Catalog (67)

A Very Good Still Life with Flowers Set Within a Marble Plinth, English School, 19th Century. Image size approximately 30 inches x 25 inches.

A very fine early 19th century oil on board by Henry James Richter (1772-1857), entitled "The New Gown," signed and dated "H. Richter 1823" lower right. Ornately detailed, and a very competently executed example of the realism of its era. Original period frame. Image size approximately 32 inches x 26 inches.

From our European Collection, a fine 18th century oil on canvas "Painting of a Gentleman," bust length in a brown coat, appears to be in the original period frame. Attributed to Thomas Hudson or Circle of Thomas Hudson (1701-1779).

Size and Condition: Framed dimensions approximately 40 inches tall by 35 inches wide, unframed image size is 30.5 x 25.5 inches. There is obvious and fairly extensive flaking to the gilded wood and gesso frame, notably along the bottom and right edge as seen...

From our European Collection, a very fine historical oil painting on canvas by Robert Alexander Hillingford (1828-1904) entitled "Charles X of Sweden after the Battle of Pultova." Signed lower right "R. Hillingford". Inscribed on the back on an old fragmented paper label as follows: "Charles X ** Sweden/after the B****e of Pultova/"Twas after dread Pultovas day"/"When fortune left the Royal Swede"/"The wounded Charles was forced to flee"/--------- Surrounded by the faithful few"/--------Let non...

From our European Collection, a very fine 19th century carved oak choir bench from Oxford. This piece is very well worked, with two finely executed ecclesiastical-themed carved panels backing each of the two seating compartments. The phrase "Fight The Good Fight" is carved on the uppermost cross panel.

Size and Condition: 64 inches wide,53 inches tall, 20 inches deep. This piece is very sturdy and sound. It does show its age however with various areas of rubbing and scuffing to the wood...

From our European Collection, a very fine original painting entitled "The Duet," by 19th century watercolor master George Goodwin (G.G.) Kilburne (1839-1924). We've seen a fair amount of Kilburne watercolors, as he was a pretty prolific artist of his day, but we think this is one of his better pieces. To paint as realistically as he does in just watercolor, as opposed to oil paint, is really a special talent all of its own. Signed lower right.

Size and Condition: Framed dimensions are...

From our European Collection, a very large and imposing set of Renaissance Revival Armchairs, 19th century. These are made of either mahogany or walnut, with carved lion head motifs on the armrests, carved claw feet, and carved griffon-like motifs on the upper back. It's hard to appreciate the scale of these chairs as we have nothing else in the background for size comparison, but they are VERY LARGE....of almost throne-chair-like dimensions, standing over 6 feet tall, and they make for a drama...

From our European Collection, a stunning 19th century oil on canvas vista of Interlaken Switzerland, by Danish landscape master August Fischer ((1854-1921). Signed and dated by the artist 1886, lower left.

Size and Condition: Framed dimensions are approximately 44 inches wide by 32 inches tall. Unframed dimensions are approximately 38.5 inches wide by 25.5 inches tall. Excellent condition: In-painting and touch-up on 19th century pieces is usually expected, but we don't actually see an...

From our European Collection, a very good 17th century Italian School oil on canvas, 'Ecce Homo.' An enduringly poignant and iconic image of Christ in Pathos and everything else that this represents, it needs no further elaboration from us.

Size and Condition: Framed dimensions, 31.5 x 25.5 inches; Unframed image size is 25.75 inches x 19.75 inches. The painting has crazing / craquelure consistent with its 17th century age. There is some paint flaking / paint loss towards the bottom, but...

From our European Collection, a very fine and large carved marble sculpture of a maiden, Italian, circa 1900. Artist unknown, but the work is very competently and fluidly executed, capturing a wonderful contemplative serenity and grace. This piece is already fairly large and dramatic at 40 inches tall, but when displayed on a proper sized pedestal stand providing it even further height, it will indeed be a strong and important focal point of any elegant interior.

Size and Condition: 40 ...

From our European Collection, a marvelous French Restoration Period (1814-1830)Gilt Bronze Figural Clock. The clock has a 3 inch diameter enamel Roman dial set within a milled bezel. It is signed Grivel a St. Marcelin. The movement is a brass twin train movement with silk suspension and outside counterwheel striking on a bell. The pendulum is present. The applied gilt bronze decoration consists of a young maiden and her companion in classical attire, playing the mandolin and flute respective...

From our European Collection, a good George III Mahogany Roll-Top Desk/Secretaire, late 18th century. With simple clean lines and an understated quiet elegance, it is very representative of its epoch and genre.

Size and Condition: Approximately 42 inches wide, 40.5 inches tall, 24 inches deep. Condition is generally very good, legs are very solid, the piece is strong and functional. Some general age-related scuffing and scratching, but all commensurate with age and use. The roll top sli...

From our European Collection, a very large and finely carved oak Prie Dieu, late 18th - early 19th century, probably Belgian/Flemish or possibly French. This Prie Dieu has a very well executed carved central panel, and is unusual for its size and overall workmanship. A dramatic statement piece for an elegant environment.

Size and Condition: 88 inches tall, 34 inches wide, 30 inches deep. There are random age related stress cracks and rubbing, but no significant losses. The piece shows its...

From our European Collection, a superbly carved 19th century marble bust of a beautiful young woman, intricately fashioned with wonderful detailing to her cameo necklace, her hair adornments, the fleur de lis motifs on her clothing, and so forth. Absolutely fabulous, this is a very high quality example executed with high refinement and realism.

Size and Condition: Height 22 inches, width 20 inches, depth 9.5 inches. There is some discoloration and random pitting to the marble commensu...

From our European Collection, a fine and quite large oil on canvas of a seated gentleman, by Ignaz Marcel Gaugengigl 1855-1932. The painting here signed but undated, but most likely 3rd quarter 19th century, and likely no later than 1920. The following information courtesy of Wikipedia:

Gaugengigl was a German-American painter and engraver who worked primarily in the United States. He specialized in portraits and historical paintings. His father (also named Ignaz) was a teacher w...

From our European Collection, a fine pair of Louis XVI style giltwood fauteuils a la reine (Queen's Armchairs), last quarter 19th century circa 1875-1895, constructed with a banded upholstered back surmounted by a carved and gilded laurel wreath above a guilloche (braided interlaced ribbon) banding, flanked on both sides by turret motif finials continuing to outset arms on reeded baluster supports, all above a newly upholstered in red fabric shaped seat, raised on tapering legs.

Size ...

From our European Collection, a large and very finely painted 19th century oil on canvas, English School, depicting Mary Queen of Scots bidding farewell to her followers on her way to the gallows in 1587.

Courtesy of Wikipedia: Mary, Queen of Scots (7 December 1542 – 8 February 1587), also known as Mary Stuart or Mary I of Scotland, was Queen of Scotland from 14 December 1542 to 24 July 1567 and Queen consort of France from 10 July 1559 to 5 December 1560.

Mary, the only surviving ...

From our European Collection, a very fine oil on canvas by British painter William Robert Symonds, signed and dated 1875. Symonds, who lived from 1851-1934, was a genre painter known for touching scenes of people and animals, and most often of small children in random snapshots of everyday life, where he captured well their innocence and curious musings. His works are carried by several UK- based institutions, most notably the Colchester and Ipswich museums, and in his day, he was often exhibit...

From our European Collection, an absolutely marvelous Victorian sterling silver two-handled oval serving platter by Mappin & Webb, London, 1897, fully marked, with superb chasing and casting featuring floral scrolls and phoenix, open-work gallery lions, basins and ancient mask heads, and with curled serpents for handles. An extraordinary tour de force in silver workmanship, definitely one of the finest trays of its type we have encountered in awhile.

Size and Condition: 30 inches wide a...

From our European Collection, a beautiful, large, and imposing Renaissance Revival gilt pier mirror, third quarter 19th century circa 1875-1895, ex-Bonhams. From the collection of the famed Harry Denton, San Francisco California.

Size and Condition: Height including support base 92 inches; width 52 inches. Superb condition, probably re-gilt. Currently on corporate loan to a private restaurant enterprise in San Antonio, Texas: Please inquire for availability.

From our European Collection, a stunning Napoleon III gilt bronze mounted boulle marquetry and ebonized "bureau en pente," or slope top writing desk, dating to the third quarter of the 19th century circa 1865-1885. This fantastic and nearly pristine example of boulle work features a rectangular top surmounted by a pierced brass gallery, set above a boulle inlaid slant front desk cover that opens to several drawers and pigeon holes above a larger scalloped drawer. This desk is raised upon gilt b...

From our European Collection, a very fine English oak refectory table, late 18th / early 19th century, hand-tooled from solid plank timbers and iron nails, using rustic style hand-carving for design motifs, and with crossbar support on the bottom. This piece has great natural patina to the wood that gives it wonderful character in addition to the charm of its obvious Olde Worlde masculine feel. An excellent example of this style of table making. Can be used as a dining table, work desk, display...

From our European Collection, a superb Empire style side-cabinet or "meuble-a-hauteur d'appui," 3rd quarter 19th century circa 1850-1875, constructed of richly finished mahogany surmounted by a white-veined, dark green marble top, and with a key-locked central door (with original key) which opens to interior shelving, all decorated with exquisite ormolu bronze / dore bronze castings which are an absolute tour de force in metalwork. Utterly spectacular, the metalwork itself is a masterpiece in i...

From our European Collection, a charming Rococo sofa, early 20th century circa 1900-1920, probably French, executed with lovely curvilinear lines true to the style, with hand-carved shell-shaped and floral motifs executed into the wood frame, and finished with an elegant but understated two-tone gold on gold damask fabric. The fabric is not original, but is quite likely a re-upholstery job from the 1950's or so, and has survived wonderfully since then. The sofa is structurally sound and fully f...

From our European Collection, a very fine and elegant Vernis Martin style corner display cabinet, late 19th/early 20th century, probably French. This piece features a three-quarter gallery with a red velvet lined interior (original interior), and inset on the top with a lovely piece of reddish brown marble (also original), nicely veined with whitish / cream colored striations. There is a top frieze applied with fine metalwork consisting of gilt-bronze / dore bronze tassels and foliate scrolls, ...

From our European Collection, a masterpiece by German genre realism painter Carl Johann Spielter (1851-1922), entitled "Sad News," painted in 1901. More information to follow: Size: Framed Size 60 inches wide x 48 inches tall.

From our European Collection, a very fine Napoleon III gilt bronze mounted lacquer side cabinet, late 19th century. Elegantly constructed with black lacquered wood, gilded bronze adornments along the top, side, and bottom friezes, and a wonderful central bronze plaque of frolicking cherubs, all surmounted by a veined off-white marble top that appears to be original. Comes with original functioning key.

Size and Condition" 41 inches in height, 34 inches in depth; 16inches in depth. Overa...

From our European Collection, a truly superb Victorian era marquetry inlaid credenza, late 19th century circa 1865-1890. This amazing example is a masterpiece of old world craftsmanship, intricately inlaid using at least 4 different types of wood, which we believe are most likely ebony, amboyna, tulipwood and fruitwood. The credenza features inlay to the side, top, and bottom friezes, as well as to the central door panel, all raised on a shaped plinth base, flanked by glass doors on either side,...

From our European Collection, a very large late 17th century / early 18th century oil on canvas painting believed to be titled "A Warning to the Wicked Ezekiel." This piece is obviously in relic condition with several notable tears, punctures, and heavy soiling both front and back. Please note that this piece is still currently under study and not fully researched, so we must refrain from posting pricing information at this time. As this piece is potentially significant, we have already put ou...

From our European Collection, a wonderful signed and dated (1860) oil on canvas entitled "The Offering" by British genre painting master John Bagnold Burgess (1830-1897). Burgess was a well -accomplished painter of the mid-late 19th century, regarded as highly in his own time, as he is nowadays. He was nominated to membership of the Royal Academy in 1889, where he had over 70 paintings displayed from about 1850 all the way through to his death in 1897. His works have been displayed at over 40 m...

From our European Collection, a beautiful mid-late 19th Century pastel under glass rendering of a young woman with a pensive gaze, flower in her hair, and time piece in hand, framed in a wonderful gilt-carved and gesso Period frame of the era, with very ornate ribboning at the top. Artist unknown and unsigned, but Continental School 19th century for certain.

Size and Condition: Framed dimensions are 38 inches tall by 31 inches wide, unframed image size is 26 inches tall by 22 inches wid...

From our European Collection, a very fine and elegant Victorian era marquetry inlaid credenza, late 19th century circa 1865-1890. This beautiful piece is dark walnut inlaid in stylized foliate strapwork design, using a softer and lighter colored wood for the inlay material that is most likely either tulipwood or fruitwood. The piece is adorned with wonderful gilt bronze castings on the columns and base area that are essentially artwork unto themselves. There is one central panel door (with orig...

From our European Collection, a lovely and substantially-sized 19th century nautical oil painting of ships in a European port, signed and dated S. Brade 1871. This painting is in excellent condition with only the typical fine craquelure expected in paintings of its age. UV light inspection suggests possible small random areas of touch-up to the sky, but otherwise this piece has survived well in fine original, essentially unrestored condition.

Provenance: De-accessioned from a Boston a...

From our European Collection, a very fine carved marble bust by Giovanni Maria Benzoni, signed and dated 1868. Benzoni (1809-1873) was a world renown Italian neo-classical sculptor. During his time, his works were commissioned by royalty such as The Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia, and interestingly, he enjoyed special patronage and appreciation in Ireland, where he executed several statues of The Virgin for Catholic churches there, and was one of the sculptors engaged to execute the bas-reliefs ...

From our European Collection, a very fine and large Victorian silver tea tray by W.W. Harrison (Sheffield) 1883. The tray is of oval shape with beaded borders and handles of acanthus leaf motifs. The interior field of the tray is very finely engraved and chased with a Greek key border framing a central design of floral swirls, with those floral swirls further encircling a central armorial crest for London's old Shaw family, with a motto in Latin that translates as "Know Thyself." (a very pithy...

From our European Collection, a fine late 19th-early 20th century carved marble bust of Madame Recamier, modeled after the original by Joseph Chinard circa 1801-02, which was previously on display at the Getty Center Los Angeles, where the museum description read as follows:

"Coyly looking down, Madame Recamier holds a veil across her chest. The sheath both demurely conceals and reveals her breasts. Sculptor Joseph Chinard cleverly compensated for the artificiality of the bust form by el...

From our European Collection, a beautifully painted 19th century original oil on board entitled "Portrait of a Lady, Full Length in a Black Dress, Standing in an Interior," by Austrian master Edouard Ender (1822-1883).

Ender's body of work is not especially large, with about 60 extant works known and documented. Though criticized by some in his day, he is now very highly-regarded within the 19th century portraitist and realism genre, and many of his pieces rival the genius in executio...

We recently had this chair re-upholstered in a rich, royal blue velvet in order to show it at its true potential. Please see our item # 1087151 to view the chair in its prior condition. The original item description from its previous listing is repeated below for readers' convenience:

From our European Collection, a good 19th century hand-carved hall chair with an armorial / heraldic shield, probably Spanish in origin. The wood used is a dense and heavy hardwood which appears to be eith...

From our European Collection, a very fine original oil on canvas by German master Hermann Werner entitled "Playing with the Kittens," signed and dated 1868 on lower left. Hermann Werner (1816-1905) was active in the Dusseldorf and Berlin art circles mainly in the middle to late 1800's. Classified by art historians as a "genre painter," one could almost conclude from looking over the body of his works from "Treat for the Children," to "A Secret for Grandma," to "The Berry Collectors," to "Mo...

From our European Collection, #3 of a set of three fine 19th century stained and leaded glass architectural panels, ex-Christies, most likely of British origin, featuring a central heraldic crest or family coat of arms within a shield in the central panel, flanked on both sides by various mosaics of stained leaded glass in vibrant reds, yellows, golds, blues, whites, greens and browns, each containing various decorative, architectural, and figural elements such as fleur de lis motifs, other flor...

From our European Collection, #2 of a set of three fine 19th century stained and leaded glass architectural panels, ex-Christies, most likely of British origin, featuring a central heraldic crest or family coat of arms signified by alternating panels of lions and bulls within a shield in the central panel, flanked on both sides by various mosaics of stained leaded glass in vibrant reds, yellows, golds, blues, whites, greens and browns, each containing various decorative, architectural, and figur...

From our European Collection, #1 of a set of three fine 19th century stained and leaded glass architectural panels, ex-Christies, most likely of British origin, featuring a central heraldic crest or family coat of arms signified by three lions within a shield, flanked on both sides by mosaics of stained leaded glass in vibrant reds, yellows, golds, blues, whites, greens and browns, each containing various decorative, architectural, and figural elements such as fleur de lis motifs, other floral p...

From our European Collection, a fine 19th century original oil on panel by British painter and listed artist William Anslow Thornley (1857-1898), entitled "Moonlight on the Thames." Signed "Thornley" lower left.

Size and condition: 13 inches x 11 inches framed dimensions, approximately 10 inches x 8 inches unframed image size. This painting has been taken care of well, there is only some very minor age-related soiling and minor scuffing to the frame.

From our European Collection, a good and sizable 19th century oil on canvas, British School, depicting gothic ruins over an aqueduct at moonlight. The artist's skillful use of depth perspective, along with adept use of various shades of grays and blacks, all contrasted and backlit by a cloudy moonlit sky, combine effectively to create a wonderfully evocative and somber scene that captures well a time and place from centuries past.

Size and Condition: 30 x 25 inches. As the close-ups...

From our European Collection, a very good 17th century copper plate engraving, most likely English circa 1650-1700, depicting a Chinese official accompanied by his entourage, with subjects kowtowing in the foreground and a crowd of spectators to the rear.

Size and Condition: 7 inches by 5 1/4 inches, very well preserved with only slight creasing.

From our European Collection, a good 19th century hand-carved hall chair with an armorial / heraldic shield, probably Spanish in origin. The wood used is a dense and heavy hardwood which appears to be either walnut or mahogany. The chair is armless and rests upon wooden casters.

Size and Condition: 50 inches tall, 18 inches wide, 18 inches deep. Overall very good condition with mostly minor surface wear to the wood commensurate with age and use. There is a scrolling architectural moti...

From our European Collection, a good set of Egermann Bohemian Crystal wine glasses, hand-cut, wheel-engraved, and stained in ruby colored crystal.

Egermann Crystal was founded in 1832 by Friedrich Egermann of Novy Bor, and is recognized as being one of the earliest pioneers of the cut, engraved, stained crystal making process from the Czech Republic that has come to be known as "Bohemian Crystal or Bohemian Glass." Egermann's main competitor is the Moser Company, but Moser actually ...

From our European Collection, a beautiful hexafoil Egermann Bohemian Crystal compote, a one-of-a kind artist signed original by Mledenov. This piece is hand-cut, wheel-engraved, and stained in ruby colored crystal. The general feel of this piece is classic old-world Egermann, and it pays tribute to the established Bohemian Crystal design motifs, but it is nevertheless an original and in a very interesting and elegant hexafoil form.

Egermann Crystal was founded in 1832 by Friedrich Ege...

From our European Collection, a large and beautiful Egermann Bohemian Crystal Vase, a one-of-a kind artist signed original by K.Varra. This piece is hand-cut, wheel-engraved, and stained in ruby colored crystal exhibiting the stag motif, which historically is a classic Egermann design for which the company is credited with being the very first to incorporate into crystal ware.

Egermann Crystal was founded in 1832 by Friedrich Egermann of Novy Bor, and is recognized as being one of the ea...

From our European Collection, a good late 19th / early 20th century cast iron mirror, probably English. A charming but unpretentious piece that can complement many different styles of decor.

Size and Condition: 28 1/4 inches tall, 16 inches wide. Excellent condition, no repairs or restoration and the glass appears to be original: Some general wear to the ironwork commensurate with age as seen in the second close-up, but this only adds to the charm.

From our European Collection, a very elegant late 19th / early 20th century bronze lamp, probably French or English, featuring a well-cast swan atop a lumbering turtle. This is the second of two fine lamps we recently acquired from the estate of a former New York based antique dealer. Please note the close-ups of the swan and the turtle: these are both quite finely executed.

Size and Condition: 24 inches tall, 14 inches wide. Superlative condition: there are really no condition issue...

From our European Collection, a very elegant late 19th / early 20th century bronze lamp, probably French or English, featuring trumpeting cherubs and well-cast floral motifs on a tapering base. A very well-balanced and dignified piece with a good patina.

Size and Condition: 28 inches tall, 16 inches wide across lamp shade. There is some general but minor wear to the bronze commensurate with age and handling, one cherub is missing its trumpet, and some tears on the interior of the lamp...

From our European Collection, a fine and very ornate cast iron plant stand, late 19th century, most likely French though possibly Spanish, featuring highly detailed and animated figures gracing the corners, along with some very intricate openwork on the legs and stand surfaces.

Size and Condition: 30 inches tall, 15 inches wide, 15 inches deep. Some minor and general wear commensurate with age but really no notable flaws. This item was apparently very well-kept, and comes from the estat...

From our European Collection, a fine and very ornate cast iron letter holder, late 19th century, most likely French though possibly Italian or even Spanish, crisply cast with cherubs and other figures and very intricate openwork.

Size and Condition: 14 3/4 inches wide, 14 1/2 inches tall, 4 3/4 inches deep when opened. Excellent condition. Some minor rubbing on the periphery, and also on the facial extremities of some of the figures as shown in the photographs, but overall the wear is q...

From our European Collection, a good late 19th century bronze figural inkwell, probably French.

Size and Condition: 9 inches wide, 5 1/4 inches tall, 6 1/4 inches deep. Some verdigris to the patina, the interior glass ink container liner has a small crack, and the inkwell lid does not fully close, though this can easily remedied with a competent repair. Still fine overall condition.

From our European Collection, a fine and elegant 19th century bronze tazza, probably French, featuring well-cast leonine head motifs with twisted serpentine handles, supported upon a tapering circular pedestal base with some very attractive and realistically cast floral motifs. This piece has acquired a nice chocolate-brown patina across most of the surfaces.

Size and Condition: 13 1/4 inches across handles, 7 inches tall. Some minor scratches to the serving surface of the tazza tray, a...

From our European Collection, a good and substantial pair of Continental hand-carved black walnut chairs, 19th century, featuring claw feet and floral motifs carved in deep relief. The seat cushions are a mustard / gold colored silk and are either original, or later 19th / early 20th century replacements.

Size and Condition: 36 inches tall, 19 inches wide.

From our European Collection, a very fine Federal Giltwood Pier Mirror, early 19th century circa 1800-1820, featuring a looking glass surmounted by a good maritime scene, bordered on top by a pair of angels exquisitely rendered in gilded gesso suspended beneath an overhanging cornice, and flanked by gilded ribboned columns on the sides.

This particular mirror is an excellent example of its kind, and is especially well-preserved. The gilding is all original yet still very rich and lively,...

From our European Collection, a fine 19th century Victorian wheel barometer, featuring a black lacquered wood casing inlaid with mother of pearl, swan neck pediment, silvered barometer dial, bow-front thermometer, hygrometer, spirit level, and with an ivory setting knob. Maker unknown. A very elegant and refined example.

Size and Condition: 38 inches tall, 9 3/8 inches wide, 3 inches deep. As the photos indicate, there is crazing of the black lacquer in various spots on the casing, as...

From our European Porcelain Collection, a lovely three-piece Dresden ensemble, 19th century, very finely painted in the Baroque style with a central scene of figures involved in musical pursuits, all executed in polychrome enamels against a deep cobalt blue ground surrounded by lavish gilding.

Size and Condition: The main tray is 12 3/8 inches wide, 9 5/8 inches deep. The cosmetics box and ring stand are each approximately 3 inches tall and 3 inches wide. Some minor rubbing to the gilding...