Large Architectural Fretwork Clock Case, Late 19Th/Early 20Th Century

A weighty and well-proportioned William IV Oak Gothic Revival taste and dating to around 1830. The top has a moulded edge above twin doors with Gothic-arched panels; the spandrels ar...

A special, remarkably decorative, extremely rare and wonderfully striking antique European folk-art carved chair in lovely antique condition. Most likely made around 1770 in the Swiss Alps, this fabulous museum-quality historical artefact is a stunningly carved and still very usable chair, which will add a fabulously rustic, Alpine folk-art aesthetic as well as cultural interest, artistic charm and historic fascination to any interior. An incredibly rare and special chair, this was traditionally handcrafted from quality solid wood and has a charming walnut single-piece trapezoid seat displaying lovely grain, which the eight-sided legs slot into at an angle, and the back vertically. The legs are likely made from oak with the show-stopping back carved from fruitwood. A truly captivating chair, the standout feature is its extraordinary pierce-relief carved back, which casts a stunning silhouette, and its carving depicts two intertwining figure-of-eight snakes set on a shapely plinth, topped by a carved and 1471 dated crown design. Crafted in two parts, the folk-art back carving is wonderfully detailed and vernacular in style, and the pierce-relief carving denotes it as being particularly old and rare and differentiates it from later Alpine chairs, which feature solid backs onto which decorations are carved. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE The Middle Ages were particularly turbulent in the Swiss Alps, as post-Roman feudal factions competed for power for more than a millennium in this important land, which intersected the larger powers of Italy, France, Germany and Austria. We believe this chair was most likely made in 1771 and that its 1471 date carving commemorated three-hundred years of the Three Leagues Alliance, (1471-1779), a coalition of three political leagues of free peoples which was created to bring about strength, unity and peace to the people in the warring Swiss Alps region (think William Tell, the revolutionary Swiss folk hero, who stood up for the peasantry against tithe-taking feudal barons in the Swiss Alps, and who was first referenced in 1474.) The free people of the Swiss Alps would have well known that peace for them and their entire region was not only brought about by, but also largely depended on, the Three Leagues Alliance, and so commemorating its inauguration date of 1471 is more than fitting for a craftsman from this region. And as snakes symbolise healing and protection, their use in conjunction with the 1471 commemorative date perfectly displays what the Swiss Alp craftsman was memorializing when creating this fascinating chair. Similar chairs can be referred to as Swiss, German, Alpine, Alsatian, Tyrolean, Sgabello or Escabelle chairs...

Large Antique Spanish Colonial Carved Hardwood Bench - Late 18th / Early 19th Century A superb and unusually substantial Spanish Colonial carved hardwood bench, dating from the late ...

A wonderful late Victorian to early Edwardian bamboo hall stand, full of character and decorative interest. The central bevelled mirror is framed by a set of well made wrought iron faux bamboo coat and hat hooks. Beneath the mirror runs a striking panel of green‑on‑brown tiles, possibly by Minton, each featuring a lion rampant, a bold and unusual decorative touch that lifts the whole piece. Below sits a central cubby hole, likely once fitted with a small drawer, flanked on either side by three‑compartment stick stands with their original bamboo divisions. The whole piece has the warmth, patina and slightly eccentric charm that make late‑19th‑century bamboo furniture...

Unique Mantel Clock in Elaborate Exotic Wood Case, Late 19th Century Presenting a truly exceptional 19th-century mantel clock—an exquisite piece of horological artistry and woodwork...

Rare and good condition, Gothic-art shrine for standing or wall-hanging. This handsome and decorative, Gothic wall shrine is completely hand-crafted out of solid oak and it will look awesome, no matter where you decide to mount or place her. It must have taken its creator quite a few days to first draw this intricate design on paper and then hand carve the entire piece out of solid oak. The Gothic Style elements are deeply handcarved in both doors and they make this shrine highly decorative and an absolute joy to own and look at. This cabinet chapel (or chapel cabinet) comes with its brass lock in perfect working order and also with its original gothic style key. The handgrip is in fact a Gothic trefoil symbol (for the trinity). What also makes this piece extra attractive is the Gothic church window-like frame behind the doors. It is among the finest we have seen to date and on top of that this antique also has a beautiful and rich patina. By the way, the bronze Mary statuette is not included in our price. Finally, thanks to the hook in the back, mounting this antique chapel...

19th century beautifully hand crafter cathedral clock in gilt bronze. This is a magnificent example of 19th century French craftsmanship. There are many beautiful details to this p...

This large antique Indian wooden temple is a rare and striking piece of 19th-century religious craftsmanship, likely used as a Christian temple in ceremonial processions. Measuring...