Found in a Nantucket Sail Loft This device, a sailmaker’s palm, is used by yachtsmen, dinghy sailors, etc. to make repairs on sails, and sometimes to whip or bind the  More »

Found in a Nantucket Sail Loft This device, a sailmaker’s palm, is used by yachtsmen, dinghy sailors, etc. to make repairs on sails, and sometimes to whip or bind the ends of ropes or sheets as they are more properly known to the initiated. The small device consists of a loop of leather with a hole for the thumb to go through. The widest part of the leather sits across the palm of the hand and incorporates a dimpled metal plate to accommodate the blunt end of a needle like a thimble. Sailmaker's needles are necessarily tough and big enough to take the heavy thread - these days synthetic to resist the destructive effects of weather and sea - and the plate, held in place across the palm, is used to force the needle and thread through the tough material of the sail. There are two types: A seaming palm and a roping palm. The main difference is that the roping palm is heavier and has deeper recessed dimples and a tougher leather backing. This palm is for the right hand and has an inside circumference of 11 inches. It was found in a Nantucket sail loft. It is undated.   « Less

Rare beautiful and finely carved walnut barometer wall piece by Bourdon of France. c. 1890. h. 26" w. 14" d. 6"

Rare beautiful and finely carved walnut barometer wall piece by Bourdon of France. c. 1890. h. 26" w. 14" d. 6"   « Less

A Georgian horn snuff mull fashioned from an animal's hoof, with hinged brass cover. Circa 1820. English or Scottish origin. Size: 4.25" length x 1.85" high x  More »

A Georgian horn snuff mull fashioned from an animal's hoof, with hinged brass cover. Circa 1820. English or Scottish origin. Size: 4.25" length x 1.85" high x 1.75" deep. Excellent condition.   « Less

The birdlike character of this handsome and well-balanced walking stick has not been "enhanced" by carving. Its feel is lustrous and attractive and its strength  More »

The birdlike character of this handsome and well-balanced walking stick has not been "enhanced" by carving. Its feel is lustrous and attractive and its strength makes it suitable for leisurely strolling or for cracking the skulls of untoward varlets. Approximately 34 inches in length, it is in excellent condition. Nineteenth Century, probably American.   « Less

I bought this fine nautical instrument years ago in Amsterdam, so it may be Dutch -- or perhaps French. Carved into the top is "A.D. 1740" and the finely fitted  More »

I bought this fine nautical instrument years ago in Amsterdam, so it may be Dutch -- or perhaps French. Carved into the top is "A.D. 1740" and the finely fitted ivory and glass elements are supported by exterior and interior ormolu mounts. It is approximately 4-5/8 inches tall and two inches in diameter and is quite the best hour-glass I have handled.   « Less

A fine piece of nautical handicraft is this becket(bale handle)of intricately tied knotting. It is approximately six by five inches and dates to the late Nineteenth  More »

A fine piece of nautical handicraft is this becket(bale handle)of intricately tied knotting. It is approximately six by five inches and dates to the late Nineteenth Century. This will be a beautiful addition to a maritime collection. A nautical bronze bolt is strung through the top loops.   « Less

Elaborately repousseed chased and engraved, this charming and practical hand warmer once lay concealed in the long sleeves of a rich Chinese, a comfort in the long, cold  More »

Elaborately repousseed chased and engraved, this charming and practical hand warmer once lay concealed in the long sleeves of a rich Chinese, a comfort in the long, cold months. Deftly disguising the necessary reticulations, a host of very finely detailed birds, foliage and flowers form a harmonious design that covers the sides and top. At some time, maybe originally, the piece was entirely silvered, but almost all of that enrichment has disappeared from the outer surfaces, leaving nicely patinated warm, golden brass. The base has a small hallmark, but I cannot decipher the characters, Excellent condition, probably first quarter of the Nineteenth Century. Approximately 6 inches by 4-1/2 inches by 4-1/2 inches to the top of the copper swing handle.   « Less

The little brother, as it were, of Trocadero #22626 is this handsome centigrade thermometer. It is in excellent working condition and would be a happy addition to a fine  More »

The little brother, as it were, of Trocadero #22626 is this handsome centigrade thermometer. It is in excellent working condition and would be a happy addition to a fine desk. French, late Nineteenth Century, approximately four inches tall and 1-3/4 inches in diameter at the base.   « Less

You might have seen an identical pair of these on the BBC "Antiques Roadshow" a few seasons ago. The expert was viewing a woman's lifelong collection of  More »

You might have seen an identical pair of these on the BBC "Antiques Roadshow" a few seasons ago. The expert was viewing a woman's lifelong collection of scissors and scissor-like implements, and these he would not let out his hands! (I wonder if she got them back?) They really are fascinating: you open the chamber to receive the burnt wick, and when you close it, a guillotine rises up and chops off the used part, thus containing it and the acrid smoke. All in close-plated steel, the sleek design incorporates a point for picking out the bits from the melted wax and three charming bun feet. English, circa 1800. Condition is superb, with little wear to the plating and no rust. Approximately seven inches long by 2-1/4 inches wide by 1-5/8 inches high. BE THE FIRST KID ON YOUR BLOCK TO HAVE ONE!   « Less

A charming Napoleon III letter seal of machine-turned bone and chiseled silver, French of around 1870. It is in beautiful condition, with no breaks or cracks. The initials  More »

A charming Napoleon III letter seal of machine-turned bone and chiseled silver, French of around 1870. It is in beautiful condition, with no breaks or cracks. The initials "PG" are carved into the silver bottom, which also bears the hallmarks for France after 1848. Approximately 3-5/8 inches in length and 1-3/8 inches in diameter at the top.   « Less