Premier Items

A collection of antique items of extraordinary quality, concept and style.

  • Stock: 16297

    A very large and fine 32 branch gilt brass chandelier hung with enormous faceted pear shaped glass drops. This grand chandelier is truly a statement piece, with two tiers of scrolling foliate arms emanating from a foliate baluster stem, strung with glass beads and drops. A statement chandelier of exceptional quality.
    French, c.1890.

    View our collection of: Antique chandeliers.

    Diameter Drop
    48"
    122 cms
    52"
    132 cms
  • Stock: 16337

    An exceptional Gothic Revival stone chimneypiece from Woodchester Mansion. Carved from soft buff coloured Bath stone, this chimneypiece is a celebration of nature, with a floral undershelf beautifully carved in high relief. This rests on a frieze carved with five foliate panels. One panel is carved with a vine, the other a flowering lily, the central panel depicts two birds devouring grapes from a vine, the next, a British oak laden with acorns, and the final panel, a fruiting ivy.
    This beautiful carving is surpassed only on the spandrels, where on one side it is carved with a grapevine, and on the other a serpent is shown within a fruiting tree, evoking the story of Eve. The jambs are deftly carved with floral paterae and grapevines over moulded footblocks.

    This piece is an extraordinary survival from the unfinished Woodchester Mansion in Gloucestershire. By repute it was designed and made for the mansion but was never installed as the building project was left unfinished. AWN Pugin drew up early plans for this house, but the project was later taken on by Benjamin Bucknall. It is uncertain whether this chimneypiece was designed by Pugin, or was in fact designed by Bucknall, but it does share many stylistic similarities to the stonework throughout the rest of the house. Sadly after the patron of the project died, his Gothic vision was never realised in full.

    English, c.1860

    Provenance: Woodchester Mansion, Gloucestershire.

    View our collection of: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600

    Width Height Depth
    External 55 38"
    140.7 cms
    58 1116"
    149 cms
    8"
    20.3 cms
    Internal 33 1116"
    85.5 cms
    40 58"
    103 cms
  • Stock: 16344

    A fine and rare pair of 18th century George III wall mirrors with original mercury plates. Each plate is bordered by a giltwood frame of foliate design woven with c and s scrolls, very much in the Chippendale manner.

    It is very rare to come across such a fine pair of mirrors of this date.
    English, c.1760.

    View our collection of: Antique mirrors and console tables

    Width Height
    26 1316"
    68 cms
    49 58"
    126 cms
  • Stock: 16294

    A fine mid-eighteenth century Venetian giltwood wall mirror. The elegant mirror is profusely decorated with foliate c scrolls in the Rococo manner, with floral flourishes and an elegant finial above an additional mirror plate. With original mercury plates.

    Northern Italian, c.1760.

    View our collection of: Antique mirrors and console tables

    Width Height Depth
    36 1316"
    93.5 cms
    55 18"
    140 cms
    9 14"
    23.5 cms
  • Stock: 16230

    A fine antique cut glass and gilt brass chandelier of exceptional quality of a tent and waterfall design, profusely hung with beads and prism drops, issuing eight scrolling foliate gilt brass arms.
    English, mid-19th century.

    View our collection of: Antique chandeliers.

    Diameter Drop
    33 18"
    84 cms
    46 18"
    117 cms
  • Stock: 16101

    A very fine early George III giltwood wall mirror in the manner of Thomas Chippendale, the frame with a finely carved scrolling acanthus crest and trailing foliage with the merest suggestion of the pagoda corners associated with Chippendale's designs. Original gilding.
    English, c.1760.

    View our collection of: Antique mirrors and console tables

    Width Height
    24"
    61 cms
    46 78"
    119 cms
  • Stock: 15877

    A rare set of plaster intaglios by Nathaniel Marchant. Originally, this set of casts of Nathaniel's gems was sold by subscription with the accompanying catalogue, published in 1792. It is rare to have a collection of any great quantity, this set is complete, bar four intaglios which are not present. They are mounted within their original ebony strung, mahogany case, which is glazed and fashioned as a book, complete with remnants of marbling. When the spine is removed, the interior is revealed.
    Complete sets are exceptionally rare, and one set is held at the John Soane Museum, purchased by Soane in 1793.

    English, c.1792.

    Nathaniel Marchant (1739-1816) was arguably the most famous gem engraver of the 18th century, prolific in both Italy and England. He was gem sculptor to the Prince of Wales and engraver to The King.

    View our collection of: decorative antiques and furnishings.

    Width Height Depth
    Closed 10"
    25.5 cms
    15 38"
    39 cms
    1 1316"
    4.6 cms
    Opened 19 38"
    49.4 cms
    15 38"
    39 cms
  • Stock: 15876

    A fine Louis XV Rococo chimneypiece carved from the beautifully veined breccia seravezza marble, which incorporates soft grey and khaki tones on a a creamy ground. The fireplaces' serpentine shelf sits above a low and wide frieze, which is panelled and centred by a finely carved rocaille motif over boldly carved jambs.
    The chimneypiece comes with its original cast iron insert, which is beautifully cast and decorated with putti and other Rococo motifs.
    French, late 19th century.
    Cast Iron Insert opening:
    Width: 25"
    Height: 23 1/2"

    View our collection of: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.

    width height depth
    External 62 14"
    158.2 cms
    44 14"
    112.5 cms
    16 14"
    41.5 cms
    Internal 45 58"
    115.8 cms
    37"
    94 cms
  • Stock: 15907

    A large and grand Rococo white statuary marble fireplace, profusely carved in high relief to create a true statement piece. The moulded serpentine shelf sits an ornate frieze, carved with stylised acanthus leaves and flowers, centred by a beautifully carved scallop shell cartouche. This motif is echoed in the C scroll cartouche which sits above bold console jambs, also carved with flowers and curling acanthus leaves.

    Scottish, mid-19th century.

    Provenance: From a private Belgian collection.

    Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 66 78"
    169.8 cms
    43 14"
    110 cms
    14"
    35.6 cms
    Internal 41 1316"
    106.1 cms
    34 12"
    87.7 cms
  • Stock: 16013

    A fine pair of 19th century and later ormolu wall sconces, each modelled as an Atlas figure stood upon a curved bracket with acanthus support, supporting a plain globe mounted with three scrolling branches with beaded sockets above foliate drip pans.

    French, c.1890 with later modification to light fittings.

    View our collection of: Antique Wall Lights

    Width Height Depth
    13"
    33 cms
    24 38"
    62 cms
    9 18"
    23 cms
  • Stock: 15960

    A pair of Aesthetic Movement andirons attributed to Thomas Jekyll and possibly made by Barnard, Bishop and Barnards. Although unmarked, they possess the qualities of Jekyll's designs, with his signature use of Japanese mons within the decoration on the shafts. The rosettes symbolise night and day and with beautiful repoussé work a Kingfisher on a branch represents Day, or dawn, with the sun rising behind him, whilst the owl represents Night and is surrounded by stars.
    English, c.1875.

    Notes: Barnard, Bishop and Barnards were at the heart of Norwich's iron industry, and the company gained an international reputation after their collaboration with Thomas Jekyll.
    Jeckyll’s associations with a group of London artists – notably James Abbott McNeill Whistler – made him a key figure in the Anglo-Japanese Aesthetic Movement. Jeckyll used japonaise designs for Barnards’ fireplaces while his sunflower motif came to symbolise the Aesthetic Movement.

    Width Height Depth
    7"
    17.7 cms
    19 1116"
    50 cms
    9 18"
    23 cms
  • Stock: 15912

    A large and very finely carved figure of Venus Sortant du Bain, or Venus emerging from her bath. This subject has been immensely popular since classical antiquity, and depicts the Goddess drying herself whilst resting her foot on a rock. This statue would look marvelous on a column or plinth.

    This sculpture is after the example made by the French sculptor Christophe-Gabriel Allegrain (French, 1710-1795) for Louis XV in 1755. It was later revered at the Salon of 1767 as a masterpiece. This is now at the Louvre.

    French, c.1850.

    View our collection of: Antique sculptures, carvings, bronzes, plaques and tablets

    Width Height Depth
    10 58"
    27 cms
    34 58"
    88 cms
    14 58"
    37 cms
  • Stock: 15572

    A fine and large nineteenth-century Gothic Revival oak bracket clock, with a silvered dial.

    The clock has an eight day, triple fusee, four pillar movement with anchor escapement and chimes the quarters on either eight or four bells, "Westminster chimes" and strikes the hours on a single gong.
    The finely engraved silvered arched top brass dial with Roman numerals has three subsidiary dials, namely; strike or silent, slow or fast, Westminster chime, or chime on 8 bells. Engraved spandrels frame the chapter ring. The case is the perfect incarnation of the Gothic Revival, the cathedral case topped with spires and finials which are supported by cluster pilasters whilst the dial is framed with a foliate ogee window.
    English, circa 1850.

    View our collection of: Antique clocks and clock garniture

    Width Height Depth
    16 12"
    42 cms
    26"
    66 cms
    9 38"
    24 cms
  • Stock: 15737

    A German Neo-Gothic oak armchair attributed to Edwin Oppler (1831-1880). The chair bears the inscription 'Ernst is das leben, heiter die kunst', or 'Life is Serious, Art is Cheerful' on wonderfully carved banners unfurling amongst Gothic tracery. The motto is taken from Friedrich Schiller's Wallenstein Trilogy of 1800. The chair is beautifully carved and the letter G is inscribed within a shield on the top rail. It has been suggested that this is to indicate George V, son of Ernst August the last King of Hanover.

    German, c.1850. Later upholstery.

    Edwin Oppler was a well-regarded German Jewish Architect, and a proponent of the Neo-Gothic style. He came to know the Gothic style when he worked on the restoration of Notre Dame in Paris. His style then evolved to encompass what had so inspired him in this great Gothic masterpiece. His connection with George V arose when he took over the project of Schloss Marienburg from Conrad Wilhelm Hase in 1864, where he also designs furniture that shares many characteristics with this chair.
    In his career, he went on to design many synagogues, all of which were tragically destroyed during Kristallnacht.

    View our collection of: Antique furniture

    Width Height Depth
    23"
    58.5 cms
    38 58"
    98 cms
    22"
    56 cms
  • Stock: 15643

    A Reflection of American History -

    An ornate convex mirror of grand proportions topped with an eagle on a rocky summit.
    Interestingly the mirror, thought to be of American origins, is decorated with 24 spheres around the frame, whilst another sphere hangs on a chain suspended from the mouth of the eagle. This possibly symbolises the 24 established states of the USA, with the state of Arkansas represented by a ball hanging from the mouth of the eagle, the country's emblem. This shows that Arkansas joining the USA is quite literally hanging in the balance.
    With this information, we can date the mirror to 1835-1836.

    American, 1836. Awaiting restoration, included in the price.

    View our collection of: Antique mirrors and console tables

    Width Height
    23 58"
    60 cms
    42 78"
    109 cms
  • Stock: 15724

    A large and finely carved 19th century Italian marble lidded urn, decorated with trailing grape vines and and dramatic handles, modelled as grinning and horned satyrs. The body of the urn is carved with two cartouches, one depicting a nymph bathing in a pool whilst a satyr observes, hidden by bullrushes. The other depicts an a satyr and a goat in an amorous and playful embrace. After the antique.

    Italian, c.1850.

    Could be situated in a sheltered spot in a garden or courtyard, but equally suited to an interior setting.

    View our collection of: decorative antiques and furnishings

    Width Height Depth
    28"
    71 cms
    40"
    101.5 cms
    19 1116"
    50 cms
  • Stock: 15588

    A pair of small antique giltwood wall brackets in the Rococo taste, with a serpentine shelf resting on scrolling acanthus leaves. Perfect as a candle bracket or for small ornaments. Italian, c.1890.

    View our collection of: decorative antiques and furnishings

    Width Height Depth
    External 5 1116"
    14.5 cms
    6 18"
    15.5 cms
    3 14"
    8.5 cms
  • Stock: 15547

    A rare Scottish pine and composition chimneypiece by Richard Foster of Edinburgh.

    The chimneypiece was designed with the coastal landscape of the East Coast of Scotland in mind and is profusely decorated in exquisite detail whilst maintaining the elegant restraint of a neoclassical chimneypiece.

    The breakfront shelf rests above an undershelf studded with acorns and mushrooms which in turn is supported by two eagles on the endblocks. The eagles are modelled after a Roman Imperial Eagle in Horace Walpole’s collection, found in the gardens of Boccapadugli and displayed by Walpole at his Strawberry Hill Home. These details frame the remarkable frieze which is a celebration of the Scottish coast; profusely decorated with seaweed, shells, sea cucumber and crabs, all in high relief.

    Most remarkable of all is the exquisite central tablet, which depicts Lady Emma Hamilton leaning on a ship’s anchor whilst gazing out to sea at the distant HMS Victory, the ship on which he would meet his heroic end. This scene is surrounded by a profusion of seashells and seaweed.

    The underfrieze makes a departure from the coastal theme, and instead entwines thorny roses with the Scottish emblem of the thistle.

    The jambs return to a more restrained neoclassicism, with engaged slender pilasters resting on plain footblocks. The original Kilkenny fossil marble slips are still present, which is a lovely feature.

    Scottish, c.1805.

    Provenance: Removed from an elegant Georgian house on the East Coast of Scotland, near Edinburgh.

    Notes:

    Chimneypieces of this manufacture were a speciality of Richard Foster of Edinburgh and his son and examples survive not only in Scotland but also in the United States and Canada, where he seemed to create a strong market for them in the late 18th century.
    Richard Foster was born in Canonbie, the Scottish Borders, in 1755. At the age of fourteen, he was recorded as having a bank account in London, presumably as he was serving as an apprentice there, perhaps to the Adam Brothers as they too were in London at this time. In 1785 he returned to Edinburgh, working as a "joiner" and married to the daughter of a wealthy leather merchant. His chimneypieces were sold not only in Scotland, but in the USA, a bold move only a few years after American Independence was declared! This is perhaps why he avoided becoming a prominent figure in Scottish social and intellectual circles, as selling to Britain's former colonies would have been regarded as treachery in many cases.
    The pine and composition chimneypiece he perfected made the rational principles and beauty of classicism affordable to the growing mercantile and professional class emerging in the 18th century. These clients wished to express their cultural understanding through objects that conveyed the principles they admired, the chimneypiece was one such highly prized object.
    The Adam brothers (Robert and James) were well known for promoting their designs to the masses, and it is the pine and composition chimneypiece they made for the emerging middle class in Edinburgh that have become synonymous with the "Adam Style". However, Foster was a true master of the technique, and his designs are some of the most delicate and finely manufactured ever made.
    In the 1770s, the technique of applying a cast composition onto pine really took off in Scotland, especially with the construction of many new houses, such as those in Edinburgh's New Town. The process of cast composition can be described as essentially a thermo plastic mix of chalk, glue size, and other additives heated up to a precise temperature then pressed into wood or brimstone moulds. These could then be applied to a simple pine surround and painted if desired. Foster was commissioned to make designs unique to clients, so there may only be a single example of a particular design, but these usually incorporate existing decorative motifs.

    View our section showing full range of neo-classical chimneypieces

    Width Height Depth
    External 78 1316"
    200.1 cms
    62 58"
    159 cms
    7 78"
    20.1 cms
    Internal 52"
    132 cms
    45 14"
    115 cms
  • Stock: 15558

    An exceptionally finely carved and very large alabaster group of the Judgement of Paris, depicting Paris seated and wearing his Phrygian cap, offering the Hesperidean apple to a lightly draped Venus, whilst the jealous figures of Hera and Athena consol each other. The scene is mounted on a rectangular plinth. Italian, mid 19th century.

    Photograph before restoration.

    Provenance: A collection within a fine Wiltshire Townhouse.

    Width Height Depth
    15 38"
    39 cms
    21 1116"
    55 cms
    6 1116"
    17 cms
  • Stock: 15433

    A superb Victorian walnut and solid ebony Gothic library table. This outstanding table is made especially rare by having solid ebony legs, stretcher and finials. The beautifully carved Solomonic legs and stretcher support a fine burr walnut top.

    This table is incredibly diverse, and can be used as a centre table, or even a desk.
    English, circa 1860.

    Link to: Antique furniture

    Width Height Depth
    54 14"
    138 cms
    29 12"
    75 cms
    33 12"
    85 cms
  • Stock: 14738

    A rare and monumental cast iron Coalbrookdale antique fire grate identical to fire grate SNo 14374. The elaborately scrolled backplate featues a Bagot Goat jumping a fence. The substantial basket, with a strapwork apron centred by a lion mask, is supported by a pair of large and powerful panther head standards.

    Provenance: The registration mark 65 The Coalbrookdale Company registered September 6th 1841 number 814 can clearly be seen on the back.
    English, early to mid 19th century.

    Notes: The Bagot goat is believed to be Britain's oldest breed of goat and has lived semi-wild at Blithfield Hall in Staffordshire for over six hundred years.The Coalbrookdale Company, a foundry in Shropshire established in 1709, is probably most famous for building the world's first cast iron bridge erected and opened at Ironbridge in 1780, but it was also noted for its decorative ironwork an example of which is a set of gates opening into London's Hyde Park. The blast furnaces were closed down around 1820 but the foundries remained in use.

    Please note that the back plate was once broken the damage can be seen under the goat. It has been strapped on the back, so the grate is still functional.

    Link to: Antique fire grates and log baskets.

    width height depth
    34 58"
    88 cms
    29 14"
    74.5 cms
    16 18"
    41 cms
  • Stock: 13122

    An imposingly large Jacobean Revival cedar wood antique fireplace surround with an exquisitely inlaid over mantel. This chimneypiece has a projecting pediment on the upper register which rests above a pair of strapwork panels beneath which are two high arched panels decorated with stylised ornate inlaid vases of flowers picked out in satinwood, mahogany, sycamore and ebony. The panels are set between three pairs of free standing, reeded columns with finely carved capitals terminating in tall strapwork feet. Beneath the over mantel is a fireplace surround, with a moulded shelf above a strapwok carved barrel undershelf, supported by a pair of tapering reeded jambs resting on tall footblocks.
    English, circa 1870.

    Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600

    Width Height (Overall) Depth
    External 90 58"
    230 cms
    129 78"
    330 cms
    14 316"
    36 cms
    Internal 53 1116"
    136.5 cms
    60"
    152.5 cms
  • Stock: 15456

    A very fine mahogany longcase clock, with an eight day movement by John Wyld of Nottingham. The fine silver dial is centred by a painted scene of a wooded landscape and this frames a date aperture. The lunette above is adorned with not only a painted moondial, but with opposing hemispheres. The dial is framed by very fine brass cherub spandrels, and mounted with three pierced hands.
    The hood of the clock has a swan necked pediment with trompe l'oeil marquetry and a brass finial, which is echoes in the pair of fluted corinthian columns with brass capitals.

    Inside the figured case is a four pillar movement which will be fully serviced on purchase.

    Notes on the maker: John Wyld was an important and very competent maker who was born in Codnor, Derbyshire in 1710, son of another John Wyld (1678-1760) by Rebecca, sister of the notable Codnor clockmaker James Woolley (1695-1785), to whom Wyld was apprenticed. He set up at Codnor around 1732 and also rented a workshop in Chapel Bar in Nottingham from a Mr. Lupton shortly afterwards. He married in 1740 and died in 1773 leaving John, his successor at Nottingham, Joseph and three daughters.

    Link to: Antique clocks and clock garniture

    width height depth
    21 1116"
    55 cms
    96 78"
    246 cms
    10 58"
    27 cms
  • Stock: 15436

    A very fine and rare George III bronze register grate finely engraved with neoclassical motifs. Beneath the three barred serpentine grate is an elegant engraved apron of the same serpentine form.
    Irish, circa 1780.

    Link to: Antique Fire grates and Register grates.

    Width Height Depth
    Front 42 12"
    108 cms
    42 18"
    107 cms
    13 316"
    33.5 cms
    Back 35 1316"
    91 cms
    39 316"
    99.5 cms
  • Stock: 8608

    A rather fine and very large Georgian style steel and brass fire basket in the manner of Robert Adam. The arched backplate, with a central sunburst, rests behind a three bar, bow fronted grate cradled on either side by finely engraved shoulders within a beaded edging and surmounted by a pair of small engraved urn finials. The serpentine apron, with etched, linked lozenges sweeps around to a pair of tapering engraved standards surmounted by a pair of large urn finials.
    English, late 19th century.

    Link to: Antique fire grates and log baskets.

    width height depth
    37 58"
    95.5 cms
    38 316"
    97 cms
    18 78"
    48 cms
  • Stock: 15244

    A rare Edward Pugin Gothic Revival fireplace, carved from Caen stone and marble. The fine rose red breccia marble shelf and carved undershelf are flanked by projecting faceted endblocks. Beneath the shelf are a pair of high relief spandrels, carved with ivy leaves and perhaps aspen leaves on the other side, flanking the pointed arch opening. The wide jambs are fronted by cippolino marble columns, with foliate capitals and statuary marble bases typical of E Pugin's work. The whole fireplace is raised on large faceted footblocks. English, circa 1860.

    Notes: Edward Pugin was the son of A.W.N Pugin, and an eminent architect in his own right. He was a leading proponent of the Gothic Revival style, and designed many ecclesiastical and domestic buildings. After his father's death, he was tasked with finishing many of his commissions, which led him to build his own successful portfolio. This particular fireplaces is almost identical to one found in Pugin's family house The Grange, in Ramsgate. The fireplace still in situ was designed by Edward as part of his remodelling of the family home designed by his father, and our fireplace is very likely to have been designed by him for the house too. It is probably the case, that as this house fell into a poor state of repair, the fireplace was removed and sold on.

    Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600

    Width Height Depth
    External 55 12"
    141 cms
    50 316"
    127.5 cms
    12 316"
    31 cms
    Internal 28 1116"
    73 cms
    37 1316"
    96 cms
  • Stock: 14854

    A substantial Louis XV chimneypiece in boldly veined Pavonazzo marble. The deeply moulded shelf is set above a panelled serpentine frieze, which is centred with a Rocaille shell cartouche and foliate detail. The C-scroll and shell endblocks sit above acanthus scrolled, angled console jambs.
    French, circa 1860.

    Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 75"
    190.5 cms
    49 58"
    126 cms
    16 78"
    43 cms
    Internal 48"
    122 cms
    39 1316"
    101 cms
  • Stock: 10223

    A fine pair of grand walnut doors, casements and overdoors carved and gilded in the French Renaissance manner. They were originally in Park Place a Grade II listed house set in 570 acres near Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. The overdoors with arched pediments, centred by a large stylised shell flanked by ornate side scrolls, rest on the carved and gilded door surrounds again with the shell features. The upper panels of the doors are very finely carved with stylised dolphins, strapwork and cartouche each centred by lion masks carved in high relief. The lower panels with arched, raised and fielded panels. The doors are held on substantial rising butt brass hinges and the reverse side of each is set with plain raised and fielded panels. The house featured in the 2009 St Trinians film when the name Headmistress was affixed to the rear of one of the doors as can be seen in the last image. French, circa 1870.

    Photos before restoration and please note that the doors can be sold separately.

    Provenance: The doors were commissioned in the Renaissance style by the Noble family for Park Place which was built in the French Renaissance manner in 1871 by Architect Thomas Cundy.

    Notes: John Noble bought the estate in 1869 and it stayed in the family until 1947 when it was auctioned off in a number of lots. The house was bought by the Middlesex County Council and in 1965 ownership was transferred to Hillingdon Council. The house and gardens were subsequently sold twice more during which time both were carefully restored and are now once again in private ownership.

    Link to: Antique Doors and Windows.

    Width Height Depth
    Overall 47 316"
    120 cms
    123 58"
    314 cms
    2 38"
    6 cms
    Door only. 34 14"
    87 cms
    82 1116"
    210 cms
  • Stock: 14868

    A monumental Regency stoneware urn, in the manner of the antique. This magnificent urn recalls the form of an Ancient Greek krater - a large vessel for mixing wine. The entire urn is dedicated to the God of Wine Bacchus (Dionysus), with a band of fruiting vines to the neck, underneath which is high-relief frieze depicting a Bacchic procession or thiasus, with revellers carrying cups of wine, bunches of grapes and the other trappings of a hedonistic feast. The serpents fashioned into handles are characteristic of Bacchic iconography and they are often associated with Bacchus, as Maenads - female followers of the God - wore snakes in their hair.

    This urn is unlike any other we have come across, but echoes the popularity of themes from classical antiquity, made even more popular by the phenomenon of the Grand Tour. The great engraver and antiquarian Giovanni Battista Piranesi even produced an engraved volume solely dedicated to the designs of urns in the antique style. He then manufactured urns in his Italian workshops. In England, the famous manufacturer Eleanor Coade and designers such as Thomas Hope also produced urns in the antique manner for an eager public.

    The urn is made from a weather impervious stoneware, similar to the famous Coade stone. Restoration to the handles has been carried out.


    Link to: Antique, old vintage fountains, sculptures, garden furniture and statuary

    Width Height Depth
    29 78"
    76 cms
    57 78"
    147 cms
    32 1116"
    83 cms
    Base 18 12"
    47 cms
  • Stock: 15195

    A late 18th century Georgian chimneypiece carved in Statuary Marble with Verde Antico frieze panels and slips to the opening. This chimneypiece was carved by the sculptor Thomas Carter (d.1795) and designed by the architect Charles Cameron, who installed it at 15 Hanover Square, London W1 c.1774 - a property which has subsequently been demolished. It was almost certainly designed for one of the principle rooms in the house. The Statuary Marble chimneypiece is boldly carved, uniting both Neoclassical and Palladian ideals to create an ornate yet elegantly balanced piece. The central tablet is carved in high relief with a depiction of putti representing the Arts, Sciences, Knowledge and Industry. It is centred on the frieze beneath the wide breakfront shelf and is in turn flanked by a pair of large stylised, foliate endblocks which sit above the sweeping console jambs.
    English, circa 1774.

    Provenance: 15 Hanover Square was designed in the 1770s by the architect Charles Cameron for Jervoise Clark (1743-1808) Member of Parliament for Yarmouth, on the Isle of Wight. The chimneypiece was installed there in the 1770s. It was taken out when the house was demolished in 1904 and was subsequently promoted by prominent antique dealers of the time among them Mr Pratt, Messrs Keeble, Gill & Reigate & Sir Charles Allom. It was Illustrated in English Chimneypieces by Guy Cadogan Rothery published by John Tiranti in 1927 (please see the scanned image below).

    Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces .

    Width Height Depth
    86 316"
    219 cms
    63 12"
    161.2 cms
    12"
    30.6 cms
    47 58"
    121 cms
    43 1116"
    111 cms
  • Stock: 15202

    A finely carved Statuary Marble George III chimneypiece with a musical theme. The reeded frieze, beneath the moulded shelf, is centred by a carved tablet of a muse playing her harp with a putti beside her holding her music. The musical theme is echoed in the carved trumpets, drums and symbols on the endblocks set above the reeded jambs. This fine Georgian fire surround was at one time in a large house in a village in Hampshire. English, circa 1800 - 1810.

    Shown here with fire grate SNo 14862 not included.

    Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces

    Width Height Depth
    External 53 1316"
    136.7 cms
    49 38"
    125.6 cms
    10"
    25.5 cms
    Internal 35 12"
    90.2 cms
    40 38"
    102.5 cms
  • Stock: 15172

    A large and fine early Regency Statuary Marble antique fireplace surround delicately elegant in it's simplicity. The moulded shelf sits above a plain frieze centred by a swag, rosette and ribbon enhanced tablet. The stylised vases with bellflower drapes on the endblocks rest above attached tapering columns on the jambs supported on stepped footblocks. English, circa 1800. .

    Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 63 18"
    160.3 cms
    53 18"
    134.8 cms
    8 12"
    21.5 cms
    Internal 42 38"
    107.6 cms
    42 18"
    107 cms
  • Stock: 14968

    An impressive and large late 19th century French quarter chiming gilt brass Gothic Revival bracket or mantel clock retailed by Hall & Company, Manchester. The case, with engraved floral decoration and applied coloured cabuchon jewel mounts, encloses a gilt 7" Roman dial with a finely scroll engraved centre and an eight day spring driven movement with anchor escapement chiming the quarters on a nest of two bells. The movement was made in Saint Nicolas d' Aliermont, by Pierre-Honoré-César Pons and then finished by the Parisian Clock maker, Louis Achille Brocot. French, circa 1870.

    Link to: Antique clocks and clock garniture

    width height depth
    16 78"
    43 cms
    31 12"
    80 cms
    12 316"
    31 cms
  • Stock: 7944

    A decorative Georgian style chimneypiece in Statuary & Sienna marble with a moulded breakfront shelf above a central panel. This panel depicts a group of playful putti wrestling a ram, bearing a mask and climbing a tree in a forest setting, bordered by oval paterae and bellflower garlands and putti endblocks over similarly carved jambs. English, circa 1890.

    Shown here with fire basket SNo 10350 now sold.

    Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces

    Width Height Depth
    External 70"
    177.8 cms
    59 12"
    151.1 cms
    7 12"
    19 cms
    Internal 41 1116"
    106 cms
    43 12"
    110.5 cms
  • Stock: 14873

    An elegant, early Regency antique fireplace surround, of elegant simplicity, in finely carved pure white Statuary Marble. The breakfront shelf, with a curved moulded undershelf, rests above a panelled, fluted frieze centred with a carved plaque depicting a flambeau urn and swags. Oval floral paterae adorn the endblocks above slim fluted columns on neat footblocks fronting the jambs. Scottish, circa 1810.

    Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.

    Width Height Depth
    External 65 12"
    166.4 cms
    56 14"
    143 cms
    7 78"
    20 cms
    Internal 41 1116"
    106 cms
    43 14"
    110 cms
110 items