Globes, such as this pair of 18″ examples from J.& W. Cary, afforded their owner a wealth of information right at their fingertip.

Arguably the most valuable tool in business today is the computer. Within seconds, an entrepreneur can answer any question, accessing information from around the world. For the 19th-century businessman, the globe often served that same role.

In matters of commerce, especially shipping, geography and exploration, the globe was an invaluable asset when determining the best and most cost effective ways to get your goods from one point to another. Accuracy and timely information meant everything, and firms such as John Newton & Son, John and William Cary, and Dudley Adams excelled at crafting globes that were as technically precise as they were beautiful.

A good cartographer encompassed the qualities of an artist, engraver, geographer and even an astronomer. Bodies of water, mountain ranges, major land routes, islands, constellations, planets and a host of other topographical and celestial elements necessary for navigation were rendered with incredible precision, based upon the findings of such notable explorers as Captain George Vancouver and Captain James Cook. This stunning pair of Rare 18-Inch Cary Globes are a perfect example of the craftsmanship and meticulousness afforded to these elegant spheres. Such superior globes were also outfitted with additional navigational instruments. For instance, the terrestrial globe features an analemma, which provided a scale of the Sun’s daily declination, while brass meridian and horizon rings on each globe notate monthly and astrological calendars. Their handsome mahogany bases even have integrated working compasses.

To own a globe was to have a bounty of information at your fingertips. Though our computers and smart phones may have the advantage of speed, none of our clever electronic devices can be referred to as a true work of art.

Chinese Silver Tea Set

Collecting silver is a passionate dedication for many, and with sets like this rare Chinese export service, it is easy to see why. Chinese silver is considered a “hidden treasure” among silver collectors – more difficult to find and with one-of-a-kind patterns made bespoke for original owners. Our three-piece Chinese tea set features an exceptional flora motif, with stylized bamboo handles and gilt interior on the creamer and sugar vessels. A set like this would have been an exotic acquisition to the 19^th century collector, possessing all the desired qualities a European tourist would have preferred.

Chinese silver production has a fascinating history, born out of the boon of wealthy visitors to China starting in the 18^th century. Rather than emulate the staid designs of European silver houses, Chinese silver makers relied on the popularity of exoticized patterns that captured only certain elements of the Chinese aesthetic. Designs with dragons, flowers and birds appealed to Western tastes and the resulting pieces were hand crafted by highly skilled artisans.

Later, in the 20^th century, silver makers in China began to mass produce their pieces. The aesthetic preferred by the Western tourists had long been established, so the demand for hand crafted, specialized pieces was lost. Our set was created in the 19^th century, making the chrysanthemums, irises, plums, and unmistakable Chinese shape particularly special.

Beautiful, ornate, and exceptional, this Chinese silver tea set will be treasured for many generations to come. Click here to visit our website and to view more of our spectacular silver collection.

The shining element to any dinner party is great flatware. A table set with fine silver becomes a bit of historical theatre rather than just a meal, and the guests, players in the art of dining. M.S. Rau Antiques has been privileged to have many fine flatware sets in its 101-year history, with time-honored patterns by makers like Tiffany & Co. that never go out of style. Dining with antique flatware is more than just an elegant experience, it is a continuation of the fascinating history of food, artistry, and the appetites of the elite.

With the profound economic impact of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, individuals of high social stature sought the finest silver to grace their dining tables. The advent of serving meals as separate courses at this time meant that each guest was given utensils for every type of food served at the meal, giving way to more specialized and highly developed pieces, from ice cream forks to gumbo spoons. Tiffany & Co. catered to this phenomenon with some of the most exceptional silver flatware services ever created.

Tiffany & Co. English King Flatware

English King is considered one of the firm’s greatest achievements still in production today. Tiffany & Co.’s flair for sophistication and craftsmanship is imparted in every element of this splendid service, an undeniable testament to the firm’s reputation as the standard of American elegance. Popular in England for over 100 years, it is easy to see why this intricately beautiful pattern was preferred by Britain’s King George II. Our 108-piece English King set, offers service for 12 and is set in a beautiful suede-lined case.

Tiffany & Co. Winthrop Flatware

The Winthrop pattern epitomizes Edwardian elegance, with demure traditional motifs and a graceful silhouette. Nestled right between the great design periods of the Victorian and the art deco eras, Edwardian objects like this Tiffany & Co. Winthrop patterned set are highly sought-after by collectors.  Our 220-piece service for 12 is housed in its original three-tiered fitted case – a practical and lush presentation for this fine flatware set.

Tiffany & Co. St. Dunstan Flatware

The spartan and refined St. Dunstan pattern by Tiffany & Co. is named after the patron saint of gold and silversmiths. Designed  at the height of the art deco period, St. Dunstan possesses the wonderfully understated aesthetic so valued at this time. This 177-piece set for 12 features gilt detailing on many of the pieces, providing an added opulence to the already impressive service.

Tiffany & Co. Chrysanthemum Flatware

Chrysanthemum is Tiffany & Co.’s most popular pattern and also one of its most costly to produce. The lush, swirling flora motif, punctuated by the namesake flower, is a wonderfully baroque design. Our set is dated to 1880 and is in pristine condition, with all 208 pieces nestled in a handsome mahogany case.

Antique silver sets are refined additions to any table. With many patterns to choose from, it is easy to select a design that will live with your family’s dining traditions for generations to come.

French Marble Weight Driven Table Regulator

People have been preoccupied with measuring and recording time since ancient civilizations first relied upon the sun, moon and stars to gauge the passing of days. As each age advances in technology, so does the humble clock, born of the rudimentary sundial and elevated to mechanical and design triumph, as seen in this majestic French regulator clock. Crafted of opulent Carrera marble, and powered by an intricate weight-driven mechanism, this rare regulator clock is noteworthy in its accuracy, which is, amazingly, maintained today. Brosse of Bordeaux designed this complex and beautiful regulator clock around 1820, and its success helped fuel the rise of French clockmakers after years of Dutch domination in the clock industry.

While the exterior is elegant and intriguing, the interior mechanism of this clock is even more interesting.  A steel frame supports the ormolu-spired marble canopy from which the clock descends. These rods also anchor the lines from which two silvered, pear-shaped weights are suspended. These weights, the clock’s motive force, propel the mercury jar pendulum that swings above the clock on a spring suspension, triggering the detent escapement with a ruby impulse pallet. Blued steel hands mark the time on the silvered dial with champleve Roman numerals, with a seconds ring at the apex.

Revolutionary for its time, the clock is effortless and complex, straightforward yet fascinating. This piece is as intriguing today as it was when it was first produced. To see more of our clock collection, click here, or better yet, come to our gallery on Royal street to see them in person! We can promise you will be right on time.

Baccarat Opaline Glass Vases

Cartouche Windows with Decorative Enameled Flowers

The beauty of Baccarat takes so many forms. From dazzling crystal chandeliers to ornate ormolu and crystal centerpieces, the elegance of Baccarat design is recognized by museums, collectors, and royalty worldwide as some of the most desirable pieces of decorative art.

Although some historians have argued that he was not a particularly effective king, Louis XV did bring France to a cultural high point during his reign.  Thanks in part to his famed mistress, Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV patronized painters, cabinetmakers and sculptors, the ornate style of which now carries his namesake.

During Louis XV’s reign, the Baccarat glassworks company was founded in the town of Baccarat in the Lorraine region in eastern France. The year was 1734, and the company began producing stemware and mirrors for the wealthy European elite and royalty. After receiving its first royal commission in 1823, Baccarat was launched into worldwide demand, with designs that were beautifully ornate and uniquely French.  Under the reign of Napoleon III, the use of opaline glass – an opaque and colorful decorative glass often accented with gilding – was introduced and became very popular. With a high lead content and jewel-like tones, the decorative pieces were meant to mimic Venetian glass, produced in Italy in the 16th century.

We are fortunate to have a pair of opaline glass vases from the Baccarat factory here at M.S. Rau. Possessing all the desired qualities of the very best opaline pieces – vibrant hues, lux gilding and ornate design – these vases are all the more exceptional because they are a complete pair. Cartouche “windows” are expertly hand-painted to house bouquets of delicate flowers. They are eye-catching, even in a gallery full of remarkable items like we have here.

The peak of Baccarat’s opaline glass production was from 1850 – 1860, and these vases are dated to 1850. They are true masterworks of the Baccarat house and are vibrant pieces to behold. To learn more about these vases or M.S. Rau’s collection of Baccarat pieces, click here.