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Antique lorgnette dating from the late Victorian era
A lorgnette is a pair of glasses that are mounted onto a handle rather than sitting on the nose and fitting over the ears, and here is a very elegant antique lorgnette that can still be used today and looks as fashionable as ever.
Dating from the 1880's, it was made in a base metal that has achieved a wonderful patina and adds to the charm and character. The detail is just incredible and will have you admiring it every time that you hold it. On the side when is a small lever, that once pressed allows the lens which itself is folded onto itself to spring out of the handle and open ready to use.
Measuring 71.6mm plus the link to hand off a chain, by 24mm wide when closed, this is such a fabulous piece that showcases how fabulous the Victorian era truly was.
Stock# ET502
Circa: 1880
$985
$985.00
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Antique blonde tortoiseshell pique box from the Georgian era
There is nothing quite like holding a genuine antique in the palm of your hand, and this becomes even more exciting when it is a gorgeous and rare antique blonde tortoiseshell pique box that dates from the early 1800's.
It is astonishing to think that this box was made well over 200 years ago and has not only lasted this long, but is so exquisite to look at.
Tortoiseshell is more often found having a darker colour, whereas this was made in the lighter variety known as blonde tortoiseshell. When it is inlayed with gold and silver such as this one here, the term "pique" is then applied.
Click here to read a brief article on pique jewellery: https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/articles/history-of-pique-jewellery/
The box measures 59mm across by 50mm deep by 25mm high and the intricate detail of the gold and silver inlay in itself is just extraordinary and a true testament to the quality of work and detail that could be achieved all those years ago.
And then surrounded by a hand engraved silver border is a stunning miniature that is so adorable and simply takes your breath away.
From every angle and side that you admire this box, including even underneath, there is no doubt that this is an absolute treasure and something that will captivate your heart every time that you see it.
Stock# ET301
Circa: 1800
$4,200
$4,200.00
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Antique three colour gold guilloché enamel and emerald box
This antique box is nothing short of spectacular and is still in superb condition even after 170 years have passed since being made.
Made in France in the 1850's, this exquisite box was made in 18 carat gold in three different colours. Today there is yellow and rose gold (as well as white), however years ago there was also green gold, that combined with the yellow and rose gold in this box, is also used. Both the rose and the green gold are very subtle and the rose gold can be seen on the wreath design, with the green gold being used for the petal designs that are found around the sides as well as the top of the box.
Then all of this is highlighted by the spectacular red guilloché enamel that is seen. Guilloché enamel is one of the most popular of all the enamel techniques and is produced by engraving a very precise and repetitive pattern that then has the enamel applied over the top and after the firing process is complete, it is polished back to a high lustre revealing the engraved pattern below the surface. The result as can be seen in this box is incredible and along with such a smooth, tactile feel to it, makes this one of the finest gold boxes that one will ever see.
Measuring 32.7mm across by 21.4mm deep by 17mm high, on the top of the box is set with a natural emerald that completes the box so well.
This is a true masterpiece, and from every angle the detail in this box is truly exceptional and there is no doubt that this was made by someone who was incredibly skilled.
Stock# ET151
Circa: 850
$7,300
$7,300.00
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Antique sterling silver four piece condiment set by Jones and Crompton
This antique condiment set truly takes you back to an earlier time, and when it is taken out of its box and used rather than just admired, it will certainly add that extra level of class and sophistication to any dinner table.
Made in sterling silver by Jones and Crompton in Birmingham in 1918, it is quite hard to come by a condiment set that has three pairs rather than the more common two. In this set is a pair of mustard pots, salt cellars and pepper pots, with the salts and mustards having their original blue glass inserts along with four sterling silver spoons.
Fitted in its original velvet lined box which measures 32cm wide by 19cm deep and 7cm tall, not only does this set look so beautiful on a table, but so attractive inside as well.
This antique condiment set is so beautiful and when taken out and used as it should be, really will make your guests honoured to use it.
Stock# ES9495
Maker: Jones and Crompton
Hallmarked: Birmingham 1918
$2,100
$2,100.00
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Antique spinner set with bloodstone and carnelian made in 1889
Swivels or spinners as they are also called, were originally designed to be attached to a gents Albert chain at one end, however today it is women who mostly wear them as pendants either on a chain or indeed on an Albert chain where they have the advantage to be able to easily rotated over to change the side and therefore the colour of the material.
This one was made in 9 carat rose gold in Chester in 1889 and is set with the two most traditional stones, bloodstone on one side and carnelian on the other. Designed with a rigid curb link design cross the top, the swivel measures 27.3mm across by 35mm and is still in wonderful condition even after all these years.
So beautiful and versatile, this antique spinner will always look perfect no matter which side is worn forward.
Stock# ES9425
Hallmarked: Chester 1889
$1,450
$1,450.00
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Rare 15 carat gold and platinum ladies antique Albertina
Here is an incredible rare and impressive ladies Albertina that dates from the 1850's and is arguably one of the finest ones that could ever be found.
Not only does it measure and incredible full length that originally would have been worn on the waist to hold a pocket watch at one end, but the detail of the links, the tassels and all the other components are truly sensational.
Made in 15 carat rose and green gold, the smaller components are highlighted with platinum. Even though platinum was discovered in 1735, the only way that it could be used in jewellery was to be hammered or forged onto jewellery, and it wasn't until oxyhydrogen was invented in the mid-1800's that could then create a temperature high enough to melt platinum and use it in jewellery.
Gold is alloyed with other metals that results in producing different colours. Rose gold is made by primarily adding copper to the gold when being alloyed resulting in the lovely warm tone to it, and today when green gold is made the green colour is more a soft green-yellow colour. However years ago cadmium was added resulting in a stronger colour. While never a strong green such as yellow or white gold, the tone of green in antique pieces has an incredible soft tone to it that looks wonderful here set against both the rose gold and pure white of the platinum.
The foxtail links in the tassels are still in superb condition as are the two slide pieces all of which show such incredible detail.
Even the four links connecting all of this together are truly amazing to admired from near or far, and this piece has such an incredible tactile feel to it that is so exciting to wear.
Laid out from end to end it measures 40.7cm and from the swivel to the bolt ring, it measures 33.5cm in length.
Still in exceptional condition, this very piece is featured on page 48 of "How the watch was worn: A fashion for 500 years" by Genevieve Cummins making this an even more exciting piece of history.
There is no doubt that anyone will be hard pressed to find a better quality piece such as this, and this is one is up there with the best of the best.
Stock# ES9364
Circa: 1855
$14,200
$14,200.00
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Rare antique Australian sterling silver centrepiece made in 1870 attributed to Julius Schomburgk.
Antique Australian silver work is so rare and hard to come by, and here is an exceptional quality antique sterling silver centre piece that showcases so much of Australia in one piece.
Made in 1870 and attributed to the highly skilled silversmith, Julius Schomburgk, this magnificent centrepiece measures an astonishing 60cm tall by 18cm wide at the base.
With an Aboriginal man at the bottom and one further up the tree fern they are hunting a goanna. The detail in this piece is just extraordinary and the glass bowl is beautifully etched with egrets and flowers, with the top trumpet finial. This is such an exciting piece to admire and is truly museum quality and rarity.
At the front it is hand engraved with "To Papa & Mamma on their Silver Wedding Day from their Children and Grandchildren 14th August 1870" which adds such a beautiful personal touch to this already exceptional piece.
Early Australian sterling silver pieces have long been hard to come by, and this piece is breathtaking from every angle that you look at it.
Stock# ES9284
Maker: (Attributed to) Julius Schomburgk
Circa: 1870
$32,500
$32,500.00
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Antique Australian sterling silver inkwell attributed to Julius Schomburgk
Here is a truly exceptional and rare piece of early Australian silver work that captures the essence of Australia flora and fauna and is breathtaking to admire from every angle that it is viewed.
Made in the 1870's, the set is made from sterling silver with three emu eggs with the two sides ones having have been made into inkwells. The tops of these are gorgeous with one having a kangaroo and the other an emu, while the third egg has a lyre bird sitting atop.
And in the centre is a magnificent and highly detailed tree fern with an oxidized sterling silver Aboriginal man in a classic hunting scene facing towards two kangaroos, with another kangaroo to the other side.
Adorned with further plants and ferns, this is truly a breathtaking piece and one that was made by an expert silversmith. Attributed to Julius Schomburgk who was one of many German immigrants who arrived in Australia in the 19th Century, the work in this piece is typical of his work and he made many pieces for the esteemed silversmiths Henry Steiner and Joachim Wendt.
Set on an ebony base that measures 56cm by 35cm, the silver section measures 44cm by 23.2cm by 27.5cm to the top of the tree, or 34cm from the base of the ebony to the top of the tree.
A true museum piece - and not a phrase that is used lightly, this is a wonderful and historic piece of early Australia at its finest.
Stock# ES9284
Maker: (Attributed to) Julius Schomburgk
Circa: 1870
$32,500
$32,500.00
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15 carat gold antique spinner fob made in Birmingham in 1896
Antique swivels or spinners as they are also known as, look wonderful on a chain around the neck, and here is a very stylish and elegant 15 carat gold antique spinner fob made in Birmingham in 1896.
Set with bloodstone on one side and carnelian on the other, it measures 20.2mm across by 26.3mm and spins around easily allowing you to choose which side you wish to face forward.
Perfect to hang on an antique Albert chain or any other necklace of your choosing, this antique swivel is still in wonderful condition and has that elegant classic design.
Stock# ES8007
Hallmarked: Birmingham 1896
$1,350
$1,350.00
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Art Nouveau era horn hair pin set with a 9 carat rose gold top
The Art Nouveau period of the late 19th Century until the early part of the 20th Century resulted in many designs being very flowing and sensual, and here is a lovely Art Nouveau era horn hair pin set with a 9 carat rose gold top.
Measuring 12cm in length, the top section is made in a very elegant flowing design that is so typical of the Art Nouveau period and has such a lovely warm colour to it.
Then the horn clip has such a tactile and very very smooth feel to it that is wonderful to touch and slides into the hair so smoothly.
Horn was often used during the Art Nouveau period and before being used in jewellery it was bathed in chemicals which gave it a delicate sheen. It was then stained with dyes to produce the desired colour and here it blends perfectly with the rose gold top.
Still in wonderful condition over 120 years later, this is a truly unique and special piece.
Stock# ES8687
Circa: 1895
$2,150
$2,150.00
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Antique 15ct gold seal
Going back as far as Roman times, after a letter was sealed with wax, the writer would stamp the still warm wax with his or her seal to prevent the wrong person from opening the letter, as once broken, the wax seal could not be used again and here is a very lovely antique 15ct gold seal dating from the Victorian era.
Dating from the 1870's the design alone is just gorgeous and although originally used as a necessary item to seal an envelope, today they look gorgeous hanging from a chain around the neck.
This one measures 29.2mm by 24.7mm at the base by 30mm tall and the the intaglio seal itself is made from rock crystal that has been hand carved expertly to show off a family crest.
So beautiful in the warm colour of the rose gold, this antique seal really is a way to wear a piece of history around your neck.
Stock# ES7000
Circa: 1870
$2,300
$2,300.00
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12ct gold antique seal from the 1870’s
Here is a very unique and large 12ct gold antique seal from the 1870's that is so special and will certainly make a statement when it is worn on a chain around the neck.
Seals have been used for centuries as a way to prevent someone from tampering with a letter by quite literally sealing the envelope in wax and pressing the seal in which would break once the letter is opened.
This antique seal is just incredible for so many reasons. To begin with it is very large for a seal. The base of the seal is made from chalcedony which is a from the quartz family and has been used for centuries in seals do to its hardness, and measures 26.4mm by 22.6mm and is engraved with the initials "LP" and from the base measures 34mm tall or 53mm to the top of the split ring which is attached and can so easily come on and off.
The split ring itself is incredibly large and has the exquisite engraved design that mirrors the seal and complements both items so well. These large antique split rings alone are becoming so hard to find and to get one that is original to the seal is quite a find indeed. Please note that the split ring does not stand up on its own, but has been photographed in the upright position to show how it would look hanging from a chain.
Then there is the gold content which is 12ct gold which was used for a brief period along with 15ct gold from 1854 until 1931 and this seal has such a wonderful warm colour to it combined with the quite rare gold content makes this even more unique and special.
With such an incredible pattern and a massive split ring to match, this is a truly incredible antique seal from the Victoria era that is just so special.
Stock# ES6657
Circa: 1870
$3,250
$3,250.00
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