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Antiques (76)
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Rare and Ingenious VICTORY Shoe Clips Dated 1919
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Clips:
Pre 1920 item# 1114001
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$95. (Free U.S. Shipping
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Treasured by a lady who kicked up her heels celebrating the end of World War I, these VICTORY brand antique shoe buckles are truly fascinating pieces of the past. Being marked PAT 12/23/19 (presumably for their clever fastening mechanism), they're precisely dated to the transitional decade between Edwardian and Art Deco times (1910-1920). What came to be known as Deco design was gradually coming to the fore then, replacing organic curves with sleek geometry. Disparate design currents often intersected in this period. Here, the use of white metal and airy openwork are typically Edwardian, while the stylized bow motif anticipates Art Deco and its hammered texture evokes Arts and Crafts. And then we have borders embossed to resemble cut steel, which conjure up 19th century Victoriana -- as do the clips' large scale and black velvet lining (backed by beige twill).
Absolutely everything is going on style-wise -- besides which the fasteners are amazing! I finally figured out that you slide them down to make the clamps open; slide them back up the central post and they close resolutely on the shoes.
The clips measure 2.5 inches wide and 1.5 inches tall. Their condition is very good, with just a little lining lost, and provenance is a New Jersey estate.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Fine Art Deco Shoeclips with Repoussé Beading
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Clips:
Pre 1930 item# 1113969
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$55 SALE. Were $85.
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Everything about these antique shoe clips says quality. They just don't make them like this anymore. The repoussé metalwork, formed to resemble cut steel, is so finely finished that the front surfaces feel silky -- and the backs actually have liners covered with silky fabric, as well as wonderfully sturdy clamps.
Despite their size -- a fairly gigantic 2.25 x 1.5 inches -- these clips can be worn as well by day as in the evening. They have an understated elegance, based on the orderly geometric embossing and their subtle pewter-like color.
Loads of life is left in these beauties. Other than minor age-appropriate wear to the fabric, the only flaw I can find is that the liners are a little loose (easily corrected with a bit of glue, if it bothers you). Probable dating would be early in the Art Deco period (1920-1925), since these bear a strong likeness to Edwardian shoe buckles.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping (with an equivalent discount on international delivery). Beautiful gift-wrap is also free on request and, obviously, this would be a very romantic present. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Spectacular Art Deco Egyptian Revival Earrings
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Bakelite:
Pre 1940 item# 1113922
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$95 SALE. Were $115.
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Exceptional for their lavish detail and elegant gray-on-black coloration, these earrings are wonderfully dimensional, too. Notice how the lacy incised pattern of the carapace continues around all four sides of each chunky scarab. The silver metal overlays also wrap the earrings' tops. These are the torchlike lotus forms so typical of Egyptian design, here textured with tiny faux-marcasites and set with pretty faceted rhinestones (four per earring). The stones are obviously original, because their sparkle is far more subtle than today's glass.
For dating, the early clip backs suggest the end of the Art Deco era (circa 1935), but they could be older, since fasteners are easy to change. Whether from the late 1920s -- when discovery of Tut's tomb touched off a craze for all things Egyptian -- or the early 1930s, they're already antique by American 75-year standards. Their condition, as you see, is marvelous, with a surface that gleams both front and back.
Size is approximately 1 inch tall, .75 inch wide and .25 inch thick; provenance is a Pennsylvania estate; and the material is a sturdy plastic with good heft (Bakelite or similar, nothing flimsy). Black Bakelite often doesn't test positive, so I didn't want to risk this lovely finish by applying chemicals.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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1890s Art Nouveau Lady Portrait Buckle, Clasp or Choker
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1900 item# 1113820
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$195 SALE. Was $245. (Free U.S. Priority Shipping
& Gift-Wrap if Desired)
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This antique Victorian Art Nouveau buckle from a Philadelphia estate is one of the most remarkable I've ever seen -- not only drop-dead gorgeous, but in pristine condition after more than 100 years. It can be precisely dated to the 1890s from its patent mark: May 22, 94 (no doubt referring to the latch mechanism).
Apart from traces of age patina that remain in crevices after a prior owner polished it, this incredible jewel is like new. Of gilt copper, with its gilding still bright even on the reverse, it's worked in repoussé for exquisite dimensionality. Size is quite large: about 3 inches wide by 2 5/16 inches tall.
As you know if you collect Art Nouveau, authentic "lady portrait" pieces have become extremely hard to find and, accordingly, are soaring in value. You simply can't go wrong with an investment jewel like this.
To wear it, you can stitch it easily to any sash or scarf -- or to a wide ribbon as the centerpiece of a choker necklace. It could also be worn beautifully as a cape clasp.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Lovely Antique Art Nouveau Lady Portrait Brooch c 1890s
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Silver:
Art Nouveau:
Pre 1910 item# 1113816
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$195 SALE. Was $245.
(Free U.S. Priority Shipping
& Gift-Wrap if Desired)
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Authentic Victorian Art Nouveau "lady portrait" jewels have become so scarce that even well-made replicas are soaring in value, so we're delighted to present this treasure. It's an unusual example of the form, being crafted in heart shape.
This is a truly spectacular jewel -- highly dimensional, large (about 2 inches x 1.75 inches) and beautifully detailed with floral and foliate shapes surrounding the lady with the flowing hair.
Provenance is a Michigan estate and condition, as you see, is remarkably fine. There's some loss of silver on the high points, which is inevitable with a plated piece after so long. You could of course have it replated, but the color variation has its own charm. Findings are correct for the period: an open C clasp and typical late 19th century hinge. The pinstem would originally have been longer, but most have been shortened through the years for safety's sake.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping (with an equivalent discount on international delivery). Beautiful gift-wrap is also free on request and, obviously, this would be a very romantic present. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Rare Modernist Peridot Earrings by Dodds c 1950
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Designer:
Pre 1960 item# 1113738
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$90 SALE. Was $120.
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& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
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Dodds jewelry is collectible for scarcity, as well as quality. It's in short supply, because the company operated for little more than a decade, mainly during the 1950s. The brand was known for fashion-forward design, fine craftsmanship and superior materials, sometimes including semi-precious stones.
These wonderfully dimensional earrings capture the Dodds look to perfection, with stylized leaf shapes so graceful that they suggest a breeze is blowing through their cutouts -- and, yes, those are chunks of real peridot sprinkled all over them! Mid-century discoveries in Brazil made peridots more affordable and their fresh apple green color tempted people eager to pamper themselves after the privations of the Depression and World War II. Adding still more texture and opulence, rows of faux pearls stud the leaves' stems like dewdrops.
The shimmering white metal mounts and clips are most likely of rhodium or chromium, both members of the hard-wearing platinum family.
As you see, these beauties are in superb condition; it takes high magnification to notice the very slight age-appropriate wear. They measure about an inch wide and a bit more than an inch long. Making them extra-special, the Dodds signature is quite clear. Dodds pieces weren't always signed and the mark, when present, isn't always legible.
Around 60 years old now, these will be antique before much longer, by American 75-year standards. So this is the time to get serious about collecting treasures from the 1950s, if you haven't already.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Agate Silver Ring by Clark and Coombs c1900 His or Hers
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Silver:
Arts and Crafts:
Pre 1910 item# 1113588
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$195 SALE. Was $245.
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This spectacular antique ring features a beautifully translucent large cabochon of dendritic agate -- the type with dark inclusions resembling ice crystal, also called mocha stone. It's collet-set in a sleek Arts & Crafts mounting of sterling silver that will please either a gentleman or a lady who favors bold forms. The ring's face is large, but not overpowering (not quite 3/4" tall)and stylized decorations on each side show the slight variations that demonstrate hand-craftsmanship.
These so-called "fancy" agates were highly prized in Late Victorian and Edwardian times. They suited the taste for unusual gems that we see in both Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts jewelry, along with their emphasis on artistic design and meticulous workmanship. The new ideal was for everything to be special and unique in some ways, as opposed to the mass-produced goods of the Industrial Revolution. Ultimately this worthy movement died of its own good taste. The insistence on ultra-fine fabrication priced most people out of the market.
The maker in the present instance, Clark & Coombs of Providence, R.I., is a perfect illustration of that. Established in 1862, C & C had a national reputation for gold and silver rings by the early 20th century and tried to carry on without further mechanization, but was unable to compete effectively. Although the firm still exists, it was taken over by new management and modernized for greater output after World War II.
It's wonderful when we find an example of their exquisite early creations. Most likely this ring dates from between 1900 and 1910. While the basic shape of the setting was used in the 19th century, the very clean lines of its ornamentation anticipate Art Deco, which began to evolve after the turn of the century. Its interior bears a "Sterling" hallmark and the C&C stamp used until 1915 (two Cs in triangles around a stylized ampersand tilting right).
Based on all these facts, it really isn't stretching a point to say that this ring has historical importance. It's also distinguished by being in near-mint condition, despite great age. Provenance is a Pacific Northwest estate and the current size, about a U.S. 8 - 8.5, can be easily altered, since the back of the shank is plain.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Pretty Vintage Carved Shell Cameo Earrings
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1940 item# 1113583
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$65 SALE. Were $95.
(Free US Shipping
& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
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Shell cameos, like pearls, are classics that always look elegant. If you collect vintage and antique examples, you know how much harder it is to find cameo earrings than brooches, necklaces and rings. Thus, we're fortunate in being able to offer these.
Every real cameo -- being hand-carved, not molded -- is one of a kind, so those set in any pair of earrings can vary substantially in form, color and even age. The cost for earrings rises tremendously, if both were made by the same craftsman from the same shell, with portraits that resemble each other. Here the cameos do show differences. One shell has a more intense background color than the other and our ladies are clearly not twins. Based on their hairstyles and the style of carving, they were probably produced a generation apart. Notice the curly flapper bob on the gal at right, while the one at left has her long hair swept back in the Late Victorian manner. It's fun to think of them as family, the elder pictured in youth during the 1880s or 1890s and her daughter or niece in the 1920s.
The oval rope-twist mountings of gilt brass have a Victorian look and screw backs of the sort favored by Edwardians, but most likely they're later than either cameo, dating from the 1930s or thereabouts. Measuring approximately 3/4" x 5/8", they fit both cameos well and the backs are open, as they should be to let light pass through the shells.
Condition of the cameos and metalwork is so good that they can't have been worn much. Provenance of the pair is a California estate. We're calling them vintage and pricing them accordingly, because the mounts seem a little too recent for antique designation. Both cameos, however, are antique by American 75-year standards
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping (with an equivalent discount on international delivery) and gift-wrap is always free on request. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos of this and/or our other cameo items. Thanks for looking!
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Tall Antique Art Nouveau Jardiniere Centerpiece 1890s
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Decorative Art:
Metals:
Copper:
Pre 1910 item# 1113531
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$685 SALE. Was $775.
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This exquisite and highy unusual Late Victorian centerpiece consists of an elaborately hand-hammered copper urn with brass embellishments and an ornate brass stand. Together they rise to a height of 14 inches and the urn is 11 inches wide at the top of its graceful handles (slightly wider just below). The set was acquired in England and most likely produced there. Dating would be 1890s, since the exuberant "Gay Nineties" look is very obvious.
While the curvy forms are typically Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts influence is also strongly evident -- especially in such details as the applied brass hearts on the urn and the stylized decorations around the base of the stand.
The urn has served as a vase and/or a planter, with the result that its interior gained a blue-green patina. A few inevitable dings are present, but nothing of real consequence. Overall condition is lovely. The metals are lacquered, so require no polishing to shine brightly -- so brightly, in fact, that they're almost impossible to photograph. (The urn mirrored everything around it; hence, the odd patches of blurred color, reflecting adjacent chairs and even myself in a black sweater.)
This is a most impressive ornament, which no doubt graced the center table around which guests in Victorian parlors circulated. It would be magnificent today on your foyer table or buffet.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. For this item, there will be no charge for delivery to any country where we ship and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Thanks for looking!
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Antique Art Deco Watch BELAIS 18k White Gold Sapphires
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Gold:
Deco:
Pre 1930 item# 1113520
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
505.205.1404
$1,100 SALE. Was $1,500.
(Free Insured Delivery Anywhere We Ship
& Gift-Wrap, if Desired)
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This breathtaking antique white gold watch from a Miami estate is an excellent example of why the Belais Brothers' work was so esteemed. For spectacular design, refined craftsmanship and the excellence of their patented white gold, they surpassed all others in the late 19th and early 20th century. Notice the rich detail of the case. Not just the front but also the sides and back are intricately ornamented.
This watch would be gorgeous, even without its vivid sapphire accents. With their added opulence, it's sheer dynamite. The stones may be natural or the Verneuil synthetics which appeared so often in fine jewelry of this era. They're cut in fancy shapes, not flat, and aren't abraded, which rules out glass. The hands on the watch are sapphire blue, too, as are the beautifully enameled numerals.
The case measures 16mm wide and 44mm from lug to lug and bears the initials of the original owner, CDC, on reverse. It contains a movement marked Perla Watch Co, which has 17 jewels and 2 adjustments, and was recently overhauled. Though the watch is in running condition now, we can't promise that a little tweaking won't be needed on arrival. Of course we'll pack with utmost care, but antique watches are temperamental about transport.
The jeweled filigree bracelet, a glorious color match both for metal and stones, is marked "Bates & B" for Bates and Bacon. Based in Attleborough, MA, the company operated from 1856 through the 1930s and was known for producing excellent gold and gold-filled jewelry. Other marks present are the brand-name "Clasper" and "Pat'd. 2-7-22". We didn't find a stamp for metal content, but slight surface wear suggests it's gold-filled. It doesn't have the hard white sheen of rhodium plating, nor the tarnish you'd expect of silver. The four sapphire blue stones here show some wear under high magnification, so are probably Czech crystals, but their dainty size makes them persuasive pretenders. The bracelet, which will unhook at either end, can be easily shortened from its present length of 6 inches. I expect a good jeweler could also find a way to lengthen it.
Both watch and bracelet date from early in the Art Deco era, based on the Edwardian delicacy of the filigree and engraving. The bracelet, like the watch, is beautifully detailed on the back and edges, as well as the front.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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