Kensington House Antiques and Sterling Silver Kensington House
Antiques
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Victorian : Pre 1900 item #817211
Kensington House Antiques
$1495.00
A wonderful and extremely rare Victorian 15K rose gold brooch set with Scottish agate. The brooch is in the form of the 19th century Prince of Wales’ crown enclosing the traditional feathers in fleur-de-lys arrangement, over a banner with the legend “Ich Dien”. The feathers are set with jasper and bloodstone. The engraved decoration of the gold is first-rate. The back bears a registry mark, dating the brooch to 1891. In 1891, Queen Victoria’s eldest son, the future Edward VII, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his investitute as Prince of Wales. Due to his mother’s longevity, however, Edward was the first Prince of Wales to reach that mark. Agate jewelry set in gold is quite uncommon, and this is the only example we’ve found of this particular design. Tested and guaranteed 15K.

Origin: England, 1891. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 1-5/16” x 1-1/4”. Weight: 6.0 grams.

All Items : Antiques : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver : Sterling : Pre 1900 item #821686
Kensington House Antiques
$995.00
A very rare sterling silver chamber stick in a repousse floral pattern by Shiebler. The overall floral decoration depicts buds and full-blown rose blossoms against a background of leaves. Areas between the leaves are finished with a stippled texture. The knop of the candle socket and the bobeche are plain and make a nice contrast to the elaborate decoration. The thumbpiece is accented with a fan-shaped element that is suggestive of Shiebler’s more Aesthetic-style pieces. The bottom of the bobeche is stamped with Shiebler’s hallmark, the pattern number 1174, and the retailer’s mark “J. E. Caldwell & Co.”

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, a small rim ding and a couple of pinpoints on the bobeche. Size: 6” diameter; 3-1/2” tall. Weight: 211.0 grams.

All Items : Antiques : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver : Sterling : Pre 1900 item #823921
Kensington House Antiques
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An uncommon set of six nut picks, the mother of pearl handles attached to the silverplate picks with sterling silver ferules. The ferules are decorated with ropetwist borders flanking an ornate acanthus leaf pattern. In the Victorian era, fresh nuts would have been served alongside and cheese and fruit as a dessert course. The ferules are marked "Sterling".

Most sterling silver flatware services before 1900 had mother of pearl cutlery instead of knives that matched the rest of the service. Mother of pearl pieces such as a nut picks are considerable less common than knives.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, no plating loss. Size: 5-1/4".

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Victorian : Pre 1900 item #823955
Kensington House Antiques
$450.00
A pretty 18Kyellow gold pin in the shape of a salamander from the reign of Emperor Napoleon III. Animal brooches were very popular in the mid-19th century, and reptiles were especially favored. The salamander has a long history in France, and was the personal symbol of King François whose rule began in the late 15th century. This example is beautifully engraved with delicate scales, claws, and eyes. The back is set with a line of alternating seed pearls and Persian turquoise cabochons. The head is set with a larger turquoise. The original clasp is marked with the “tête de cheval” hallmark used only outside Paris between 1838 and 1919.

Origin: France, ca. 1850. Condition: excellent. Size: 1-7/16” long. Weight: 3.5 grams.

All Items : Fine Art : Sculpture : Bronze : Pre 1900 item #828461
Kensington House Antiques
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A fine bronze animalier sculpture by Ferdinand Pautrot (1832-74). The figure represents a pair of songbirds, one of which has caught a fly in its mouth. The other bird appears to be contemplating the possibility of wresting the insect from his companion. Both birds are perched on the rocky ground typical of Pautrot's work. An upright flowering plant appears at one end of the composition. Along with Mène and Moigniez, Pautrot was considered the be France's finest sculptor of animal figures. He first successfully participated in the Paris Salon of 1861 (three entries) and continued to exhibit until 1870. The details of the feathers are stunning and absolutely realistic in appearance. The rocky ground is signed "F. Pautrot". The figure retains its original medium brown patina with light gilt touches.

Origin: France, ca. 1865. Condition: excellent, original patina, built-up dust that could be cleaned if desired. Size: 6-1/4" x 3-1/4 x 6-1/2" tall.

Artist References: Benezit, "Dictionnaire des Peintres et Sculpteurs"; Lami, "Dictionnaire de Sculpteurs de l'ecole Francaise"; Kjellberg, "Bronzes of the 19th Century"; Savage, "A Concise History of Bronzes"; Payne, "Animals in Bronze"; Horswell, "Les Animaliers"; and Mackay, "Les Animaliers".

All Items : Fine Art : Sculpture : Bronze : Pre 1900 item #828468
Kensington House Antiques
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A fine, large bronze animalier sculpture by Ferdinand Pautrot (1832-74). The figure represents a pair of pheasants, one perched on a gnarled barren branch while the other appears to strut along the ground. The body position of the lower bird gives the composition a great deal of movement that is often missing in classical animalier bronzes. The ground is covered in long grass that is somewhat less common than Pautrot's more characteristic rocky ground. Along with Mène and Moigniez, Pautrot was considered the be France's finest sculptor of animal figures. He first successfully participated in the Paris Salon of 1861 (three entries) and continued to exhibit until 1870. The details of the feathers are stunning and absolutely realistic in appearance. The ground is signed "F. Pautrot". The figure retains its original medium brown patina with light gilt touches.

Origin: France, ca. 1865. Condition: excellent, original patina, built-up dust that could be cleaned if desired. Size: 7-1/2" x 3-1/2 x 9-1/4" tall.

Artist References: Benezit, "Dictionnaire des Peintres et Sculpteurs"; Lami, "Dictionnaire de Sculpteurs de l'ecole Francaise"; Kjellberg, "Bronzes of the 19th Century"; Savage, "A Concise History of Bronzes"; Payne, "Animals in Bronze"; Horswell, "Les Animaliers"; and Mackay, "Les Animaliers".

All Items : Antiques : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver : Sterling : Pre 1900 item #836298
Kensington House Antiques
$3995.00
An oustanding sterling silver centerpiece basket by Gorham. The sides and handle are decorated with extremely ornate bright-cut engraving in a swirling foliate pattern. The motif is repeated to great effect in the gilt feet that raise up the basket. The intersection of the handle and feet is finished with an applied classical lion mask. The surfaces are finished in an acid-finished matte texture. The reeded border and the feet are enhanced with matte gilding, while the interior is finished with highly polished gilding. The centerpiece is an excellent example of Gorham's work for an elite market in the years immediately following the Civil War. The bottom is stamped with Gorham's hallmark, the date mark for 1871, and with Gorham's retail location at Union Square in New York.

Origin: America, 1871. Condition: very good, the interior has some small dings and light wear to the gilding visible in raking light only when the centerpiece is empty. Weight: 737.0 grams. Size: 7-1/4" x 10-1/4" x 8-1/4" tall.

All Items : Fine Art : Paintings : Oil : N. America : Pre 1900 item #857998
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A very nice 19th century Mexican tin retablo illustrating “El Nino de Atocha”. According to tradition, Christ appeared in the guise of a small child to feed the hungry Christian prisoners of the town of Atocha during the Moorish invasion of Spain. The retablo illustrates the boy wearing his traditional garb and carrying his usual water gourd on the end of a staff and a food basket. Bouquets of flowers are arranged at his feet. Interestingly, the staff and basket are shown in the opposite hands from their original arrangement and the boy is seen standing rather than sitting. The pouty appearance of the mouth suggest that this retablo might be by the “bee-stung mouth” artist, though the relative simplicity of the design would make it among his earlier works. The heavy-lidded treatment of the eyes is also characteristic of the Red Bole Group, with which the artist is often associated. The retablo retains the original welded hook on the back side, and a collector’s label stating “Santo Nino de Atocha”.

Origin: Mexico, ca. 1840. Condition: excellent, very light scattered paint nicks to front, no rust. Size: 6-3/4” x 10”.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Designer Signed : Pre 1900 item #858358
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An extraordinarily fine antique 18K yellow gold ring by Tiffany & Co. set with a mixed cushion cut Burmese blue sapphire surrounded by old mine cut diamonds. All the gems are of the finest quality. The sapphire has been certified by the American Gemological Laboratories (see the following paragraph). The diamonds, ranging in size from approximately .22 carat to .29 carat each, are estimated at G/H color and SI to VVS2 clarity. The sapphire is set in a prong setting, while the diamonds are set in a shared-prong setting that creates a filigree appearance around the back of the crown. The shoulders of the shank are lightly decorated with beaded engraving.

Nearly all sapphires marketed in the last 150 years have been heated to improve the color. This is considered a standard practice. Other treatments, such as filling in fractures, altering the color family, etc., though considered bad practice, are nonetheless quite common. Fine Burmese stones from the Mogok region that have not been treated in any way are exceedingly rare and only show up in upscale jewels from makers such as Tiffany and Cartier. This particular stone, with its bright coloring and beautiful cut, is nothing short of stunning.

The AGL Brief (dated April 2008) indicates that the sapphire is natural; displays specific properties and characteristics associated with stones from Burma; measures 7.39 x 6.69 x 5.82 mm; weighs 2.49 carats; is cut in mixed cushion, has blue color, and shows no heat or additional treatments. The brief further indicates that unheated sapphires are scarce. The original brief will accompany the ring.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, all original, interior of shank has a period monogram. Finger Size: 4-1/4 (The ring can be sized up and we would recommend that the work be performed by Tiffany). Weight: 6.0 grams. Gemstone Weight: diamond (estimated by measurement), 2.25 carats; sapphire (by actual weight), 2.49 carats.

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Victorian : Pre 1900 item #883431
Kensington House Antiques
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A delightful Victorian reverse carved crystal pendant set in 12K yellow gold. The pendant depicts a Yorkshire terrier (Yorkie). He’s beautifully and deeply carved and painted in shades of brown and cream. The texture of his fur comes across very nicely in the design. The dog wears a blue ribbon around his neck and displays quite a lot of character with a bit of tongue sticking out to one side and one drooping ear. The crystal is backed in gold rather than the mother of pearl that typically appears in later crystals. The pendant is bordered with a double ropetwist border. Tested and guaranteed 12K gold.

Origin: England, ca. 1870. Condition: excellent, all original, no moisture damage. Size: 1-1/4” x 7/8” excluding bail.

All Items : Antiques : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver : Plate : Pre 1900 item #925122
Kensington House Antiques
$475.00
A very fine Victorian silver plated flip-top card case, both sides heavily decorated with nautical themes. The front features a scene of a sloop in roiling waves passing a lighthouse in the background. The scene is surrounded by a border of seashells and seaweed, and a bare-breasted mermaid watches from one of the lower corners. The back of the is decorated in a pattern of waterlilies and foliage. The detail in the design is superb--one can even just make out the stars and stripes of the ship's American flag. The case is fitted with two pairs of loops so is can be worn suspended from a heavy chain.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: some plating wear along the edge near one of the chain loops and an area of dings on the bottom edge; the design areas are all in excellent condition. Size: 2-2/1" x 3-3/4" x 3/8".

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Victorian : Pre 1900 item #926839
Kensington House Antiques
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A very fine French Belle Epoque 18K yellow gold brooch set with diamonds, blue sapphires and demantoid garnets around a central sugarloaf cabochon 3.59-carat peridot. The demantoids exhibit the desirable horsetail inclusions characteristic of Russian stones. The combination of blue sapphires and the bright grassy green of the demantoids and peridot is very pleasing. All the smaller stones are old mine cuts. Six small rose-cut diamonds are collet-set in silver. The back retains the original c-clasp and extended pinstem which is fully stamped with French "tete d'aigle" hallmarks for 18K gold and with an illegible goldsmith's mark.

Origin: France, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 2" x 19/32". Weight: 6.8 grams. Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: diamond, .15 carat; sapphire, .4 carat; demantoid, .46 carat; peridot, 3.59 carats.

All Items : Fine Art : Paintings : Oil : N. America : Pre 1900 item #926875
Kensington House Antiques
$495.00
A good, small-size 19th century Mexican retablo depicting San Jeronimo. After a spiritual revelation, the saint lived as a hermit, often flagellating himself with a scourge and beating himself with rocks. He is shown here his traditional attributes of penitence--the bloody scourge, a skull, and rocks. He is often shown with fresh self-inflicted wounds, in this case a spray of blood droplets from his chest. San Jeronimo was the first to translate the Hebrew text of the Old Testament into Latin and is considered one of the four most learned founders of the Catholic church. The retablo also shows an open book to symbolize his efforts. A trumpet blasts into the saint's ear as a reminder of his spiritual awakening. And finally, a peaceful lion crouches next to the saint. This example is well-painted in muted colors that contrast nicely with the bright orangey-red color of the saint's cloak. Images of San Jeronimo were popular throughout Mexico, but it is estimated that he appears in less than 4% of all retablos.

Origin: Mexico, ca. 1880. Condition: excellent, no paint loss. Size: 5-3/8" x 7-3/8".

All Items : Fine Art : Paintings : Oil : N. America : Pre 1900 item #926955
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A very colorful 19th century Mexican retablo depicting a scene called "L'Alegoria de la Redencion." The composition depicts the elongated body of the crucified Christ spanning Heaven and Hell. God, making the sign of blessing and the Holy Spirit (in the form of a dove) watch from the upper section, while condemned souls in supplication watch from the flames of Hell at the bottom. Interestingly, the artist depicted one of the condemned souls as a Cardinal, indentifiable by his red cap. Mary watches the scene from one side, while the archangel Michael holds a balance in which he weighs the souls of sinners. Both Mary and Michael represent intercessory figures to whom one can pray for the salvation of loved ones. At either end of the arms of the cross, the sun and moon are shown against a starry sky. This represents the darkening of the sky at the moment of Jesus' death. The figures, especially that of Christ, are well-formed and colorfully painted.

Origin: Mexico, ca. 1860. Condition: very good overall, paint wear along edges and a candle burn on the left edge near Mary, normal bending of tin and a notched corner at upper right. Size: 10" x 14".

All Items : Estate Jewelry : Gold : Victorian : Pre 1900 item #945358
Kensington House Antiques
$295.00
A very fine Victorian 14K gold stickpin, the head set with a round hardstone cameo depicting a pheasant. The cameo is worked in banded white and brown agate. The carving shows a pheasant running along the ground amidst underbrush, and has superb detail. Tested and guaranteed 14K.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, some waviness to pin shaft, no damage to cameo. Size: overall length, 2-13/16”; head, 13/16” diameter. Weight: 4.0 grams.

All Items : Antiques : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver : Sterling : Pre 1900 item #952288
Kensington House Antiques
$995.00
An elegant sterling silver trumpet vase with an opaque glass liner by either Jenkins or Armiger for F. Bucher & Sons. This silver is ornately decorated wthroses, forget-me-nots, wild roses, chamomiles and daises against a stippled background. Bucher was a retailer who stamped wares with his own mark, even though they were actually made by Jenkins, Armiger, Schofield or other leading Baltimore silversmiths of the day. The treatment of the chamomile blossoms and the use of cyma scrolls in the narrow borders are distinctly similar to Jenkins’ work, but the use of ferns amongst the foliage is more often seen in Armiger’s. The liner is opaque white glass with a translucent pink border at the undulating, flaring rim, and appears to be original. The base is marked “F. Bucher & Sons. Sterling”.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, sharp detail. Size: 10-3/8” tall. Silver Weight: 161.4 grams.

All Items : Antiques : Decorative Art : Glass : Pre 1900 item #961680
Kensington House Antiques
$650.00
A very good Classic Period glass paperweight with a pinchbeck design. The scene depicts the "Descent from the Cross" and shows two centurions, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus taking the body from the cross while Mary weeps at Jesus' feet. The pinchbeck insert is finished in a silver tone rather than the more common gold. The crystal dome is of very good quality, with excellent clarity and good optical magnification to highlight the detail of the scene. The bottom of the weight retains its original red and gilt-painted decoration.

Origin: England or Continental Europe, ca. 1850. Condition: excellent, light surface scratching at the top of the crown. Size: 2-5/16" diameter; 1-1/4" high.

All Items : Antiques : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver : Sterling : Pre 1900 item #967412
Kensington House Antiques
$275.00
A very good sterling silver wine bottle or decanter coaster by Gorham. The flared lip is heavily decorated with a floral scrolled border in the Rococo style. The repousse decoration is finely done. The bottom of the coaster is fully hallmarked with one of the older Gorham hallmarks, the design copyright date 1889, the pattern number 325 and the date symbol for 1891.

Origin: America, 1891. Condition: excellent, one pinpoint ding visible on very close inspection, no monogram. Size: 6-3/4" diameter. Weight: 135.6 grams.