METALWARE: ANTIQUE & VINTAGE BRONZE~BRASS~COPPER~SPELTER at Lisa Cohen (Family Jewels)

PLEASE NOTE THAT I WILL BE ON VACATION FROM JULY 7th TO JULY 22nd 2008! Any orders during that time will be processed by July 31st. Please be patient and no that I will have limited, if any, internet access during that time.

Item #

Description

Price

Click for more detail...
00027

OLD European Judaic Copper BedWarmer NR I purchased this from a prominent Jewish family in Atlanta many years ago, and because of my own roots, I kept it in my collection. Now, exclusively for your consideration comes this very special antique copper and wooden bed warmer. I am not an expert, so please bear with me. I was told that thisis an authentic late Georgian to early Victorian era piece dating back to the early 1800s. It came from Europe. It is made of copper that has been pierced with cut out shapes of stars, crecents, hearts, diamonds, and circles. It is very irregular and obviously done individually and by hand. The long wooden handle, I'm told is a later addition, the original one evidently needed replacing over the years. However, the handle has some alligator crazing on it and is turned on the end, making me believe it is still over a hundred years old. It's attached to the copper section with a wonderfully aged iron fitting. The bedwarmer itself is hinged and crudely constructed, obviously hand made. The handle is about 38" long and the copper warmer itself is about 10" in diameter and 5 1/2" thick. What makes this piece of exceptional historical value is that in the center, very faintly, is the subtle etching of a Jewish star or Star of David (Mogen David). It was very difficult to capture it with my camera, but it is most definitely there. When I purchased it, the owner told me that the star was a way for a Jewish person in Europe to remain loyal to their beliefs without exposing the fact that they were Jews. Not being an expert on the history of anti Semitism, I cannot say for sure exactly where this was occuring. I really am more knowledgeable of the Holocaust during this century and of Hitler, but according to my source, it was necessary to hide your Jewish heritage long before Hitler's Germany.

One of my pictures is an attempt to show you some of the faint etching of the star...please feel free to email me directly if you'd like me to attempt a clearer view of it; also, if you are familiar with more history of this, I welcome any resources or information. Given that this is a very old, perhaps nearly 200 years old, this piece is exceptional. It boasts a rich patina on the copper and appears to be original. The copper does have splits on the edges and the hinge is cracked a bit and loose, but it is better than expected and rich with character and charm. I would not do a thing to it...it's wonderful just as it is and would make an incredible decorative piece, complimenting primitive and folk art decor as well as more modern tastes. I welcome any further information about both bedwarmers in general and the Jewish significance of the star being so faintly etched. It is a fabulous piece, and any museum or personal collection would be enriched with an item of this calibre.

Click here to enlarge image and see more about item 9807: ORNATE VICTORIAN BRASS FRAME GRIFONS CHERUBS SERPENTS!

Click for more detail...
9807

ORNATE VICTORIAN BRASS FRAME GRIFONS CHERUBS SERPENTS! From my own collection, this 7" by 9.25" ornate late 1800s to early 1900s Victorian frame appears to be brass and is free stnding. The opening is about 5.75" by 4" wide.

The highly ornate frame has a superb design with two figures at the top that appear to be cherubs (cherub putti puttis angel angels). Flowers and swirling leaves cover the frame and in the corners at the top are mythological creatures that look like winged griffins (grifins grifon grifin griffin). On th side are other odd creatures that may be some sort of sea serpent, and at the bottom corners are mythological birds (bird phoenix?)

In very good condition, the screws are not present on the back...this can be easily remedied if desired. It's so lovely that it stands alone quite nicely even if there's not a print or photo inside. I've never had a frame quite like this one!

Click for more detail...
3051

SUPERB VINTAGE BRONZE DOLPHIN FISH STATUE SCULPTURE From my private collection, purchased from a dealer about 5 or 10 years ago. I am unsure of its age; it is not antique, but I do believe it is at least from the 1950s-60s or so.

Dolphin or fish is solid bronze, aprx 10" high, photos make it look silver at parts but it is not; it is just a darkened oxidized patina.

No damage or repair, nice detail, lots of character. Very good vintage condition.

Click for more detail...
4830

RARE PRIMITIVE DOVETAILED ANTIQUE COPPER HANGING KETTLE From a West Virginia estate, purchased about 20 years ago from the original owners and in my private collection ever since. Heavy solid hand crafted copper with a wrought iron hinged handle. I'd guess this is late 1800s to early 1900s, lovely original unpolished patina, Measures about 8.5" tall not including its 6" tall iron handle and an additional 3.5" round piece which I assume was meant to be used to put over a fire. Unsure, as I am not an expert.

Authentic primitive farm kitchen collectible. Kitchenalia and primitives like this are increasingly hard to find and this is a very special piece.

Click here to enlarge image and see more about item 4746: ANTIQUE CARBIDE JOSEPH LUCAS NICKEL PLATED BICYCLE LAMP

Click for more detail...
4746

ANTIQUE CARBIDE JOSEPH LUCAS NICKEL PLATED BICYCLE LAMP I am selling this for a dealer and we honestly know very little about these lamps. What I have found out is that this is an antique English bicycle lamp by Joseph Lucas Ltd in Birmingham England. The carbide lamp is nickel silver and has the Lucas logo of a lion and torch on the top. I believe it is a front lamp, based on other auctions I found on eBay. I welcome any information on this if you care to share.

The lamp has a hinged front piece, and the glass is original and intact with a small area near the bottom broken . It is very minimal and does not appear damaged or in need of repair, in my opinion. It has faceted glass inserts, one on each side, and it appears to be all original and complete. I think this dates to the late 1800s to early 1900s.

Click here to enlarge image and see more about item 4797: ANTIQUE VICTORIAN QUADRUPLE SILVER PLATE SPOONER

Click for more detail...
4797

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN QUADRUPLE SILVER PLATE SPOONER Circa 1880s, hand etched, quadruple plate, most all of the plating has worn, lovely etched floral Victorian design, Quite decorative as it is, authentic period piece, priced accordingly, apprx 4" high and about 4.5" in diameter.

Click here to enlarge image and see more about item 3713: 1979 FOX THEATRE ATLANTA COMMEMORATIVE BRONZE MEDALLION

Click for more detail...
3713

1979 FOX THEATRE ATLANTA COMMEMORATIVE BRONZE MEDALLION Lovely detail, double sided, like new, original box and paperwork included. These were made in 1979 to celebrate the Atlanta Fox theatre's 50th anniversary. Signed Julian H. Harris.

Made by Atlanta Landmarks, Inc. Amazing detail, lovely patina, heavy bronze.

Medallion can be used as a paperweight or just displayed. It measures about 3" in diameter.

Click here to enlarge image and see more about item 3798: ANTIQUE BRONZE FIGURAL DIETY? DEVIL? HEAD ASHTRAY

Click for more detail...
3798

ANTIQUE BRONZE FIGURAL DIETY? DEVIL? HEAD ASHTRAY Right from my "keeper" collection after over a decade. This a bizarre little bronze ashtray that is a figural head with an open mouth for ashes. It measures a petite 3 1/2" by 3 1/2" wide, including its ears, and it possesses a rich, deep patina that I would bet is original. It's got the heavy solid feel to it, expected in bronze, and the dark patina is rich and desired.

The details are excellent from its furrowed brow andpiercing eyes to his raised horns and nose. His mouth is rather large for putting out butts, and he is unmarked. I'm not sure exactly what he represents, whether he is a devil or demon, or some sort of diety, god, or mythological creature. I'd love to hear your opinions...I don't think this represents any sort of negativity, though...if I thought it did, I'd have never have been drawn to it.

In original and excellent condition, this special piece is free of damage or repair. It's fun, whimsical, and a little bizarre...you will not be disappointed.

Click for more detail...
4641

HEAVY VINTAGE SOLID BRASS FIGURAL ROOSTER NUTCRACKER Early to mid 1900s, solid brass figural rooster nutcracker, apprx 6.5" long, warm patina, very good vintage condition.

Click here to enlarge image and see more about item 4724: PR ANTIQUE VICTORIAN ORNATE METAL CARRIAGE BUGGY LAMPS

Click for more detail...
4724

PR ANTIQUE VICTORIAN ORNATE METAL CARRIAGE BUGGY LAMPS Matching pair of oil lamps, circa 1880s, each avbout 17" tall, made of what looks like a white metal with a light brass plating. Metal is ornately decorated with a punched design. Each lamp has 3 sides which are a piece of heavy bevelled glass.

Lamps are in need of restoration. On one lamp, the bottom piece is detached and the hinged door is partially detached. On the other lamp, the hinged door is completely detached, and one of the little pieces of metal which forms a frame around the front glass piece needs to be re-soldered.

Lamps are in complete, but challenged condition. They require soldering and TLC to be restored. They are still, though, very nice and unusual with a great floral punched tin design unlike anything I've ever seen before. They have been stored for about 15 yrs in hopes that I'd find a use for them. I didn't, so here they are! Don't miss these.

They are being sold as is. It is a final sale and they are priced accordingly. If perfect, these could run in the several hundred dollar range.

Click here to enlarge image and see more about item 4233: RARE ANTIQUE BRONZE GEORGIAN LOVERS PLAQUE WALL HANGING

Click for more detail...
4233

RARE ANTIQUE BRONZE GEORGIAN LOVERS PLAQUE WALL HANGING Very unusual plaque like no other I've ever seen. I am unsure, but it appears to be bronze...possibly brass, though the weight feels more like bronze.

Dating to the early to late 1800s or so, this authentic Victorian (or late Georgian?) piece measures about 11" by 8.25"Depicted is a highly detailed couple, lovers it appears, both dressed in Renaissance or Georgian era costume. They are walking down a garden path, steps, actually, and to one side is a plant that appears to be a grape vine, grapes in clusters with large leaves. Detailed folliage, trees, even clouds are in the background and foreground.

I am unsure what this was originally intended to be used for...perhaps a plate on a door, as a circular area on the top left area has been cut. Maybe for a lock or doorknob? Nevertheless, this is a very nice piece of Victoriana, perhaps even Georgian metalware. The rich dark patina is unpolished and shows great detail. The edges of the plaque are rough, crude actually, the pictures should tell the story. A fine and unique piece that would be a great addition to your decor or projects! I welcome any information you may care to share about this if you know its age, origins, or original purpose.

Click here to enlarge image and see more about item 4118: RARE PAIR ANTIQUE SIGNED BRONZE & MARBLE LAMPS

Click for more detail...
4118

RARE PAIR ANTIQUE SIGNED BRONZE & MARBLE LAMPS These lamps came out of my friend's father's estate. They look to be from the 1920s or 30s, and though they do need some work, with a little effort, I feel certain they can be restored to their original grandeur.

The lamps stand about 17" high, though proper shades will add to that height. They are designed as figural plants, each having a black and tan marble base which appears to be actual marble and not man-made. Attached to the marble bases are signed bronze sculptures. The styling is exquisite and classic with lily pad like shapes at the base with a leafy post. From that, porcelain flowers are attached at various points.

The bottoms of the metal is signed on each lamp either "H HAYDON" or N HAYDON". I know nothing about this artist and would welcome any information offered.

Unfortunately, the years have taken their toll on these lovely decorative pieces. On one lamp, at least one of the porcelain flowers has come off, leaving four. Of the four, one has some bad chipping, and the other three have minor chipping. The other lamp has only 3 flowers, one missing a petal and the others with minor nicks. The interesting thing is that the flowers are all different from one another, giving it a very exotic look.

Despite the shortcomings of the set, the lamps are incredible. They are pretty soiled, so a thorough cleaning is in order, and I'd also recommend rewiring to avoid a potential hazard. I'll leave that to the lucky successful bidder. As for the flowers, a professional restoration could replace the missing ones and touch up the ones that are still present. I'd actually recommend cleaning them up and leaving them as the are. They are very stylish and the fact that all the flowers are not still intact doesn't ruin the look in my opinion.

A decorator's dream, these lamps, once brightened up, would be perfect in the most formal or casual of decors!

We also accept Checks and Money Orders.

Store Home

· Links · Tell a Friend! · Join our Mailing List ·

Member of The Internet Antique Shop - antiques & collectibles