antiques

A wonderfully nostalgic and rare Hammond No. 12 typewriter by the Hammond Typewriter Company of New York. This model was the first to allow the user to see what was being typed as it was typed.

History of Office Machinery

by Daniele Gair We all know that offices can be noisy places. From phones ringing to copiers copying, the 21st-century office is alive with the sound of machinery. It's hard to believe that this is a relatively new development. Although the office as an entity has been around for… Read More »
Louis Comfort Tiffany's iconic windows were so detailed they were often referred to as

America’s Artistic Pioneer–Louis Comfort Tiffany

Louis Comfort Tiffany is internationally recognized as a master of the American decorative arts. Considered to be the driving force behind the Art Nouveau style in America, Tiffany worked with nearly every decorative medium imaginable, even serving as the first Design Director for his… Read More »
This exceptional chandelier by Baccarat features opaline glass, cut crystal and ornate doré bronze. Circa 1850

Let There Be Light: Choosing the Right Antique Chandelier

by Bill Rau Few things command a room and evoke a sense of splendor quite like a great chandelier. For centuries these magnificent crystal, bronze and colored glass creations have served as bellwethers of wealth and status, adorning the great halls and dining rooms of Europe and all far… Read More »
A crowning achievement for Francois Linke, this monumental vitrine illustrates everything that made this craftsman famous. Taking its cue from the rococo style, this vitrine is infused with an Art Nouveau panache. Linke collaborated with noted Parisian sculptor Léon Messagé to create the extraordinaryt bronze mounts.

The Allure of 19th Century Parisian Furniture

by Bill RauThe Allure of 19th Century Parisian Furniture Lessons from the Masters Paul Sormani and Francois Linke Few furniture styles speak of elegance and opulence like those of 18th century Paris. The great Kings of France, namely Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, each ushered in… Read More »
This magnificent three-piece clock set features fabulous bronze sculptures by A. B. Nadaud set on rouge marble bases. The central figure, Penelope, stands unwinding her loom, flanked by two classical maidens. Nadaud was a recognized French sculptor who debuted his works at the Paris Salon in 1861.

History's Technical Marvels: Collecting Antique Clocks

by Bill Rau Nothing is so dear and precious as time -Francois Rabelais The Roosevelt Hotel, one of New Orleans most exquisite Grand Dames, is poised to reopen in June 2009 after a $145 million restoration as part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection. While luxurious rooms, an indulgent… Read More »
Fine silver firms, such as Fabergé, created important flatware services of the utmost quality.

So Many Choices…The Golden Age of Flatware

Dining in the Victorian-era was truly an art form. The economic prosperity of the late 19th and early 20th centuries catapulted many into the middle and upper classes, and the desire to display just how wealthy you were was of the utmost importance to maintain, if not raise, your standing… Read More »
The stunning King Farouk Bedroom Suite

Prime Provenance: The King Farouk Bedroom Suite

Few things excite me more than discovering rare treasures that are distinguished by an incredible provenance. It's the provenance that turns a great piece into a phenomenal piece, and literally brings the events normally only read in history books to life. In the case of this amazing… Read More »
A vibrant sunset sets this pair of

Elves, Nymphs and Fairies–Oh My!: Illustrious Fairyland Lustre by Wedgwood

An over-200-year-old company finds itself on the verge of financial ruin as war rages on. It's only savior an unknown artist who rises through the ranks by determination, persuasion and sheer talent, only to be fired when she has outlasted her usefulness. Sounds more like soap-opera fodder… Read More »
A rare and stunning Burmese Imperial jadeite is the star of this striking ring

What’s in a Name? The Splendor of Imperial Jadeite Jewelry

"Gold is estimable; but Jade is priceless." -Chinese proverbShrouded behind a veil of verdant mystery for centuries, the brilliance of jadeite inspired fascinating legends of desire. One such tale tells of a Chinese emperor who offered fifteen cities for a jadeite carving so… Read More »
This ivory-topped Doctor's Cane contains everything needed to make a house call.

The Un-cane-y World of Canes

Canes and walking sticks, upon first mention, sound perhaps like the least interesting objects in the world to collect. Nothing could be further from the truth.There was a time when no well-heeled gentleman or lady would have been seen in public without his or her walking stick. These… Read More »