and chose an overall palette of muted somber tones to emphasize that this was not just a pretty picture of a client, but was a character...

A fine American miniature painting on natural wafer of a hazel-eyed woman, dressed in a white bonnet and fichu. Original locket gilt metal case has a plait of hair in the aperture on the back of the case.

Superb condition with no problems. The locket is 2 3/8" by 2", and the sight size of this little gem is 2 1/4" by 1 7/8".

An extremely rare and striking Derby chocolate cup and saucer of very unusual form. The bell-shaped cup has an undulating rim and a flat ear-shaped pierced handle. It is painted in famille verte enamels with leaves and flowers positioned in compartments bordered in an iron red. The saucer is decorated in a similar fashion.

As rare as the cup is, according to several sources the saucer is much more so, and has rarely been offered at auction. A cup alone has appeared a very few times in the la...

A nice miniature painting done by Christopher Greiner. The sitter is a gentleman in a black coat and tie, but Greiner emphasized the somber feel of the painting by using a background of black and dark green.

The painting has no condition flaws, and is housed in a cast foliate pendant case with hair in the glazed aperture on the back. The size is 2 1/2" by 1 3/4".

Note: Not much seems to be known about Christopher (or Christian) Greiner (died 1864), other than that he was a painter and min...

A very fine miniature bust length silhouette on natural organic material by John Miers. The piece is signed along the left side of the bust line. As is usual with his best examples, this painting shows very finely executed bronzed work. The interior of the top is glazed with a hairwork enclosed. Sight size is 1 1/8" by 7/8", and the locket size is 1 1/4" by 1".

Both the miniature and the locket are in excellent condition, with no issues.

NOTE: The following are excerpts from two reference w...

A fine miniature portrait painting, on natural organic material, attributed, by two experts, to Joseph Saunders. The sitter is a young boy dressed in blue garb with gray trim. Condition is excellent, with no issues. The piece is actually much better in person than the photos indicate. Sight size is 2" by 1 1/2", while the frame (newer) is 3 1/4" by 2 3/4".

NOTE:Joseph Saunders (fl 1772-1811), considered to be a very fine artist, exhibited at the Free Society of Artists and the Society of Art...

A well painted miniature portrait on natural organic material of a sea captain, identified on the reverse as "Phillip…MHK Captain". The miniature is in very good condition, with no cracks, chips, bowing, or restoration. The period lacquered frame is missing its cover glass, easy enough to replace. Sight size is 2 7/8" by 2 3/8", and the frame size is 5 1/8" by 4 3/8".

A well painted miniature painting, on natural organic material, by Theodore V. Peticolas. The sitter, from Cincinnati, is a handsome young man in a black coat with a white shirt and a stickpin. This painting was part of a pair belonging to the family, the other one of which was signed and dated by Peticolas. The beautiful gilt brass repousse frame is somewhat earlier, being from c1830.

The miniature is in fine condition, with no chips, cracks or bowing. There has been some slight touchup to a...

A superb and beautiful Worcester porcelain Scratch Cross period (incised line on the underside of the base) sauce boat moulded with rococo panels and cartouches formed of scrolling motifs. Both sides have a Long Eliza figure in a landscape beside a pine tree, while the interior has precious objects and flower sprays.

This fine example is in overall excellent condition, with no cracks, paint loss or restoration, and with vibrant enamels. Any apparent discolorations in the photos are due to ligh...

A fine and rare Dr. Wall First Period Worcester porcelain coffee can in the "Warbler" pattern. Painted in deep shades of blue, the can has a slightly flaring top and base, and a grooved handle. There is a workman's mark of "7" on the bottom.

Superb condition, with no cracks, chips, restoration or paint loss. This pattern is very often blurred, sometimes quite badly. This example has only a faint and small amount of blurring in areas. The height is 2 3/8" and the diameter is 2 1/8".

An extremely fine and beautiful Worcester mug or tankard of Scratch Cross type. The tankard, which has a grooved strap handle, flares, or spreads, toward the bottom, a shape which evolved from the silver form popular at the beginning of the 18th century.

Painted in a variety of colors with a standing Long Eliza figure, another figure seated at a table to her left, and a third figure and garden seat to her right. A tall gilded stand is behind the table. This pattern, taken from the Chinese, wa...

A finely done miniature portrait painting on naturalk organic material, depicting an handsome gentleman wearing a black coat, white shirt and collar, with a stickpin.

The painting is in superb condition, with no problems or restoration. It is housed in its original case of cast foliate brass with the reverse having a glazed aperture. The case and glass are also in excellent condition, though the reverse has several unimportant dents.

A superb and extremely large Chaffers Liverpool porcelain tankard with a slightly spreading base. Beautifully painted with a large bouquet of flowers on the side opposite the strapped handle, with 4 sprigs of different flowers placed, at a distance, at each of the four corners of the central painting, near where the handle joins the body of the piece.

The tankard is 5 5/8" tall, with a top diameter of 3 5/8" and a bottom diameter of 3 3/4". Condition is wonderful, with no cracks, chips, or res...

A nicely painted miniature portrait, on natural organic material, of a pretty young woman in a blue dress with a white fichu. Condition of the painting is excellent, with no problems. The glass in the rear aperture of the case is cracked. Overall size is 2 3/4" by 2 1/4".

A beautifully executed miniature portrait painting by Andrew Plimer, done on natural organic material. The sitter, an attractive woman with strong features, short curly chestnut hair, and gray eyes, is simply dressed in a white gown, and is shown against a beautiful blue sky and white cloud background. As is often the case with Plimer's miniatures at this period, it is somewhat idealized, and the strong nose and elongated neck are typical.

The miniature is in excellent condition, with no pr...

A striking and strongly limned Andrew Plimer miniature portrait of Edward Buller Hicks, of the Royal Navy. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1812, and this portrait was most likely done at that time. In a later ebonized wood frame which nicely complements the piece. Both the painting and the frame are in excellent condition with no issues. Sight size is 2 7/8" by 2", and the framed size is 6 3/4" by 5 3/4".

Provenance: Elle Shushan and then to a NY collector.

Notes: 1. Edward Buller Hicks wa...

A Bow porcelain factory wine coaster of deep circular form. This elegant and pleasing form, although it is very rarely seen, is also described as a potted meat dish. Painted in shades of blue with vignettes of oriental symbols and the "Koto Player" in a landscape, the interior also painted with a scroll. Retains labels from Klaber & Klaber and the Barbara Leake Collection.

Overall condition is quite good, with some minor scattered kiln speckling and a little slight blurring to one wavy line (s...

A fine Lowestoft patty pan, of the large size, painted in blue and white, the interior with a large central moth or butterfly, and floral sprigs. The exterior with flower sprigs. Crisp painting, and excellent condition with no issues. The diameter is 4 1/8", and the depth is 1 3/8". Painter's mark #3 on the base. Ex Kleinman collection.

A beautiful and finely painted Chelsea dish of interesting shape, displaying butterflies, fruit, and foliage. The molded rim is decorated with puce and green. The reverse has a puce anchor mark.

The dish is 10 1/2" in length and 7 1/2" at its widest. Superb condition with no chips, cracks, or restoration. The paint is crisp and vibrant, without losses.

An elegant form Chaffers Liverpool porcelain coffee can, decorated with a landscape scene, the interior rim bordered.

The can is 2 9/16" in height, and 2 3/16" in diameter. Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or restoration, although the painting is blurred, but not to the extent shown in the photos.

An extremely rare and early Worcester bowl, c 1752-3, with an elaborate landscape painted in the Chinese style. Central to the scene is a pavilion on an island among formal trees, flanked by a hut on a short jetty. Continuing the scene on that side are mountains in the distance, and a rocky island with trees in the foreground. To the right of the central pavilion scene is a rocky mountain with trees. There is an empty sampan on the reverse, and yet another treed island with mountains in the int...

A finely painted miniature portrait, watercolor on natural wafer, of an attractive young woman. She is wearing a black dress, a white and pink fichu with a brooch, and a lace collar.Original case with a glazed aperture on the reverse. This fine example was part of the well-known sale of the Paul and Barbara Carpenter collection.

The sight size is 2 3/8" by 2".Aside from a small chip to the edge of the cover glass, the condition of the painting and case is excellent, with no issues. The white f...

A fine and relatively early example of the popular Prunus Root pattern done by Worcester between 1752 and 1770.Hand painted in blue and white, with a workman's mark on the bottom.

The bowl is in excellent condition, with no cracks, restoration, or paint loss. 4 3/4" in diameter, and 2" in height.

A charming and early Derby diminutive basket form sweetmeat, with delightful floral painting by the Cotton Stem Painter. This form, which is uncommon in blue and white, is almost unheard of in polychrome, with virtually no examples having been offered at auction in the last 10 years. An example is shown as illustration 44 in Gillespy's book on Derby Porcelain.

In overall very good condition, with a very old repair to one of the handles. The basket is 3 1/2" in length, 2 1/2" in width, and 1 3...

A beautifully painted and gilded English jug, probably Minton, of large size. Done in shades of blue, greens, and reds, it depicts a large lotus tree on one side, and foliage and flowers throughout. The main items in the painting are outlined with gilding, which is also prominent of the handle and spout.

Condition is superb, looking factory fresh, with no cracks, chips, restoration, or paint or gilding loss. There is a pattern number on the bottom. Height is 7" and the widest part of this pie...