Antique Italian Baroque Carved Walnut Figural Prie Dieu, the lift top compartment with a gadrooned molding supported by a backboard with central foliate medallion, the front  More »

Antique Italian Baroque Carved Walnut Figural Prie Dieu, the lift top compartment with a gadrooned molding supported by a backboard with central foliate medallion, the front supports in the form of winged female figures, the lift top lower section with molded base, height 34 1/2 in., width 25 in., depth 22". This is a praying desk for one individual with a knee bench close to the floor and a vertical panel supporting an armrest, below which there is usually a shelf for prayer books and the like. The knee rest and arm support are often upholstered. First used by the higher clergy during religious services in the early European Middle Ages, the prie-dieu became popular in the 19th century owing partly to the Gothic Revival, partly to a pietistic passion for family prayers. During this period their secular use was extended by the introduction of prie-dieu (or devotional) chairs, which followed the general shape of the purely religious version but extended the knee rest to form a low seat.   « Less

Late 19th Century Gustav Dentzel Carousel Horse - Mathilda, an Inside Row Prancer. From carousel in Dover, PA. Documents and photograph available to ascertain Mathilda's  More »

Late 19th Century Gustav Dentzel Carousel Horse - Mathilda, an Inside Row Prancer. From carousel in Dover, PA. Documents and photograph available to ascertain Mathilda's origin. Removeable tail of horsehair. Beautiful wood finish and multi-color trim. Very strong frame; no major restoration work done. One original leather stirrup remains. 53"H, 48"W, 11"D. Mathilda does not come with the table featured in the catalog photograph. Very good condition for an authentic, unique and antique Dentzel. A brief history of Dentzel - Philadelphia-style horses were realistic. From the veins carved into perfectly shaped heads to the careful positioning of each well-formed leg, the wooden reproductions mimicked real animals. Natural poses captured the toss of a mane or a powerful gallop. If it were possible, the carvers would have added the smell of the stable and a high-pitched whinny to their creations. The Dentzel factory has been long remembered and highly praised in carousel history. The Philadelphia-style factory employed many of the principle carvers who are still honored today. The patriarch of the Dentzel factory, Gustav A. Dentzel, immigrated to Philadelphia in 1860. The 20-year-old had carved carousels for his father in Germany and he soon began practicing that trade in America. Seven years after landing in the new country, Dentzel changed the nameplate of the cabinet-making shop he started to G.A. Dentzel, Steam and Horsepower Caroussell Builder, and his lifelong dedication to carousels officially began. Before embarking on his manufacturing venture, Dentzel toured the countryside with a small, portable carousel he had made. During his travels he discovered that people were eager to ride his galloping wooden horses. Dentzel continually experimented with variations on the standard carousel. He followed the development of energy sources, using horses at first and switching to the steam engine. Two brothers, Daniel and Alfred Muller, had close ties to the Dentzel factory. Their father, Johann Heinrich Muller, was a friend to and carver for Gustav Dentzel. After the early death of the elder Muller in 1890, the brothers were treated like part of the family in the Dentzel household. They left the factory to carve for others, in part to escape Dentzel's stern control. Their benefactor saw the brothers' departure as an act of treachery and never forgave their disloyalty. William Dentzel did not carry his father's grudge and rehired the two in later years when their own carousel company failed. Salvatore Cernigliaro a 23-year-old woodcarver from Sicily, made an impact on the Dentzel horses soon after he was hired in 1903. "Cherni" reorganized the factory's method of carving pre-set patterns. But his biggest contribution was to introduce a series of menagerie animals, notably the Dentzel cat, pig and rabbit. Cherni began his carousel carving career when he arrived penniless from Italy. The Italian furniture carver first created carousel figures in the shop of E. Joy Morris. Cernigliaro's playful animals are still highly regarded today. The addition of these animals opened the door for more experimentation and variety of fresh subjects for the artists in the Dentzel factory. Under the Sicilian immigrant's hand, the Dentzel horse gained more elaborate embellishments. Fancy harnesses, garlands and drapery appeared on the horses he carved and they became part of the Dentzel heritage. The carousel pioneer died in 1909, but one of his sons, William, successfully steered the family business for 20 more years. After William's death in 1928, the company was sold at an auction to a competitor, the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. At that time, none of the family members had an interest in continuing the carousel tradition. The mixture of artists dedicated to their craft and the Dentzels' business philosophy was a winning combination. For many years Dentzel animals and carousels have been most valued by collectors. A rare Dentzel menagerie figure holds the world record for a carousel figure sold at auction. The circa 1900 rooster sold in 1989 for $148,000.00. Collectors have always sought out the Dentzel carvings because of their extraordinary carving and exceptional artistic designs. The Dentzel Family have once again started to dabble in the design and construction of portable carousels. You can visit the Dentzel's website by going to http://www.dentzel.com. Historical Note: The first merry-go-rounds (carousels) were built for the noble little boys of old Europe. Before they learned to fence and joust, the youngsters rode in circles and practiced stabbing stationary rings with small lances. Most were right-handed. That's why all merry-go-rounds thereafter turn counter-clockwise.   « Less

A rare, possibly unique, Peruvian one sol of 1889 overstruck in the center with a Guatamalan half-real of 1894. Approxiamtely 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Condition: near proof.

A rare, possibly unique, Peruvian one sol of 1889 overstruck in the center with a Guatamalan half-real of 1894. Approxiamtely 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Condition: near proof.   « Less

A set of three late Eighteenth Century playing card in polychrome lacquer on a gilt ground: one of a Shah, one of a noble couple on a throne and one of a lion serving his  More »

A set of three late Eighteenth Century playing card in polychrome lacquer on a gilt ground: one of a Shah, one of a noble couple on a throne and one of a lion serving his mate. They are in fine, unrestored condition and measure approximately 2-3/8 inches by 1-5/8 inches each.   « Less

A lacy bronze candle stand from a Japanese alter has been wired as a table lamp. The metalwork is if excellent quality and has a fine, dark patina. Early Meiji Era, circa  More »

A lacy bronze candle stand from a Japanese alter has been wired as a table lamp. The metalwork is if excellent quality and has a fine, dark patina. Early Meiji Era, circa 1865. In superb condition, with no repairs, the stand is approximately 20 inches tall, height to top of harp is 41-1/2 inches.   « Less

This is one of two antique buckles that were custom mounted in Hong Kong for a famous Hollywood director many years ago. (The other is offered at Trocadero #13690.) Here, a  More »

This is one of two antique buckles that were custom mounted in Hong Kong for a famous Hollywood director many years ago. (The other is offered at Trocadero #13690.) Here, a superb gilt-bronze ornament has been fitted onto a verdigris copper box whose dark-green surface mimics the effect of rich silk or spinach jade. The buckle is not soldered in and can be easily removed, if so desired. Lined in dark rosewood, the box measures approximately 6-3/4 inches by 3-3/4 inches by 2-1/4 inches high. Excellent condition.   « Less

This cigarette box was ordered in the Thirties by a famous Hollywood director; he provided the antique jeweled Tibetan belt buckle to a Hong Kong jeweler to be mounted up in  More »

This cigarette box was ordered in the Thirties by a famous Hollywood director; he provided the antique jeweled Tibetan belt buckle to a Hong Kong jeweler to be mounted up in a manner suitable to the piece. The copper box was plated in nickel which very closely matches the tone of the low-grade silver surrounding the agate, carnelian, turquoise and coral antique creation. The buckle is beautifully enhanced by its setting, but is free-standing and can be removed if so desired. The box is lined in dark rosewood and measures approximately 3-3/4 inches by 6-7/8 inches by 2-1/4 inches high. (A second cigarette box of a similar nature and the same provenance is offered at Trocadero #13691.) Excellent condition.   « Less

Here is way to have your pretzel and drink it too. This realistic porcelain "pretzel" looks hand-twisted and even has coarse porcelain "salt." Beautiful  More »

Here is way to have your pretzel and drink it too. This realistic porcelain "pretzel" looks hand-twisted and even has coarse porcelain "salt." Beautiful condition. Approximately 5-3/4 inches by 3-1/2 inches. Mustard, anyone?   « Less

Genuine Alligator suitcase with fitted interior, probably English, circa 1940, replaced handle, very slight wear, no splits, cracks or dry rot. 21-1/2''x13-1/2''x5''.

Genuine Alligator suitcase with fitted interior, probably English, circa 1940, replaced handle, very slight wear, no splits, cracks or dry rot. 21-1/2''x13-1/2''x5''.   « Less

Very fine, English, circa 1940, alligator skin suitcase with ''Harrod''s of London'' label, original satin lining and original high quality locks. The height of ''by gone  More »

Very fine, English, circa 1940, alligator skin suitcase with ''Harrod''s of London'' label, original satin lining and original high quality locks. The height of ''by gone era'' elegance with 21st century functionality at a fraction of the price of a new one. In excellent condition inside and out with no marks, scratches, splits, tears, cracks, or dry rot. 22''x15''x7''.   « Less