Elegant in its simplicity is this Scottish carpet bowling ball of lustrous lignum vitae. Originally made of stone, the bowls were replaced in the Seventeenth Century by ones in pottery or, much more rarely, in this tropical wood. This example is Nineteenth Century, manufactured in Glasgow by R. G. Lawrie and approved by the Scottish Carpet Bowling Association. It is approximately 3-3/4 inches in diameter and is decorated with six inlaid plugs of ivory.

A superb example of Art Nouveau organic form is this two-part glass vase, a tribute to Venice's ancient connection to the sea. A pair of "sea fronds" -- actually a linked tube of pink glass, pulled and formed -- rises to a height of 12-1/2 inches above their support of shaded red "coral." The vase is in mint condition and is approximately four inches at the widest point. Circa 1900.

A grand souvenir of Alaska’s Yukon gold rush is this whip or umbrella handle fashioned of handsomely figured fossil ivory and gold. Now fitted with a modern magnifying glass, it retains its high-purity gold ferule bordered with tiny gold nuggets and its 18-karat gold, square-end cap, engraved “EEP” in interlocked script. In excellent condition, the original part of this treasure measures about 11-3/4 inches long, 17-1/2 inches overall.

If this powerful figure,a fish with two riders, had a utilitarian purpose, it would have been as a handle for a needle-like point fitted into the mouth area. This is unlikely, however, as the two figures would impede ease of use. Siberia-Alaska Area (?)pre-Christian Era. Approximately 8-1/2 inches in length, 2-3/4 inches high and one inch deep.

A finely composed scene of flowers and a bird fill this superb Japanese porcelain charger. Dating from the third quarter of the Nineteenth Century, it is 16-1/4 inches in diameter. The condition is excellent.

Sophisticated and practical,this three-piece child's set of knife, fork and spoon expresses the essence of Danish modern style. Hallmarks indicate that they were made in Copenhagen 1938-1939. Knife is approximately seven inches long, the spoon and fork about six.

Just waiting for a length of silk ribbon is this handsome chrome-plated French buckle in blue champleve enamel set with crackled paste cabuchons. Fine wearable condition, circa 1930, approximately 2-1/4 inches by 1-3/4 inches.

Quite wearable -- if you have size 6-1/4 hands – is this pair of high-fashion 1930’s day gloves in finest kidskin. They are in perfect condition and were made in France by the noted firm of Perrin’s. Approximately 8-1/2 inches by 3-1/4 inches.

Elegantly simple, this little mug bears a finely chased and engraved shield with the monogram, "DAF," and the date of "11-25 '31'." It is in fine shape and is approximately 2-7/8 inches tall and four inches wide at the handle.

Weighing an impressive 24-1/2 pounds Troy, this five-piece tea and coffee service is stately but reserved. It was made for England's Goldsmiths' and Silversmiths' Company and bears the sterling hallmarks for London, 1934. A fifth, purely voluntary mark, the profiled heads of King George V and Queen Mary, pays tribute to the Jubilee Year. The tray, a hefty five pounds alone, is approximately 14 inches by 16-3/4inches...

This fine sterling silver letter-opener is marked, “Tiffany & Co. Makers,” with pattern and order numbers and the Old English “M” indicating it was made between 1907 and 1938. It is 7-1/4 inches long and 5/8 of an inch wide.

A good mark of a fine jewel is that the back is finished as properly as the front. This piece meets that criterion: its sculptural Art Nouveau gold-work is delightful from any angle. Sporting a fine cornflower blue sapphire, it is at once delicate and powerful. Fourteen karat. Circa 1900.