This collection of brass buttons, worn by early mail carriers, features a horse and rider in full gallop, with a mail sack behind the rider, inscribed "U.S.A. P.O.D". The first official uniforms for the Post Office were designated in 1868, and five buttons of this type were on the jacket. The design changed in 1893 to a walking mail carrier, holding a letter in his outstretched hand. This group contains 11 buttons with the early horse and rider, and one button with the walking mailman...

Manufactured by the German company Kayserzinn, this large and beautiful three handled vase measures 10' high, and 5 5/8'diameter at the top (each handle extends out another 1 1/2"). Of soft pewter, it has a very satiny patina, with some light abrasions and "tarnish". It is marked on the base with the Kayserzinn hallmark, and is numbered #4474...

Measuring 10 3/4" high and 4 1/2" in diameter at the base, this elegant cut crystal candlestick features a triangular, obelisk stem, with horizontal and x shaped cutting on the edges that create a lovely pattern through the flat surfaces on the opposite side. The top is cut in a hexagonal shape and there is a large sunburst pattern on the base. Excellent condition, only very slight wear to base...

Of high quality cut crystal, this candlestick features an interior tear drop in a hexagonal stem which continues into the top. Each edge of the stem is cut in alternating ovals and diamonds, and the base is cut with an elaborate star pattern. Unsigned, it measures 9 1/4" high, and the base is 4 1/2" in diameter. With very slight wear to the base, it is in perfect condition, with no chips, cracks or abrasions...

Of heavy, hand worked bronze, with a copper finish, this door knocker is made in Jugendstil design, also referred to as Secessionist design, developing in Europe, primarily Germany and Austria in the late 1800's. The style was simple and functional in form, having natural and geometric forms as the basis of design, eschewing the excesses of Art Nouveau and Victorian era elaborate works. Not signed by the maker, it is stamped Ges. Gesch. which indicates that the design is protected by copyright...

Measuring just over 16" high, this hot water urn is Sheffield plate, or silver over copper, with ebony finial and spigot handle, and the legs and spigot are brass. With beautiful looped handles and tapered fluted legs on paw feet, this urn is classic in form and design. Repousse floral garlands surround the urn and the base is quatrefoil in shape over ball feet. With loss to the silver and some spots of tarnish, it shows signs of wear, but is all original and intact...

Of exceptionally large size (16" by 10 1/2" wide by 7" high), this beautiful Monteith or Jardiniere by the Marseilles factory of Veuve Perrin dates to the mid to late 18th century and is in very fine condition. Decorated in typical 18th century hues of magenta, rose, yellow, green, and pale blue on a creamy background, with gilding on the handles and top edge, it is both dramatic and rich in detail...

Early works by the renowned Norwegian Silversmith, David Anderson, this set of silver plique-a-jour spoons include six demitasse or tea spoons, and a sugar or caddy spoon. All were originally vermeil, or gilt, but some of this finish is worn, as is visible in the photos. They all have the early trident mark, and the silver standard of 925, along with a small and unclear mark that may be an export or assay stamp...

A rare form, and with exquisite guilloche enamel work, this Swiss made clock by Eterna is sterling silver with vermeil finish. The case measures 6 1/2", not including stem and hanging loop (7 1/2") and is 2 3/4" wide. Of very heavy silver, with a twisted ribbon design around the sides, the front is beautifully decorated with soft blue enamel, engine turning designs, and bouquets of pink roses, daisies, other blossoms and leaves...

The largest seed pod in the world, the Coco de Mer (Lodoicea Maldivia) is found only on two islands in the Seychelles, though originally grew on the other three islands of this chain as well. It has been a natural history treasure since first discovered during the Renaissance, originally by mariners, who believed that it grew on mysterious trees under the sea and the pods floated to the surface when ripe. Now very rare, the seeds are protected and very few are available for sale...

The larger coin spoon measures 3 3/4" long and is by Palmer and Bachelders, working in Boston, 1856, with slight dents in bowl, priced at $45. The smaller spoon, measuring 3", with slight bend in handle, is by E. Benjamin, New Haven CT, 1830-1840, and is also priced at $45.