One can imagine the young Werner Scholz (1898-1982) being abraded by the instructor for painting the classroom instead of the nude model! This was before the artist lost his left arm in the First World War, a disaster that did not prevent him from becoming a prime figure in the German Post-Expressionist movement. After the war, the rise of National Socialism caused Scholz to flee his native country for Switzerland, where he continued his work to become an important artist...

The emblem of a Roman matron's social standing, the fibula was the circle pin of its day, and one to be handed down from mother to eldest daughter. In fact, one of the touching things to me is the sign of wear on the back of the piece. This bold example combines Roman solidarity with motifs associated with the Egyptian goddess Hathor. There is fine dark-green patina over all; the pin, almost always missing, has been skillfully replaced with a replica. Approximately 2-3/4 by 3 inches...

This coat of arms is particularly well painted in full colors and gilded highlights. Retaining its original gilt frame and hanging ring is this late Eighteenth Century watercolor and gouache hatchment, an armorial rendering used at a nobleman’s funeral in place of actual armaments. The grain and barrels depicted on this one suggest that they signified a “beer baron," a major new branch of the rich and honored of the early Machine Age...

Wonderfully sturdy but with a delicate air is this lovely chamberstick, French. mid-Eighteenth Century. The base and candle cup are almost identical to Figure C on page 205 of THE BRASS BOOK by Peter, Nancy and Herbert Schiffer (1978, Schiffer Publishing Ltd.), but the shell-decorated handle is pierced and counterbalanced with a finger hold underneath. Excellent condition, approximately 7-1/2 inches long by 3-1/4 inches wide and 1-3/4 inches high.

A rare example of Bristol glass of a fine, lustrous opaline color with a classic baluster urn shape and fine overall designs in gilt of cornucopiae, festoons,etc. Excellent condition, with only minimal wear to the gilding at the top of the finial. England, circa 1775. Approximately 11-3/4 inches tall by five inches in diameter at the largest part.

Perhaps originally mounted as a dressing table mirror or as an easel mirror, this carved and painted piece is approximately 16 inches and 17 inches wide. It is in excellent condition, with only a couple of chips.

With a chiseled design of prunus blossoms on a ground of cracked ice, symbols of spring, this gem bears the mark the silversmith, Luen Wo, and is in excellent condition. Approximately 4-1/4 inches tall and 2-3/4 inches in diameter.

In sixty years of collecting and dealing in antique coquille carvings, this is the most elaborate piece I have seen, a whistle in celebration of the newly established liberal laws of King Louis-Philippe, who described himself as “King of the French,” rather than “King of France.” A plaque inscribed “Loi de 1831” is guarded over by a seated lion, symbolizing royal authority...

Consisting of five elements -- deep warming base, pewter splash guard, primary dish, cover and detachable finial this impressive covered entree dish converts into two service dishes when required. The mechanically applied silver plate is original and shows the wear common to well-cared-for Sheffield plate. The applied cast sterling details and overlapping rims are in excellent condition. Sterling panels for engraving are inset on either side of the cover. Hallmarked with the hand symbol of J...

Bearing hallmarks that indicate it was made in London by Robert Swanson (entered around 1745), this unusually intricate decanter label is crowned with a cut-out and engraved topknot that suggests the three feathers of the Prince of Wales. Finely concave body and well-crafted silver chain and bezel. Finely-wrought hand-made silver chain.

Of solid cast silver the handles of these 7-inch-long shears have impressive heft. Blades are of surgical-quality close-plated steel. American, circa 1900. Please see related silver fruit basket 809080.

This finely made five-light wrought iron chandelier can be hung or used on a table, either indoors or out. It is boldly made, with skillful details, and is French, Nineteenth Century, in excellent condition. Approximately 26 inches tall and 22 inches in diameter.