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Antiques & Uncommon Treasure
Best of the BEST! 17th to 19th c. French sterling silver, Georgian jewelry, sewing etc
$166 USD SaleSALE Fine 19th C. French "Lourdes" Wax Stamp/Seal, Ivory
Antiques:Desktop Items
Very Fine 19th Century French Wax Stamp/Seal or Sceau, Lourdes Souvenir with Carved Ivory Handle & Reticulated Silver? Floral Applique! A fine encore to last week's ivory wax seals, sure wish I had the images finished for the others we have available :). Possibly a Grand Tour souvenir piece, "Lourdes" in inscribed in the ivory with blue enamel fill. There is no monogram on the stamp so, it's wide open if you'd like to have your own done! Excellent Condition! No damage to speak of, just as you ...
$421 USD SaleSALE 1889 Paris Expo Souvenir Eglomise Painting Inkwell - Trocadero & Arch de Triomphe
Antiques:Desktop Items
Those of you who follow our listings know we just love these old French treasures, and the ones that have architectural and monument scenes are just extra fun. Great souvenirs! This one, a souvenir some fortunate someone bought in 1889 at the Paris Expo - yup, the one where the Eiffel Tower was the brand new and very controversial attraction. The scene on top of this pristine old Palais Royal type souvenir inkwell & pen stand is of the Trocadero, which is directly across the Seine from the ...
$124 USD SaleSALE Fine Antique .800 Silver Wax Seal or Sceau, Art Nouveau
Antiques:Desktop Items
Fabulous 19th century continental silver (.800/1000 or nearly sterling silver) writer's wax seal, sceau or cachet, gorgeous Art Nouveau style floral repousse decoration! A fabulous decorative piece, wonderful condition and you can't beat the price! Hallmarks include '800' for the silver content and a small crown mark, there is also a tiny marking on the edge of the seal itself (shown in a scan) but I can't make out the device or what it might say. Be sure to browse a bit while you're with us, we ...
$100 USD SaleSALE Fine Antique French Wax Seal, Sceau, Cachet with Monogram C J
Antiques:Desktop Items
Don't you just love the romance of a monogrammed seal in chinese red wax, on what might well be a love letter? An invitation to a Royal Ball? Well, who knows! But here's your chance to leave a wonderful old scripted monogram in melted sealing was on your own love letters and party invitations, or to just decorate your desktop with wonderful antiques. A superb French seal, this one is old, old, old! The old wood is of a well used and waxed patina that guarantees age. We're talking Old! This one ...
$141 USD SaleSALE Fine 1880s Victorian Silver Plated Candle Holder, Chamberstick
Antiques:Desktop Items
Very Fine 1880-1900 Silver Plate Chamberstick or Candle Holder with Gadrooned Border and Matching Snuffer! Subtle yet very elegant! A wonderful, easily placed decorative accent!! Very good-excellent condition! There is only an 1/8" blemish on the top and slight plate rub throughs on the base. The rim of the snuffer stand is bent in two spots. See picture for measurements.
$336 USD SaleSALE Fine Antique Gilt Bronze 6" Inkwell, LG Banded Agate Medallions!
Antiques:Desktop Items
Fabulous & rare 19th century English Victorian era gilt bronze 6" desk top single inkwell, an elegant spherical motif with beautiful banded agate medallion accents! Three unique medallions around the base and another crowning the sphere well. A perfect match for an entire desk ensemble that we recently acquired and we're selling the pieces individually. Wonderful decorative appeal and these old medallion, particularly agate, accented pieces always seem to be popular. Be sure to look at the other ...
$676 USD SaleSALE Fab Antique French Missal or Prayer Book, Faux Tortoise Shell Cover - Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Desktop Items
Fabulous antique 19th century French Napoleon III era missal or prayer book with elegant faux shell cover & clasps, wonderful condition with complete 176 page interior! I just love these old prayer books, bibles or missals, such time and care taken in the presentation and this one is not only fully complete but in nearly pristine condition! Faux tortoise covers front, back AND binding, even the clasps are intact and in fine working order. No detail spared on this one. There would surely have ...
$931 USD SaleSALE Fine Georgian Era Shagreen Drafting Tools Etui, Case, and Implements. Sterling Silver Fitting, Excellent!
Antiques:Desktop Items
Ah, THIS will get your attention. Here we have a superb Georgian era (c. 1800-1830) drafting tools etui in fine early green shagreen and sterling silver. Shagreen is, for those unaquainted, the leather from skin of the stingray (sometimes shark), and the early Georgian cases made with that leather are fabulous, small scales showing in the leather covering, and also, as in the case you see here, really beautiful. The case has a sterling silver fitting, hinge/clasp and is a wooden base covered in ...
$421 USD SaleSALE Fabulous Antique Napoleon III Era Gilt Bronze & Cut Glass 8.5" Inkwell or Inkstand, Griffin & Owl Figures
Antiques:Desktop Items
Magnificent antique Napoleon III or Victorian era 8.5" gilded bronze inkwell or inkstand with marvelous griffon or griffin and owl figures, original wheel cut glass inkwell and exceptional visual appeal! Isn't this one great! Heavy, too, weighing an impressive 3 lbs, 10 oz. (1.64 kg)! A fine older one with the original cut glass inkwell, complete with that fabulous winged griffon figural lid, and a wood panel in the base. The triangular shaped front has beautiful griffon figures at each side and ...
Antiques:Desktop Items
Elegant antique French Empire style 4pc writer's desk top set including a stationery holder, stamp box, pen or quill tray and even a postal scale in a beautiful combination of gilt ormolu casings or bases and thick wheel cut glass! Moderately difficult to do this set justice in my photographs, all in thick wheel cut glass and with pierced or reticulated gilt ormolu or brass casings with turned feet! We've found similar pieces in the past, an elegant old stationery holder here and there ,a stamp ...
$1,356 USD SaleSALE Gorgeous Antique Victorian Era Tortoise Shell Double Inkwell, Pearl Pique Inlay!
Antiques:Desktop Items
Absolutely fabulous & rare antique Victorian era 10 1/4" desk top double inkwell or inkstand with stunning shell veneers, incised mother of pearl floral pique inlaid decoration and SP topped inkwells with armorial style crest! Isn't this one just gorgeous! Entirely covered in a mottled faux shell veneer, a convex pen tray in the front of the stand with an inlaid floral garland composed of white metal wire and genuine mother of pearl leaves & flowers! The floral garland frames the upper portion ...
$149 USD SaleSALE Antique French Sterling Silver Wax Seal, an Owl "M E"
Antiques:Desktop Items
A majestic owl, (chouette in French) with wings unfurled and standing atop a stand, incorporated into the French Empire motifs that normally would show a swan rather than an owl. Rare, indeed, to find an owl in a French Empire motif. There must be some special meaning or crest or association here, but I don't know what it is. In most folklore, the owl represents wisdom and helpfulness, and even a guide to 'the Underworld', also interpreted as having prophetic powers. The French belief is that if ...
$209 USD SaleSALE Antique Karlsbad Specimen Mosaic Pietra Dura Wax Seal
Antiques:Desktop Items
Wonderful & rare 19th century Victorian era Karlsbad specimen hardstone or pietra dura mosaic handled wax seal or sceau, pristine! For the collectors, this would be a fantastic addition to a fine ensemble of antique wax seals! We've had a handful of these old 'Karlsbad' marked souvenir pieces, currently only one other so be sure to browse a bit while you're with us. This one is the first seal that we've come across, very unique and in pristine condition! Don't miss it! Excellent condition! No ...
$100 USD SaleSALE Antique Sterling Silver Wax Seal or Sceau, HK Monogram
Antiques:Desktop Items
Wonderful antique English or American turn of the century sterling silver handled wax seal or sceau, classical styling with engraved monogram! One of a few fabulous old writer's implements that we're listing this week, this one in nearly perfect condition. Elegant styling, long silver handle and both the engraved monogram and seal match :). Don't miss it. Excellent condition! No chips or damage to the handle, no damage or repairs to the silver. See pictures for measurements.
$166 USD SaleSALE Antique Carved Mother of Pearl Wax Seal, Writer's Sceau
Antiques:Desktop Items
Elegant antique Napoleon III or Victorian era carved mother of pearl writer's wax seal or sceau, incised & lac filled monogram on the pearl sealing tip! In a day when the hand written letter is something we remember and long for, but seem to never quite find time to write, it's all the more interesting to note the upsurge of popularity of all things related to it. And did you know that, even today in France, the 'valor declare' method of sending a package requires it be wrapped with string and ...
$251 USD SaleSALE Antique French 1700s Billet Doux, Bodkin Case, 10k Gold
Antiques:Desktop Items
The band tests 10k yellow gold, so there is a slight possibility this may not be French, but the old Billet Doux are a French staple of the 1700s, and existed to pass letters, communication between lovers, friends, businesses alike. The note was rolled and inserted, then delivered by courrier. Often associated with the romantic French love note, who knows what clandestine meetings and flirtations this one was privy to in its time. Some would tell you this is a bodkin case, or needles case, but ...
$166 USD SaleSALE Antique Victorian Banded Agate Writer's Wax Seal or Sceau
Antiques:Desktop Items
Wonderful antique Victorian or Napoleon III era banded agate & ormolu writer's wax seal or sceau, a crisp wheel cut handle with unique shape! From a time before postage stamps, or very nearly so, when a letter folded in on itself and was sealed against prying eyes by sealing wax. The impression of the monogram seal was pressed into the hot wax as it cooled, to confirm the sender's seal in place. The note might have held arrangements for a meeting with one's lover or friend, or carry news from ...
$421 USD SaleSALE Antique French Champleve Enamel 8" Inkwell, Lg Oval Shape
Antiques:Desktop Items
Elegant antique French Napoleon III to Belle Epoque era 8" champleve enamel and gilded bronze or brass desk top inkwell, an expansive oval shaped piece with urn style inkwell & original ink pot and in wonderful condition! A must have in our inventory, it seems we can't keep any of these wonderful old champleve inkwells in stock. This one a great find, the size, condition and unique styling all combine to make it one of the most elegant pieces we've had in some time. Often confused with Cloisonne ...
$336 USD SaleSALE Antique French Empire Style Candle Holder Pair, Red Marble
Antiques:Desktop Items
Elegant antique French Napoleon III era Empire style candlestick or candle holder pair, solid red marble columns with gilt ormolu laurel accenting! A pair that would surely work great as garnitures for a fine old Empire style mantel clock, equally impressive displayed alongside a writer's ensemble including inkwell and implements. Of course, they'd also be lovely all by themselves :). Solid red, nearly salmon colored, marble with classical columnar shaping, turned marble bases and foliate ...
$166 USD SaleSALE Antique Banded Agate Writer's Wax Seal, Sceau: Flower Seal
Antiques:Desktop Items
Wonderful antique Victorian or Napoleon III era banded agate & ormolu writer's wax seal or sceau, a crisp wheel cut handle with a solitary rose seal tip! From a time before postage stamps, or very nearly so, when a letter folded in on itself and was sealed against prying eyes by sealing wax. The impression of the monogram seal was pressed into the hot wax as it cooled, to confirm the sender's seal in place. The note might have held arrangements for a meeting with one's lover or friend, or carry ...
$209 USD SaleSALE Antique French Gilt Ormolu Ring Tree, Parrot or Bird Figure
Antiques:Desktop Items
Whimsical & rare antique French Napoleon III era gilt bronze ormolu ring or jewelry 'tree', a wonderful little bedside or boudoir stand in the shape of a perch with parrot at the top, turned base and even a go-to-bed sized candle holder! Lovely decorative pieces but they really do end up being useful, whether you have them in your bath to hold rings & bracelets, etc. while bathing or at the bedside, you simply can't beat them. This one in great shape with a rich gilded finish, footed base and ...
$421 USD SaleSALE Antique Georgian 1700s Shagreen Drafting Tools Etui, Silver
Antiques:Desktop Items
A fabulous and slightly smaller than usual Georgian era (1700s) drafting tools or calipers for measuring maps or ?? A wonderful set with great age, and of interest to architects, engineers, designers, and anyone who loves fine old treasures. The case, itself, is in marvelous condition, heavy larger scale shagreen (shark or stingray leather) that is sturdy and remains unscathed by time. Interior is still lined in the original paper and silks, and has the several sections into which rulers and ...
$336 USD SaleSALE Antique Cut Crystal Double Inkwell & Thermometer Obelisk Set
Antiques:Desktop Items
Very similar to a single obelisk shaped desk top thermometer stand we have available, this one unique and COMPLETE with a black glass base, two cut crystal inkwells AND the thermometer stand obelisk! All in thick, heavy wheel cut glass or crystal, all in great shape and definitely one for the inkwell buffs out there. Great with a collection of cut crystal, electric blue & green glass inkwells and a real value at the price I've set. I was surprised that I didn't see a pictured reference to a ...
$166 USD SaleSALE Antique Napoleon III Writer's Wax Seal or Sceau, Exotic Wood
Antiques:Desktop Items
Elegant & rare antique Napoleon III or Victorian era writer's wax seal or sceau with a beautiful two-toned exotic wood handle and unique full name "W.S. Phillips" monogrammed bronze seal! One of several fabulous old wax seals that we currently have available, this definitely one of the more attractive of the wood handled bunch with its striking two tone or heart wood cut grain pattern and wonderful condition. Large gilt bronze seal tip, elegant scrolling script and perfect for all of you W.S. ...
$166 USD SaleSALE Antique Agate Writer's Wax Seal or Sceau, Cameo Profile Seal
Antiques:Desktop Items
Wonderful antique Victorian or Napoleon III era banded agate writer's wax seal or sceau, a crisp wheel cut handle with a unique cameo style profile etched or carved into the carnelian seal tip! From a time before postage stamps, or very nearly so, when a letter folded in on itself and was sealed against prying eyes by sealing wax. The impression of the monogram seal was pressed into the hot wax as it cooled, to confirm the sender's seal in place. The note might have held arrangements for a ...
$336 USD SaleSALE Antique French Eglomise Inkwell, Gilt Ormolu & Opaline Glass
Antiques:Desktop Items
Wonderful & rare 19th century French Napoleon III era gilt ormolu single desk top or travel inkwell, eglomise painting medallion commemorating the 1066 defeat of King Harold by William the Conqueror! A beautiful little treasure, we're nearly positive that it was meant to be a small writer's, possibly even travel, inkwell with the white opaline glass insert though there are no tell tale signs of ink in any of the crevices or the leather backing on the eglomise painting. The scene itself is of ...
$336 USD SaleSALE Antique Victorian Era Fretwork 10" Stationery or Letter Stand
Antiques:Desktop Items
Wonderful antique Victorian era hand made scroll or fretwork 10" stationery, magazine or letter rack, a unique stand with cherubs, cats and parrot figures! Yes, amidst that ornate fretwork, if you look closely, you'll see a variety of figures! In fact, I just noticed that there are two butterfly figures at the sides of the first divider panel (outside the cherub figures)! Two cats at the rear, staring up at what appears to be a parrot or exotic bird of some sort. There are even mythical dolphin ...
$209 USD SaleSALE Antique French Napoleon III .800/1000 & Agate Wax Seal, Sceau
Antiques:Desktop Items
Fabulous antique French Napoleon III era writer's wax seal or sceau with ornate sterling silver seal tip, "H.G.C." monogram and wheel cut banded agate handle! Gorgeous, isn't it! Once a staple for the desk or writing table top, these were used with melted wax to seal and/or sign letters, packages, etc.. Elegant, you rarely find this practice still in use but definitely remember it when you do! Why not add that extra special touch to your correspondences, you'll captivate the recipient's ...
$166 USD SaleSALE Antique French Bronze Miniature Sculpture: Napoleon Bonaparte
Antiques:Desktop Items
Wonderful antique French 2nd Empire era miniature bronze sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte in full military regalia, a fabulous desk top decorative accent, paper weight or collectors' piece! Known nearly as much for is small stature as for his military conquests. A mere 5" tall here so, this one is not quite life sized though the detail is as fine as can be! Great displayed with other Napoleonic items and those larger figural wax seals. An old piece, at least Napoleon III to Belle Epoque era and ...
$251 USD SaleSALE Antique .800 Silver Inkstand, Bohemian Layered Glass Inkwells
Antiques:Desktop Items
Fabulous antique 19th century European .800 silver double inkwell stand with magnificent repousse and two stunning Bohemian layered & wheel cut glass wells! I was just sure this one was sterling silver from the feel and weight of the piece but my testing kit only revealed that the content is at least .800. Unfortunately, I'm not quite an expert with the kit yet so we know that it is silver but I can't tell you definitively where it is between .800 and sterling silver :). With that in mind, you ...
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Shop Details
Member since Sep 2002
Susan Dean
We have offices in Utah and California. 979 Woodland Pkwy, Ste 168
San Marcos, CA92069
Email only, please: susandean-aut@cox.net
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We have offices in Utah and California. 979 Woodland Pkwy, Ste 168
San Marcos, CA
Email only, please: susandean-aut@cox.net
View Location