1900 DL Moody Evangelist Spiritualism Cabinet Photo

Incredibly rare image of Northfield Mount Hermon School with Evangelist /Spritualist / Author D.L. Moody at center.  Measures approx 8″ x 10″ sight size on 11″ x 14″ mount.  Twenty five inset images of places around campus, including “Twilight Meeting Round Top” and “D.L. Moody’s grave”…with his photo inset in the middle.  Copyrighted 1900 by “AP Pitt” (I believe).  Condition is fairly nice, several tears to mount (only one of which goes into the photo, about 3″ on the top — does not affect Moody proper).  Slight toning to the margin of the photo.

1929 Israel Sack American Antiques Auction Catalog

Incredible opportunity for antique historians, a copy of Anderson Gallery’s “American Antiques: Collection of Israel Sack” auction catalog, 1929.  Softcover wraps, 7″ x 11″, 180 pages – nearly 400 lots (about 1/3 to 1/2 photographed) and almost all with very neat pen results next to the title.  Museum copy with realized prices penned in! Remarkable, ex-libris, local art museum here in SWPA.  Spine’s paper covering is gone, as such the covers are separated – but the interior is entirely clean and gorgeous.  Reference from one of the most famous sales in the history of antiques.

c1900 Old Maid Cards Object Framed

Fifteen turn of the century Old Maid cards (one half of a deck), with incredible artwork and vibrant colors still.  Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 3/4″ and relies heavily on stereotypes and Old Maid-isms – examples are “Old Maid’s Cat” or the English man whose name is “Hasty Puden”…hey, take it up with the late Victorians, not me.  Beautiful neutral creme acid free matting and gold/rope Victorian frame makes it hangable anywhere…but personally its begging to be in a nursery.  Measures 18″ x 32″ vertical.

1930s Prison Art Tramp Art Woven Tin Handbag Purse

Uncertain how to date this, I suppose it could be as late as 1940s – but I think its a bit earlier because of the insert.  Beautiful tramp art or prison art woven tin handbag – done in exactly the manner of which the gumwrapper purses are, but I’ve never seen this.  Remarkably, no breaks – not even on the handles which remain incredibly sturdy.  Light surface rust which I would not recommend be cleaned – its patina.  Because of the build, the material and the insert’s rigidity – this is a perfectly usable piece.  Incredible.

19thc Napoleon III Eugenie Ivory Miniatures – Amazing Brass Figural Frames

Exquisite miniatures.  I believe they are both on ivory, at least the Napoleon surely is – the girl may be another material, porcelain maybe.  Each measures approximately 1 1/2″ wide and 2 1/2″ tall, brass frames (heavily embossed and decorated with traditional flowers, easel backs and ribbons/flowers – and Napoleon exhibits the French eagle atop his frame.)  Neither appears to have ever been opened.  Eugenie is in beautiful condition with only light crazing (I’m sorry, it was hard to keep the flash off of these) and Napoleon of course has damage – his face is almost indistinguishable and the background is awash, but the jacket and medals are completely crisp – as is the hair.  The features can be made out and in painting should certainly be possible.

Sold – but please check with me, I keep all manner of Napoleon and Louis Napoleon things in stock – a favorite subject o’ mine;)

Early Pittsburgh PA Advertising Transferware Rye Plate

Really early Homer Laughlin advertising plate for a Pittsburg (no h – signals c1910) Rye distributor – “M Letzelter” for Big 4 Rye.  Gorgeous blue transfer of the logo in center, gold gilt rimming and gold slogan “Forget Your Troubles & Drink Big 4.”  Measures 6″ in diameter, with a 3/4″ chip to the top right.  Exceedingly rare.

20thc Carved Marble Head of Joseph Religious Sculpture

The details are miraculous, the curl of his hair and beard are beautiful.  Nose was broken long ago, and suffers a crack across that void with another scrape at the top of his hair.  An amazing visual, beautifully done.  Stands 9″ high and 7″ wide, broken flat (obviously part of a statue long ago) on the front of neck and with the ridge of his robe behind him…sits flat.  My guess on the age would be 1940s, perhaps 50s.  Stunning in person.  Sold – but please email if you have an interest in ecclesiastic antiques, I always have some on hand;)

c1870 Bronze Flame Torch Wax Cast Figural Finial

The mother of all finials, I can’t believe how aesthetically enticing this piece is…because of the wax cast and patina, the flame really does seem liquid – like it has movement.  It is a gorgeous visage, obviously the top of a torch – circa 1860/70 in my opinion.  Stands 6″ tall, by 6″ wide at its best…with a collar on the bottom – inner diameter is 2″ (though the collar would need to be straightened to sit flat.)  The photos will do the talking, please email with questions.

19thc Cast Iron Demeter Greek Goddess Figural Fireplace

Demeter, winged, with the wheat sheaf in one hand and her torch in the other is made of cast iron, and most likely cut of a third quarter 19thc fireplace back of an appropriate mansion.  Measures 13 1/2″ tall, 10 wide and nearly 2″ in relief at her highest.  Gorgeous piece with quite a bit of graphic appeal.  Shows some signs of old black paint, not much and has a nice (very light) rust patina to her surface – much more prevelant on the reverse, equivalent for her age.  Please see photos (keeping in mind all of the odd glare is just the flash playing with the relief) and email with questions.

1930s Art Nouveau Kissing Couple Silverplate Door Knocker

Honestly, I’ve never seen this pattern before – I’m in love with it.  Door knocker measures 6″ high by 4″ wide.  The art nouveau girl is on the bottom, and the boy/man is on the knocker…the knocker has the shape of a hand mirror and ornamental roses/vines up the handle and around his neck.  When you knock, the two are raised and match in order to kiss each other.  Shows appropriate wear to the silverplate for its age, signed JB 2521 on the reverse.  The screw in the knocker proper should either be tightened or replaced to ensure that they hit exactly and it doesn’t slide.