These weapons were later outlawed...

The War to End all Wars was truly one that settled little and created much heart ache lasting throughout the 20th century.  The hand to hand combat with bayonet charges were common practice, if not standard military protocol affording troops to routinely acquire war booty. At dawn on the morning of Easter Monday 1917 - 9 April - the Canadian attack comprised of four Infantry divisions began following a heavy three-week British artillery barrage and was supported by a well-devised creeping barrage. Viny Ridge was one of the more violent battles in 1917 and it did not come without cost.  However, 10,602 Canadians were wounded during the attack, and 3,598 killed.  The opposing German force suffered even more heavily with 20,000 casualties. Lieutenant Ernest Odell led his platoon into battle and after neutralizing the enemy, he collected the different and various battle bayonets, accompanied by the scabbards.

In 1918 following the War, Lt. Odell wrote a book on his wartime experiences and this battle in particular. Hunting the Hun, published in 1918 accompanies this spectacular and truly one of a kind collection.  This collection is impressive, even displaying several bayonets that were later outlawed by the Geneva Convention.  This is the center piece for any collection.

Read more about this collection here!

"Mystery Suitor" by Tishbein

It’s hard to believe, but this year marks my 10^th year at Rau Antiques. 10 years of pieces coming and going, buying and selling, setting up and breaking down. It’s been an eventful decade to say the least, and all this recollection of it has me thinking of some important consistencies I’ve encountered-that in my opinion, affect YOU as the buyer directly!

Looking back, way back, from my first day of work here, I ask myself “What has increased the most in value over the run of 10 years?” The answer: Fine Art. Paintings that sold for $200,000 are now $600,000, which is an exceptional increase in value!  From my view, the Dow Jones can’t compete with that, and you have another benefit in your favor; a beautiful work of art in your favorite room, not some burly, chatty stock broker on the phone.

Now, I tend to be bullish when it comes to art, and this is strictly opinion, but I can only see this trend of art performance in the market as repeating in the upcoming decade. Again, I’m no economic financier, but over and over art has proved to retain and gain in value, and the payoff is in more than cash, it’s in beauty! Time and time again I’ve found that when you buy great paintings, by great artists, it more than pays for itself and keeps the buyer happy on many, many levels.

Have I convinced you? Then check out our extensive art collection here!

When people talk about piano history, they usually say that the piano originated around the year 1700 in Florence, Italy.

Florence is the capital city of Tuscany, a central region of Italy, and the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Since its inception, the instrument we know today as the piano has had many innovators over the past 300 years who have shaped its functionality, appearance and sound.

There have been many high points during this time in the development of the piano and many innovations. In my opinion, this Weber & Co. piano represents a tremendous high point in the evolution of the piano. It represents two elements brought together to present a command performance in your home. It was the first time that a great piano and a great performer were able to play in your home.

Besides the impeccable sound, this model is one of beauty in that you can watch and listen to it, while a song begins to play but the piano bench is empty. It’s a bit ghostly and mysterious but also tranquil and melodic. It’s truly a spectacle both in sight and sound.

M.S. Rau Antiques has recently expanded our gallery space, opening the new 4,500-square-foot Le Salon just steps away from our main gallery on Royal Street. The addition, which is located at 610 Toulouse Street, boasts two stories of museum-like gallery space, showcasing exceptional fine art and antiques offered by M.S. Rau.

We invite guests and customers to visit Le Salon, where four large rooms exhibit items such as an elaborately-carved bedroom suite owned by Benito Mussolini, a Charles X billards table made by Chevillotte of Orleans, France, an outstanding 24-light Baccarat crystal chandelier, and several tester beds.

Owner Bill Rau is very excited about expanding the business and increasing Rau’s presence in the French Quarter. “The addition of Le Salon allows us the unique opportunity to display some of our finest antiques in a more home-like setting, something we think our customers will really respond to,” says Bill. “We see the Salon as a great step forward in our company’s progress.”

Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Guests can view the exquisite pieces at Le Salon by entering the main gallery, 630 Royal Street.

Le Salon First Floor Gallery

Le Salon Second Floor Gallery

I’m Mary, the sales coordinator at Rau Antiques. I wanted to take 10 minutes out of Bill Rau’s busy schedule (my boss and owner of the gallery)  to get to know him  a little better and for some reason, he agreed. So to see a third generation Rau in a different light, here is our 10 question Q and A session.

1. How long have you been married?

Almost 25 years.

2. Favorite New Orleans Cuisine:

Chargrilled oysters from Acme Oyster house.

3. Best business advice you’ve ever gotten?

Buy the best and only cry once.

4. Favorite word:

I don’t know, but probably an adjective.

5. What do you do to relax?

Get a massage.

6. What do you attribute the Saints Success to this season?

Divine Will.

7. Biggest Pet Peeve?

When my computer fails…

8. Do you have any phobias?

If I did, I wouldn’t share them with you and the world.

9. What are you most proud of?

The team I work with.

10. Favorite piece in the gallery right now?

The Godward Painting. It’s the best painting by one of the best artists. I’d bring it home if I could.