Auction Details - AUCTION ALREADY HELD
From The Curious To The Extraordinary
Auctioneer: Chiswick Auctions Location: London W3 8BL
Contact: Tel: +44(0)20 8992 4442
Date: 21st January 2020 Time: 11:00AM
Details: Selected Highlights at South Kensington
Monday 16th December - Tuesday 14th January 11am - 5pm
Full Sale & Viewing at Chiswick
Saturday 18th January 11am - 5pm
Page: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8  
Auction Lots - Page 1

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1
  A SET OF EIGHT 1930'S FRENCH HANDPAINTED AND CARVED WOOD PUPPETS FOR 'LE GUIGNOL DES ENFANTS'
of various characters dressed in various different clothes, together with a small book of 'Le Guignol des Enfants' dated 1932
the puppets about 40cm high each
£80-£120
2
  A 19TH CENTURY FUNGUS BRACKET
the fungus still attached to a piece of wood, now mounted on a shaped stained wood display board,
the backboard 53cm wide
£60-£80
3
  FOLK ART: A 19TH CENTURY TAVERN DART BOARD
the wooden backboard with arched top and tray at the base to catch the darts, the circular board with metal edging,
68cm high x 48cm wide
£80-£120
4
  A SET OF EARLY 20TH CENTURY BRONZE MEASURES FOR THE COUNTY OF CHESTER, DATE 1901
the six ringed cylindrical measures inscribed 'County of Chester ALTRINGHAM DIVISION 1901', including quart, pint, half pint, gill, half gill, quarter gill, signed by 'L. OERTLING LONDON', each also stamped ER and GR,
the largest 13cm high x 12cm wide (6)
£1,500-£2,000
5
  A 19TH CENTURY BRONZE IMPERIAL GALLON MEASURE FOR THE COUNTY OF CHESTER
of ringed cylindrical form with a pair of lobed handles, inscribed 'RUNCORN DIVISION IMPERIAL GALLON COUNTY OF CHESTER 1869 POTTER LONDON',
19cm high x 30cm diameter
£1,000-£1,500
6
  A 19TH CENTURY BRONZE MODEL OF A LIZARD, POSSIBLY A LIFE-CAST
raised on a rectangular black marble plinth,
16.5cm wide
£200-£300
7
  A SMALL EARLY 20TH CENTURY FRENCH GILT METAL SINGING BIRD IN CAGE AUTOMATON
of typical form with domed cage over circular base, fitted with a movement to the inside of the base, winding from the underside and activated by a switch at the side of the base, numbered '132', the bird singing and moving its beak, head and tail,
27cm high
In working order but not fully tested or guaranteed
£300-£500
8
  A 20TH CENTURY ENGLISH BRASS SHIP'S TELEGRAPH WITH ENGINE ORDER BY CHADBURNS, LIVERPOOL AND LONDON
the signed faceplates on both sides with commands including 'Finish with Engine' and 'Stand By', on a spreading base over a stained wood plinth,
46cm high
£300-£500
9
  TWO GOTHIC STYLE SLATE AND BONE DIORAMAS
the first in a rectangular display case with ebonised frame, the back of the case formed from black slate and carved with steps, a mouse skeleton sits waiting at the top of the stairs a mouse hole cut in the glass at the base, signed in the corner 'Harvey 1988', the back inscribed ''AWAITING YOU', the other also with slate back and slate stairs, under the stairs a large quantity of skeleton bird heads, in stained wood and glazed display case,
28cm high x 48cm x 5cm deep and 61cm high x 8cm deep (2)
£600-£800
10
  A RARE SELECTION OF BONES FROM THE EXTINCT MOA BIRD, EX-MUSEUM
the five fragments contained within the original stained wood museum display box, the lid rising to reveal the pen on paper inscription applied to the inside of the lid 'SOME ACCOUNT OF THE BONES OF THE MOA BIRD NEW ZEALAND COMMUNICATED BY MRS HAMILTON GRAY, AUTHORESS OF 'ETRURIA' ETC.'...
the largest bone 30cm long, the box 43cm wide
Related Literature:
Photographed and described on page 33 of Taxidermy, by Alexis Turner, published by Thames & Hudson, 2013.
Signed hardback copy included with this lot.
The Moa bird was New Zealand's largest bird reaching almost four meters and weighing 230kg. It is thought they became extinct from over hunting by humans as early as the 15th century, although unsubstantiated sightings by whalers and sealers in the 18th and 19th century might suggest otherwise. Most of the discovered remains are now in museum collections.
£2,500-£3,500
11
  TAXIDERMY: A RARE LATE 19TH CENTURY OAK COUNTRY HOUSE POST BOX WITH ORIGINAL LEOPARD SKULL FORMING THE LETTER SLOT, CIRCA 1880
the oak letter box of typical hexagonal form, with hinged door to the front and original key, fitted with a brass panel enclosing the paper label 'Post', the interior with paper label inscribed 'PRESERVED BY H. BURTON 120 Wardour Street, London, W.', the aperture for letters formed from a hole cut in to the base of the leopard's skull, brass lined,
53cm high x 25cm wide
Illustrated and described on page 153 of Taxidermy, by Alexis Turner, published by Thames & Hudson, 2013.
Signed hardback copy included with this lot.
£3,000-£5,000
12
  THE SKELETON OF A RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK
toying with a Buffalo bone
48cm high x 103cm tall
£400-£600
13
  A 19TH CENTURY AFRICAN WITCH DOCTOR STAFF (FETISH) FORMED FROM MONKEY REMAINS
the monkey skull bound with string, the staff formed of various ribs and bones tied together with bandages with hair added,
35cm high
Presumably from a Museum of Curiosities.
£100-£150
14
  TWO EARLY 20TH CENTURY ENGLISH STAINED WOOD COLLECTOR'S CABINETS DISPLAYING A LARGE COLLECTION OF INSECTS
the larger cabinet with a pair of glazed cupboard doors enclosing two banks each of nine drawers (eighteen drawers in total), eight of the drawers now empty, the other ten containing numerous insects and beetles arranged in size order with paper labels with scientific names of the insects, some dated 1905, the smaller cabinet with hinged cupboard door enclosing two banks each of twelve drawers, numbered in black ink, with brass bun handles, each drawer glazed and containing specimens of insects all named and displayed in size order,
the larger 112cm wide x 70cm deep x 88cm high, the smaller 56cm wide x 34cm deep x 84cm high
This Entomology collection may have formed part of a small museum.
£1,000-£1,500
15
  AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE LATE 19TH CENTURY MINERAL SPAR SHADOW BOX, PROBABLY CUMBRIAN, CIRCA 1890
in a silvered wood and glazed display case of arched form, on a rectangular plinth,
50cm high x 41cm wide
£1,500-£2,000
16
  WOOLLY MAMMOTH (MAMMUTHUS PRIMIGENIUS), A MOLAR LOWER JAW
£200-£300
17
  WOOLLY MAMMOTH (MAMMUTHUS PRIMIGENIUS), A MOLAR UPPER JAW
£200-£300
18
  AN ELEPHANT BIRD EGG, MADAGASCAR, PRE 17TH CENTURY
an egg of Aepyornis maximus, filled cracks, on a fabric covered circular stand,
the egg 20cm diameter x 30cm high
£2,000-£3,000
19
  TREEN: A 19TH CENTURY CONTINENTAL (POSSIBLY SCANDINAVIAN) DRINKING VESSEL IN THE FORM OF AN ARMADILLO
the head and tail functioning as handles, the interior with shallow carved bowl,
26cm wide
£100-£150
19A
  A LARGE AMMONITE FOSSIL
likely to have originated from Morocco, of typical form, 38.1cm wide, 33cm high.
Footnote:
Ammonites are extinct molluscs that lived between the Devonian and the Cretaceous period, they are closely related to modern octopuses and squid, their fossil shells are amongst the most easily identifiable of fossils with their characteristic spiral patterns.
£700-£1,000
20
  TAXIDERMY: A COLLECTION OF NINE LATE 19TH / EARLY 20TH CENTURY EX-MUSEUM WET / PICKLED SPECIMENS IN GLASS JARS
comprising: Whiptail Lizard (Ameiva festiva), Colombia, British Museum c1880, rectangular jar, 16.5cm h x 11.5cm x 6.5cm, Pipe fish, dated 1936, rectangular jar, 20cm h x 11cm x 5.5cm, Scorpion*, cylindrical jar, 19cm h, Toad, dissected, labelled for Dr Schluter & Dr Maas, 15cm h x 14cm x 10cm, Natterjack Toad (Bufo calamita), dated July 1938, Norfolk, 13cm h x 9cm x 5cm, Black frog? 10cm h x 9cm x 7cm, American Bullfrog (Pipa Americana), c1940, 19cm h, Field Mouse, 13cm h, Lizard 13cm h,
(9)
The above pickled specimens marked with * are photographed and described on pages 44 & 45 of Taxidermy, by Alexis Turner, published by Thames & Hudson, 2013.
£500-£800
21
  A GEORGE III MAHOGANY BOOKCASE WITH COLLECTOR'S DRAWERS TO THE BASE, CIRCA 1810
the upper section with astragal glazed doors enclosing three shelves, the base with cupboard doors with oval panels of flame mahogany veneers on a quarter-veneered ground, opening to reveal banks of various drawers,
157cm wide at the top of the cornice, 272cm high x 49cm deep
£1,500-£2,000
22
  AN 18TH CENTURY OR EARLIER TIBETAN GILT COPPER HAND OF BUDDHA
27cm long
£1,200-£1,800
23
  AN EARLY BRONZE MORTAR, LATER ENGRAVED 'MAIRI R.Y.S'
of typical tapering cylindrical form cast in relief with a vase of flowers and a man on horseback,
9.5cm high
The Royal Yacht Squadron is one of the most prestigious yacht clubs
in the world. Its clubhouse is Cowes Castle on the Isle of Wight.
Member yachts are given the Suffix RYS to their names.
£100-£150
24
  A 1930'S JAPANESE PURSE FORMED FROM A CANE TOAD
with bronze clasp modelled as three birds, the flap opening to reveal a mirror fitted to the inside, with silk lining and compartment with zip,
22cm wide
£300-£500
25
  A 19TH CENTURY BRONZE HAND BELL FROM THE 1837 ELECTION INSCRIBED 'CONSERVATIVE 1837'
with turned wood handle, the bell with ringed decoration and also inscribed 'F.G. James',
28cm high
£400-£600
26
  TAXIDERMY: FIVE EX-MUSEUM WET / PICKLED SPECIMENS IN GLASS JARS, MOSTLY 1930'S
comprising: Lifecycle of the Snail*, labelled for Dr Schluter & Dr Maas, 40cm high, Lifecycle of the Cockroach, rectangular jar, labelled for Dr Schluter & Dr Maas, 21.5cm h x 10cm x 8cm, Lifecycle of the Cockroach, cylindrical jar, 30cm x 8cm, Sea Anemones* (metridium marginatum), 30cm high, Lifecycle of Thornhounds*, large cylindrical jar, labelled for Dr Schluter & Dr Maas, 48cm high (5)
The above pickled specimens marked with * are photographed and described on pages 44 & 45 of Taxidermy, by Alexis Turner, published by Thames & Hudson, 2013.
£500-£800
27
  A LATE 19TH CENTURY SCOTTISH BRASS AND SILVER PLATED HORSE'S HOOF SNUFF MULL
the domed lid surmounted by a model of a rose,
11cm high
£80-£120
28
  AN EARLY 20TH CENTURY CARVED AND STAINED WOOD LAY FIGURE OR ARTIST'S MANNEQUIN
with articulated joints and fully carved face,
83cm high
£800-£1,200
29
  A CARVED AND PAINTED FIGURE OF MARY MAGDALENE
61cm high
£200-£300
30
  ATTRIBUTED TO CATERINA DE JULIANIS (ITALIAN, 1670-1742): AN EARLY 18TH CENTURY WAX, SILK AND PAINT DEVOTIONAL DIORAMA DEPICTING ST JEROME IN THE WILDERNESS
the nude male saint with long flowing hair and beard, a skull and cross at his feet and a stag appearing from the rocky surroundings, mounted in a painted wood and glazed frame,
27.5cm wide x 23cm high overall
The art of modelling in polychrome wax rapidly translated to a scientific application during the late 17th and early 18th century. On account of its utilitarian function, the medium has largely been discounted as belonging to art historical discourse inasmuch as scientific history. However, the Baroque era initially professed the medium as an artful and esoteric curiosity. Evidence for this can be observed in the career of the most celebrated master of the genre, Gaetano Giulio Zumbo (1656-1701), a self-taught monk who excelled in the art, leading to the patronage of Cosimo III de'Medici in Florence, for whom he executed teatrini (little theaters) or dioramas depicting five stages of death and decomposition. The malleability of the medium provides the possibility of intricate detail on a small scale. These sculptural works in wax, set deep into their frames created a shadowbox from which sculpture could emerge. Their small scale served only to enhance their intimacy, commanding the viewers' attention and sparking imagination when one's eyes set upon these little theaters. The present work, 23 x 27.5cm, depicting a Penitent St. Jerome in the Wilderness, may be attributed to Caterina de Julianis on stylistic grounds. There is an immediate relationship observed between the character of Jerome and Father Time as featured in Caterina's Time and Death (Victoria & Albert Museum, Inv. A.3-1966). The physiognomy is alike and the expression of both protagonists is commensurate. However, finer details confirm her signature style. From a materials perspective, the polychrome of the flesh and hair use the same formulaic tones as observed on her signature works. The employ of glass eyes to capture expressive realism is alike as is the use of silk flowers and wax- modeled foliage sprouting from their environs with a painted backdrop on wood panel. Stylistically, the pursed brow, agitated eyes, agape mouth, featuring superbly modelled teeth, along with spiraling hair delineated by long striations are completely alike between the figure of Jerome and that of Father Time in an Allegory of Time at the Chiesa dell'Immacolata in Catanzaro. The emaciated figure of Jerome's exposed back recalls also the anatomical character of the right-most attendant in her Adoration of the Shepherds also at Catanzaro. Likewise comparable is the figure of the bull within her Adoration and that of the deer in the diorama of Jerome, which would have hovered over the back of a prostrate lion, now lost. The characteristic animal hair, formed by striations in the wax which are lengthy and densely packed is relatable. Lastly, there is an apparent correlation between the book and skull in the Jerome and those featured similarly on her autograph Mary Magdalene in Adoration from 1717.
Many of Caterina's works are lost or have been destroyed over time, though some survivals are known, most notably those already discussed at the Church of the Immaculate in Catanzaro, Italy. These works were recently restored and exhibited to much praise and success. The V&A has also recently shed light on this art-form and Caterina's work via their exhibit, 'Welcome to Hell', which showcased also the work of her celebrated mentor, Gateano Giulio Zumbo. Though Caterina operated under the auspices of Zumbo for about 15 years, she yet blossomed with her own distinctive appeal and approach to the art form.
Of similar scale to the Jerome is also the Jerome in the Desert in Harvard University's Museum (Inv. 1966.80). The diorama is alike in its simplicity, relying on a painted background with wax surrounds to build-up the scene. In 1820, Giovanni Battista Gennaro Grossi, published a brief biography of Caterina's work, noting she had made herself famous for the formation of natural silk flowers, adding the scent of the species to which they belonged, indicative of her devotion and dedication to hyper-realism and a multi-sensory experience.
£1,000-£1,500
31
  A PAIR OF 19TH CENTURY ITALIAN GILTWOOD AND CORAL FIGURES OF SAINTS
the standing figures holding coral staffs and raised on ebonised, cylindrical plinths,
30cm high overall (2)
£800-£1,200
32
  A FINE 1930'S JAPANESE LIFE-SIZE ANATOMICAL MODEL TORSO OF THE FEMALE FIGURE PRODUCED IN 1934 BY THE SHIMADZU CORPORATION, KYOTO, JAPAN
the exterior of the figure showing one half of the torso flayed revealing the muscular structure of the body, the chest and abdomen consists of a removable section which is attached by metal clips to the main body, removing the plate reveals 16 internal organs which can be detached individually; the head of the figure may also be deconstructed into six individual components; the interior and exterior of the figure is painted and lacquered to further represent a human torso and its anatomical structure, in addition to the painted surface the model has approximately 300 numbered labels applied to the surface, the figure is supported on a two piece base / plinth constructed from a dark close grained wood between which is a metal fixing which allows 360ยบ rotation around the base,
105cm high x 27cm deep x 32cm wide
The main torso of the figure is made from fibrous pulp surrounding a wire and wooden armature, layers of fibre are applied to the pulp to create a substrate onto which a white ground is applied (gesso), this ground provides the base onto which arteries and veins made from wire are applied. Both the interior and exterior of the figure are lacquered: the many colours used include reds and blues (representing oxygenated or oxygen depleted areas) as well as ochres, browns and greens. The removable organs are made from the same materials. Some of the organs including the heart are further detailed with wrapped wire and fine threads which show the inner mechanism.
Attached to the organs are numerous ferrous metal pins, eyes, hinges and hooks which attach together retaining them in place when assembled within the figure. Some organs are permanently fixed to the inside of the torso. The eyes are made of glass with a striking green iris and black pupil.
£3,000-£5,000
33
  A 19TH CENTURY CARVED WOOD AND POLYCHROME DECORATED FIGURE OF CHRIST SCOURGED
probably Spanish Colonial, the standing figure with articulated arms, tied to a column, on a rectangular base,
94cm high
£1,000-£1,500
34
  A LARGE EARLY 20TH CENTURY MAHOGANY APPRENTICE'S ARCHITECTURAL MODEL OF A SPIRAL STAIRCASE
with a spiral composed of steps with turned finial support-ends and a circular plateau base
100cm high
£1,000-£2,000
35
  A VERY LARGE PAIR OF LATE 19TH CENTURY FLOOR STANDING OAK OBELISKS
the fluted sectional sides carved with tiled shapes, over void arches and raised on spreading octagonal plinths,
176cm high (2)
£1,500-£2,000
36
  A RARE SELECTION OF BONES FROM THE EXTINCT MOA BIRD, EX-MUSEUM
comprising: a skull, lacking beak and front part (Moa skulls are thin and rarely survive), a rib, a lower-leg bone, a foot bone from a juvenile and two tiny toe bones, three bones that together form a toe and claw of an adult Moa, a selection of rounded stones from the gizzard of a Moa, swallowed to aid digestion, in a glazed box, and a complete thoracic vertebra in a separate small box,
the boxes 27cm and 13cm wide
Provenance:
Sub-fossilised bones of the extinct Moa bird, found in 1974 on 'Stranraer' Farm at East Winton, near Invercargill, New Zealand. The excavation was supervised by Southland Museum who undertook the treatment and preservation. Representative specimens are housed in Southland Museum, Invercargill and the museum published a detailed report on the finds.
This collection was gifted to the vendor in 1976, a present by the Hamilton family, owners of 'Stranraer'.
The Moa bird was New Zealand's largest bird reaching almost four meters and weighing 230kg. It is thought they became extinct from over hunting by humans as early as the 15th century, although unsubstantiated sightings by whalers and sealers in the 18th and 19th century might suggest otherwise. Most of the discovered remains are now in museum collections.
£400-£600
37
  A LATE 19TH CENTURY BOXED ALPHABET SET / TEACHING AIDE
the rectangular stained wood box with hinged lid opening to various sections from A - Z, fi - oe, punctuation marks and numbers 1-10, each with a quantity of painted wood panels with the various letters and numbers, which slide into the sections on the inside of the lid,
76cm wide
£80-£120
38
  A POLISHED COCO DE MER NUT (LODOICEA MALDIVICA)
20cm long
£200-£300
39
  A LARGE EARLY 20TH CENTURY GEORGIAN STYLE DOLLS TOWNHOUSE
Of red brick and stone facade, double door frontage opening to comprise seven rooms, scratch built.
145cm high, 70cm wide, 35cm depth
£3,000-£5,000
40
  A VINTAGE 1940's RANGER TINPLATE WIND UP POOL TABLE AND TWO PLAYERS
16cm high, 35cm wide
£100-£200
41
  A 20TH CENTURY DIORAMA OF CUTTY SARK
Framed and glazed, hand painted background
22 x 29cm
together with other items to include eye balls Salvador Dali, a painted maritime clock face (3)
£100-£200
42
  A 19TH / 20TH CENTURY STONEWARE MONEY BOX IN THE FORM OF A COTTAGE
together with a pair of early cast and brass moneyboxes in the form of bank facades
largest
15cm high, 16cm wide
£180-£220
43
  No Lot
44
  AN EARLY GERMAN PAPIER MACHER SPRING LOADED FIGURE DEPICTING OLIVER HARDY
23cm high
£120-£180
45
  A CAST IRON MONEY BOX, THE TAMANNY MECHANICAL BANK, J. & E. STEVENS CO DESIGNED BY JOHN D. HALL AND PATENTED ON 23 DECEMBER 1873
the figure is based on New York City Democratic Party leader William Marcy Tweed (1823-1878) an American politician and leader of Tammany Hall. The Tweed ring ran by Macy defrauded New York City of millions.
15cm high
£400-£600
46
  No Lot
47
  A RARE BRUCE PEEBLES AND CO LIMITED ENGINEERS EDINBURGH, DESK CALENDAR
c. early 20th century, in the form of an electric generator
20cm high, 16cm wide
£200-£300
48
  A TIN PLATE CLOCKWORK ROBOT BY KO JAPAN
together with four further mid-20th century tin plate and plastic robots (5)
17cm high
£300-£400
49
  AN EARLY 20TH CENTURY CLOCKWORK MUSICAL JOLLY CHIMP PLAYING THE CYMBALS TOGETHER WITH THREE OTHERS
including an early German tin plate clockwork violin playing pig (11cm), S. Gunthermann's perplex made in Nuremberg, Bavaria, c. 1911, a clockwork bug, an early 20th century clockwork figure of a young girl drinking (4)
the chimp 20cm high
£150-£250
Auction Details - AUCTION ALREADY HELD
From The Curious To The Extraordinary
Auctioneer: Chiswick Auctions Location: London W3 8BL
Contact: Tel: +44(0)20 8992 4442
Date: 21st January 2020 Time: 11:00AM
Details: Selected Highlights at South Kensington
Monday 16th December - Tuesday 14th January 11am - 5pm
Full Sale & Viewing at Chiswick
Saturday 18th January 11am - 5pm
Page: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8