antiques

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 »
Stunning George II Silver Epergne by Ann Craig and John Neville. Theirs was one of only a handful of female/male silversmithing partnerships to ever exist.

A Woman’s Touch: The Masterpieces of Female Silversmiths

The contributions of women are one, if not the most, overlooked aspect in the history of silver craftsmanship. The natural elegance and refinement exhibited in the works created by the hand of female silversmiths set them apart from all others, and, in many cases, are considered the finest… Read More »
These Earth Spirits ensured safety in the afterlife. With fearsome features, no one would dare disturb their owner.

Spirited Ceramics: Tang Dynasty Sancai Pottery

We've all heard the saying "You can't take it with you." But what if you could?Death in pre-modern Chinese culture was of tremendous importance, and it was crucial that when one left this life for the next, the departed were given everything needed to enjoy the next chapter of… Read More »
Styled after the designs of the legendary Thomas Chippendale, this monumental 19th century mirror is a work of art. The intricate tripartite frame is crafted of giltwood, and is decorated with graceful elements such as flourishing foliage, acanthus leaf scrolls and flowers, cascades and icicles, and two Hou-hou birds, or Japanese phoenixes.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...The History of the Mirror

By Bill Rau A beautiful antique mirror can be one of the grandest pieces in a home. However, few people know where the true value of a mirror once lay. Today, we find value in the frames of our mirrors, but just 170 years ago, it was the mirror glass itself that was most… Read More »
WWII Special Forces Radio

The Special Forces Radio: How It Works

A crystal radio can be thought of as a radio receiver reduced to its essentials. It consists at a minimum of these components: • An antenna to pick up the radio waves and convert them to electric currents. • A tuned circuit to select the signal of the radio station to be… Read More »
Paul Storr was considered the finest silversmith of the late Georgian period, known for perfecting the works, styles and designs of the Regency period. Storr received commissions from royalty and nobility, creating incredible pieces that graced the dining rooms of castles, manors and chateaus throughout Europe. This rare sterling silver soup tureen, complete with matching underplate, was created especially for the Monteith family of Scotland and would have held a commanding place at the center of the dining table.

Dinner is Served…The Changing Face of Dining Traditions

The tradition of sitting down to a fine meal with family and friends is one that dates back as far as civilized mankind. But, it wasn’t until the 18th century that dining traditions began to vaguely resemble our more modern practices. Step back just a few centuries, and what people… Read More »

Hester Bateman Queen of the Silversmiths

Leading Lady Hester Bateman Before the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s put men in factories and made them primary wage earner of the family, women had more latitude in their mode of earning a living — and gaining fame.But even then, the most successful women were often widows who… Read More »
Paul Storr

Paul Storr's Lasting Legacy

The Legacy of Paul StorrWithout question, Paul Storr can be considered among history's finest smiths and he will long be remembered for perfecting the works, styles and designs of the Regency period. Storr pursued a career in silversmithing at an early age, apprenticing to Swedish-born… Read More »
Duelling Pistol

A Matter of Honor...The History of the Duel

In 1804, when the Secretary of the Treasury, General Alexander Hamilton, referred to the Vice President as the "embryo Caesar of the United States," Aaron Burr took the only appropriate action...he challenged Hamilton to a duel. The two arrived on the duelling ground as… Read More »