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 ...

Superb and extremely rare silverplated cocktail shaker in the "Ile de France" pattern by Meriden Britannia Plate Co. This is one of the most desirable of the high style Art Deco shakers. The ocean liner "Ile de France" was launched in 1926--not as the largest ship afloat, but intentionally as the most elegant ship in the world. This shaker was intended to celebrate that achievement and took its streamlined design elements from the ship itself. The pour spout protrudes from the side of the sh...

A wonderful and extremely rare enameled glass beaker bearing the portrait of Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna on the occasion of her visit to Paris in 1896. Alexandra accompanied her husband, Czar Nicholas II to dedicate the Pont Alexandre III across the Seine. Alexandra is wearing the traditional kokoshnik, a veil, long strands of pearls and a white gown. The portrait is surrounded by gilt lettering, "Souvenir Octobre 1896/Impératrice Alexandra Féodorovna". A matching glass with the Czar's po...

This is an extremely rare spear point crafted from pottery and dating at least to the Han period of ancient China (circa 200 BC). It could be older than that but I am having difficulty locating references on these items. Stylistically the piece is likely from one of the minority cultures in Southeast Asian and the only other ones I have seen were attributed to the Dong Son. An interesting attribute of these pottery points is that when suspended from a string they make a very melodic tone when st...

A pair of rare 19th C Chinese hand carved hardwood, possibly Hong Mu wood, Scholars desk trays in a large lily pad leaf design with flower heads. Each being slightly different, one has a bird’s head and the other a nice protruding stem between the flower heads, they were made to be displayed together. These were finished with a mix of beeswax and a few other natural concoctions the Chinese used to seal the finish and give it a great mellow sheen. The beauty of the surfaces is that wheneve...

A large and rare, early 19th C Gathering Basket from North Carolina of rectangle shape with 2 steamed and bent handles. In great condition, it is very tightly woven with a double wrapped rim. Basket is coated with cream colored paint, probably milk paint. Wood is unknown, possibly split oak. From the private collection of an appraiser of Early Americana. Measures 28" long, 16" wide, 12" high. Note: Basket depth measures 10", with handles 12".

A Chinese jade vase, carved in the form of a tall thin finger citron. The stone is of very pale hue close to the colour of the pictures, the body is thinly rendered and the exterior well detailed. It comes with its own custom made wood stand. Age: 18/19 C. size: 10 cm high. condition: very good, no breaks , no restoration.

A Chelsea ecuelle and cover, fulsomely painted with fancy and aquatic birds. Applied flowers and leaves decorate the bases of the twig handles, while the uncommon (but original) knop on the lid is a beautiful flower painted in three colors. The ecuelle's interior features a large convolvulus spray.

The condition of this gem is superb, with bright colors and no missing paint. There is a very small spot of high quality and invisible restoration to the bottom of the knop's stem, where it meets t...

Large early Republic Chinese cloisonne lidded box on stand that could have graced a scholar’s desk. On each side is a 5 toed Imperial yellow dragon with the dragon on the lid chasing the flaming pearl of wisdom; all against a dark sky blue ground, the contrasting yellow stand really makes this piece stand out. The metal and wires are bronze gilt over copper. In excellent condition it measures 13.5" wide x 7" deep x 8.75" high

A well-hollowed Chinese snuff bottle carved from bright celadon jade. The stopper is made from a green stone with a bone spoon. The bottle needs standing help. Condition: few traces of usage. Dimension: c. 6.7 cm high.

Offered here is a rare piece of Cambridge Cleo. This is the #617 cigarette jar and dates prior to 1930. (It's shown in the 1927-9 catalog reprint.) The jar has a light paneled optic within the glass and stands approximately 4 inches high. Excellent condition on this rare and unusual Cambridge Cleo item.

A Fine And Rare Khmer bronze figure of Hevajra, Angkor Baphuon Period 11th Century. Standing in Paryankasana with his sixteen arms radiating around his body and formely the hands holding separate casted attributes. Wearing vertical striated sampot secured by a belt and with long fish tail shaped flange falling between his legs. The reverse with butterfly shaped element, bejewelled, his head with nine faces with incised ridged eyebrows set above incised almond shaped eyes, broad noses, pouti...

A very rare well-potted and painted 8.25" Ko-Imari model of a standing boy reaching into an urn. The boy's face is painted with black hair and features a gilt head band. Both his robe and the urn are painted in blue, orange and iron red.

Condition: Excellent, with no chips, hairlines or repairs.

UNITED STATES WATCH Co. Marion Watch Co. Marion New Jersey 1865 – 1877

The United States Watch Company was chartered in 1865, and the factory building was started in August 1865 and was completed in 1866. The first watch, called “The Frederic Atherton” was not put on the market until March, 1867. It was Americas first mass produced stem wind watch. The first Grade was 18s, 19 Jewels, full plate and a gilt finish movement. A distinctive feature of the company’s full plat...

A superb oil on canvas American folk art painting depicting a man orating about temperance. He is standing beneath trees which are arching to almost form a bower over him. A courting couple is on either side of him, with a church in the background. The symbolism of the couples probably reflects the belief that marital and family relations improve in temperance households. Note also that the orator is holding a bottle in his left hand, probably just after having poured the contents on the ground...

This banneret weather vane, found in upstate New York, is constructed of sheet and wrought iron, and has an incredible presence and visual impact. Featuring a flag with a central cut-out, scrollwork on either side of the flag, and an ornate three dimensional flower blossom at the end, it exemplifies the whimsy that one looks for in great items of folk art.

The vane has a wonderful weathered and rough brown surface, and is in overall excellent condition. It is 37 inches long, 15 inches ta...

A pair small Chinese porcelain jars with lids, each decorated with two foo dogs among peony flowers and scrolls in the "wucai" palette with underglaze blue. Bases without glaze. Rare to find a pair with matching lids and with so fresh colors. Including two later reticulated wooden stands. Dimension with lid: 14.3 cm high, on stand: 17.3 cm high. Condition: one cover with glued area and rim chips. One jarlet with minor kiln dust and the other jar with negligible rim fritting. The wood stands with...

Antique Tibetan Thangka representing Four Hands CHENREZIG, Tibetan Buddha of Compassion, standing in a mountainous landscape and surrounded by deities including Taras.
Pigments on canvas. Very good condition. End of 19th C. 75 x 52 cms.