West Sea Company

GENERAL ANTIQUES

Catalog Page 16


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16.80


16.80  PRESIDENTIAL RELIC.  Important  memorial to the President of the United States in the form of a solid brass 75 mm artillery shell casing which is beautifully hand-engraved:


FIRED BY
BATTERY A 146th FIELD ARTILLERY
ON FRIDAY JULY 27th 1923
FOR
THE COMMANDER IN CHIF
PRESIDENT WARREN G. HARDING
AT UNIVERSITY STADIUM
FIRST SALUTE TO PRESIDENT
FIRED BY
WASHINGTON FIELD ARTILLERY
IN SEATTLE.

Then below:

IN MEMORIUM
LAST MILITARY SALUTE
FIRED FOR PRESIDENT HARDING
PRIOR TO HIS DEATH
IN SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA
AUGUST 2nd 1923.

This lovely solid brass casing is of weapons grade brass with a flawless, brilliantly polished surface.  It measures 13 ¾ inches high by 3 ½ inches in diameter.  The base is marked “A.M. LOT 75 mm F. G.” along with other alphanumerics.  There is no doubt it was originally intended to be given to the President as a memento of his Seattle visit.  But after his death it was retained as a remembrance of him at the Army Base at Fort Lewis, Washington where it was on display for 87 years.  It was finally deaccessioned when that base merged with McChord Air Force Base on February 1, 2010.  A lasting piece of American Presidential history! 895
 
Warren Gamaliel Harding (November 2, 1865 – August 2, 1923) was the 29th President of the United States from 1921–1923.  A Republican Senator from Ohio, he supported anti-Prohibition interests and women's suffrage.  He was the first incumbent U.S. senator to be elected President.
On July 26, 1923, having departed Alaska on the USS HENDERSON, Harding toured Vancouver, British Columbia as the first sitting American President to ever visit Canada.  Upon entering Seattle, Washington, Harding's ship, rammed the USS ZELIN (DD-313) in the fog, but without injury to personnel. While in port, Harding gave his final speech to a crowd of 25,000 people at the University of Washington stadium in Seattle.  This is the actual shell casing from the first round of a 21 gun salute fired for the President during that address.   In that address the President spoke of the magnificence of Alaska's wilderness, and its "measureless oil resources."  Then Secretary of Commerce, Herbert Hoover, (who became President in 1929) wrote Harding’s speech.
After his Seattle visit, the President traveled by rail to San Francisco. Arriving at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, Harding fell ill.  Feeling exhausted, he cancelled his planned speeches.  Unexpectedly, the President died  in his presidential suite with his wife at his side at 7:35 p.m. on August 2, 1923.
The final inscription on this shell is dated “August 2, 1923.”


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16.69


16.69 BEER FOAM SCRAPER. A unique object in the form of a bladed palette knife used to scrape the foam off of a mug of beer after it had been poured! This beer scrapper is sculpted out of one piece of solid ivory engraved with the notation “Tressady Sept, 1884.” Perfect original condition with a nice age patina. 15 ½ inches long by 1 ¾ inches wide. A large, genuine, identified, solid ivory relic over 127 years old! 349



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16.79


16.79  AMERICAN GLOBE.  Early 1900’s American-made terrestrial globe of classic form on an ornate Victorian ball and claw tripod pedestal base.  This very handsome presentation features an 8 inch world globe with the cartouche in the South Pacific signed, “Rand McNally 8 “ Globe,  Chicago, New York, Scale 1 Inch = 1000 Statue Miles.”  It is made in the traditional manner, being a reinforced hollow plaster sphere overlaid with printed paper “gores” showing the geographic details.  These include country names and boundaries, major cities, mountain ranges, rivers, lakes and even the Great Wall of China!  The top (North Pole) retains a brass disc showing the time zones, “NIGHT” and “NOON”, two hemispheres 1 through 12, with the notation “Set Any Hour Over One City, Read The Time For Other Cities.”  The bottom (South Pole) rests on its original base with classic ball and claw feet in an ornate floral Victorian motif with miniature globes cast in relief at the “knees.”  This diminutive globe is in excellent cosmetic condition, noting it has been professionally restored in the area of the North Pacific.  The entire surface is very nice with just enough patina to indicate good age.  All notations are clearly legible.  The globe stands 15 inches tall overall and the base is 8 ½ inches wide.  Circa 1920.  A very decorative world globe of a manageable size for office or library, nearly 100 years old   695


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16.77


16.77 EARLY DOMINOE SET.  Genuine full set of whalebone and ivory double sixes dominoes.  This handsome 19th century set is comprised of 28 whalebone slabs laminated onto ebony backings held with brass rivets.  Each game piece measures slightly over 1 ¾ inches long, 1 inch wide and ¼ inch thick.  What is remarkable about this unique set is the box.  It is hand-hewn out of a solid piece of pine which is gessoed and sponge-painted with an appealing effect!  The original, very thick sliding lid is present, opening and closing properly with a tight fit.  The box measures 6 ¾ inches long by 2 ¾ inches wide and 2 ½ inches high.  Outstanding original condition with a great old look indicative of its age.  349


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16.78

16.78  MINIATURE SLED.  Beautifully-made late 19th or very early 20th century Eskimo sled  made for the early Alaskan tourist trade.  This real life scale replica of a genuine Arctic sled is made of thin strips of Poplar wood fastened by seal sinew with mortise and tenon joints!  Several of the components are bentwood which requires a high degree of craftsmanship.  The skill exhibited in the detailed construction is superb.  14 inches long by 3 1/8 inches wide and 3 3/8 inches high.  Although very delicate by nature, this sled is in very sound condition with a couple of hardly noticeable old minor repairs.  Delightful!  495

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Description: http://westsea.com/tsg3/itemlocker/16pixlocker/16-25t.jpg


16.25 FLOOR GLOBE. Good, early 20th century American floor standing terrestrial globe signed "Weber Costello, Chicago Heights, Illinois, Political Reality Globe." This large size world globe is constructed in the traditional manner with paper gores overlaying a plaster sphere with wooden reinforcements at the poles. The lithographed surfaces show good detail with political boundaries, all major cities (over 100,000 population), mountain peaks, rivers, canals, railways, steamship routes and more,  accurately depicted as of circa 1935. The 16 inch globe is in excellent overall condition with no scuffs or abrasions and shows just enough surface toning to give it a great antique appearance! The graceful solid walnut stand is done in the Duncan Phyfe style with lion paw feet and carved "urn" support pillar. The 18 1/2 inch diameter equatorial ring is overlaid by paper printed with degrees, statute miles, and time zones from Greenwich.  Together with its quadrupedal stand this globe measures 33 inches high and 23 1/2 inches across at the base.  A handsome, high quality floor standing globe for library or study at a very reasonable price. 895 Special Packaging

Description: 16.25Detail
Description: 16.25Stand
Description: 16.25Maker
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16.76


16.76  HAND BELL.  Genuine hand bell of the type used by school masters and town criers in the 18th and 19th centuries.  This authentic relic of an age gone by is constructed of solid brass fitted with a walnut handle connected by a decoratively turned brass sleeve.  The bell retains it original cast iron clapper suspended on a stout wire and produces a very loud sound when rung!  The handle is attached with the original square retaining nut at the tip.  The number “5” is impressed on the butt of the handle.    5 inches wide at the mouth of the bell and standing 9 inches tall overall.  There are a couple of very minor chips in the wooden flange just above the connector.   Otherwise this handsome bell is in nearly perfect original condition with a wonderful age patina to all surfaces.  Over 150 years old!  89


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16.75


16.75   MEXICAN WAR SWORD.  Very rare early American officer’s foot sward dating to the 1840’s.  This handsome sword has a stout blade beautiful etched with classic floral designs, a spread-winged American eagle clutching arrows and olive branches in its talons, a drum, a shield, a flag staff and the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”   Near the hilt it is signed “W H HORTMANN & SONS PHILADELPHIA.”  The reverse side of the blade is etched with similar decorative motifs and the bold letters “U.S.”  The all brass guard is pierced and decoratively cast with flowers and foliage.  Traces of the original gilding still remain.  The pommel is sound and tight.  The fine grip is covered in authentic shark skin wrapped with brass wire.  The shark skin evidences some wear with a couple of minor losses at the pommel end.  This sword is complete with its rarely-found original scabbard covered in sharkskin having its original brass fittings.  Excellent overall condition, noting expected minor flaws for an authentic working sword of this vintage.  POR

According to Bruce Bazelon & William McGuinn, compilers of “A Directory of American Military Goods Dealers and Makers 1785-1915,” 1999, REF Publishing, Inc., Manassas, Virginia, page 131, William H. Hortmann & Sons operated a military store at 51 North 3rd Street Philadelphia from 1842 - 1854, moving to 7th & Chestnut in 1854.  Inasmuch as the Mexican War (1845) created an immediate need for military goods in America, after a 30 year hiatus since the War of 1812, it is safe to assume that this sword was manufactured soon after the Hortmann’s began their operation at the 3rd Street address.


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16.73

16.78  EARLY GLOBE.  Scarce 4th quarter 19th century terrestrial globe of Belgium manufacture, with the important aspect and appeal of having been made for the English speaking market.  This classic, early globe is signed in the maker’s cartouche located south of Australia, “GEOGRAPHICAL INSTITUTE OF BRUSSELS New Physical Political Globe Published by MERSBACH & FALK Brussels, 1881.”  The inscription is encircled by a popular Victorian era “belt” as a border.   The bottom of the globe is supported on a brass disc engraved “GREAVES & THOMAS, LONDON,” presumably the printers of this globe made for the English speaking market.   This detailed globe is made in the traditional manner with lithographed gores overlaying a gessoed cardboard core.  Details include major cities, territories and states, along with major geographical aspects such as mountain ranges and ocean currents.  It measures 11 ½ inches in diameter and stands 2 feet tall.  The turned ebonized base with faux leather undercovering measures 9 inches in diameter.  This antique globe is in an amazing state of original preservation.  There are virtually no signs that it was even ever used or displayed.  It is in near mint condition.  Perhaps the only apology is an area in Antarctica where an old price label was applied, slightly discoloring the surface.  Otherwise this rare, 131 year old world globe is perfect!   995Special Packaging


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16.71

16.71  MINIATURE CANNON.  Commemorative brass cannon on a cast iron carriage with an applied embossed brass plaque reading, “FORT  TICONDEROGA  NY.”  The bottom of the carriage is marked “1/0 18 MFCO.”  3 inches  long.  Excellent original condition with a nice age patina.  Circa 1930.  49

Fort Ticonderoga is located on the shores of Lake Champlain, on the New York, New Hampshire border overlooking Vermont’s Green Mountains.  This remote outpost on Lake Champlain guarded the narrow water highway connecting New France with Britain's American colonies. Whichever nation controlled Ticonderoga controlled the continent.  During the American Revolution Fort Ticonderoga was the scene of America's first major victory in its struggle for independence and the United States' northern stronghold which protected New York and New England from British invasion via Canada.

In 1755, during the French and Indian War, the British pushed north into traditionally French territory. In response Governor-General Vaudreuil in Québec ordered Michel de Lotbinière to construct a fort south of Crown Point that would cover the portage between Lake George and Lake Champlain. Construction of Fort Carillon began that Fall and continued for the next four years.

In 1759 British General Jeffrey Amherst laid siege to Fort Carillon. Losses elsewhere in New France had left the garrison ill-equipped, so the French abandoned the fort after blowing up the powder magazine. Amherst repaired the fort and renamed it Ticonderoga.  Then construction of a new British fortress at Crown Point was begun.

At the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1775 Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold lead an attack on the Fort Ticonderoga with a small band of "Green Mountain Boys," capturing it from the British in an early morning raid on May 10th.  This was only three weeks after Lexington and Concord and was America’s first victory in the Revolutionary War.


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16.67


16.67  IVORY COMPACT.  Mid-1800’s or earlier lady’s traveling make-up case in the form of an oval make-up compact.  This beautifully constructed compact is made of ivory and silver with a very nice gilt brass hinge cast with a detailed scene depicting a winged griffin, pot of flowers and an attendant monkey!  The top, side and bottom of this compact are constructed of thin ivory beautifully embellished with recurring scalloped designs and oval scribes.   3 ½ by 2 ½ inches and 1/2 inch thick.  Interesting old repair on one edge.  A very nice early piece! 

 ex.  Sotheby’s Parke Bernet

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16.66


16.66  CORK SCREW.  Genuine, early 19th century cork screw with a turned bone handle.  The handle is plugged with a turned bone cap on one end and is fitted with a bristle brush for dusting off a wine bottle.  The handle is fastened by a small circular retainer with hole attached to a stout metal support.   The “working end” consists of a corrugated disk atop a helical cork screw.  Good, old condition.  A portion of the screw tip has broken off from use but is still quite functional.  

ex. Paul Madden Antiques, Sandwich, Massachusetts. 

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16.64

16.64  POSTAL SCALE.  Genuine early 1900’s English scale as used in Britain to determine  postage costs by weight.  This all brass balancing scale is stamped on the balance beam “MADE IN ENGLAND WARRANTED ACCURATE.”  It features hard steel wedge pivots in the center and on each end.  The inverted heart-shaped frame is provided with a pointer to indicate the balancing point.  The balance beam is cleverly double pivoted to insure the weighing platforms remain horizontal during use.  The unit is mounted to its solid mahogany base on 4 rubber feet.  It is complete with all three brass weights which rest neatly in felt-lined recesses.  The weights are marked “1/2 OZ, 1 OZ and 2 OZ” respectively.  Excellent condition.  Fully functional and accurate.  The brass surfaces are in there original lacquered finish with light age spotting.  179

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16.63

16.63.  STERLING SILVER TRAY.  Large American serving tray in the form of a scaly fish with big eyes, thick mouth, gills, fins and tail.  The underside of the tail is stamped “REED & BARTON 100H STERLING.”  This handsome tray measures 22 inches long, 9 ¾ inches wide and is 1 inch deep.  It weighs just ½ ounce short of 2 ½ pounds!  With today’s silver prices hovering around $25 an ounce and climbing (a recent high of $48!), this antique tray now is worth over $1,000 in scrap weight alone!  Lovely original condition with no flaws. 

Reed and Barton, based in Tauton, Massachusetts, has been producing fine quality silverware since 1824.  The company is internationally acclaimed for its silver and silverplate.  It has produced a large variety of silver and pewter products since Henry G. Reed and Charles E. Barton took over the pewter manufactory of Isaac Babitt in 1824.  During the Civil War Reed & Barton even manufactured weapons for the Union Army!  To this day, Reed & Barton remain in business under ownership of the Reed family.


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16.17 NUT CRACKER. Charming late 19th C. hand-carved German nutcracker of Black Forest origin. This cleverly contrived and beautifully executed device is in the form of a realistic bear with inset "bean" eyes. The bear's mouth effectively cracks smaller nuts whereas a carved recess at the rear, under the lever, accommodates larger nuts such as walnuts. This intricate, two piece carving is made from a dense dark hardwood, probably walnut. Detailing is very realistic. Excellent original condition with no chips or cracks and a lovely age patina.  7 inches long.  250

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16.56 EARLY LIVERPOOL JUG. Genuine late 18th century creamware "Herculaneum" pitcher. This lovely old example bears 3 distinctive transfers. The obverse is decorated with the delightfully endearing scene of a pub owner offering a mug to a willing recipient restrained by his wife. The comedic caption reads, "Come come my old buck here's the liquor of LIFE. Which drives away sorrow and reconciles strife. It cures scolding women. Your wrong reply'd Nell. Your wife as a drunken scold does most excel." The reverse shows a surprisingly detailed map of the earth surrounded by classical figures including Lady Britannia and a sunburst. It is entitled "The World in Planisphere." Under the spout is the poem, "Succefs To the Plough. The Fleece and the Pail. May the Landlord Ever Flourish. And the Tenant Never fail." It is surrounded by vignettes depicting farm implements. This wonderful example of early English pottery measures 10 inches high and 9 3/4 inches across from spout to handle. The graceful handle is noteworthy in that it is particularly stout and has contoured edges. There is a tiny professional repair to the very tip of the spout and as expected there are a couple of minor hairlines in the bottom. Overall this jug must be rated as being in outstanding original condition. Circa 1790. Special Packaging

Telling of the age of this jug, the spelling of the word "Succefs" is with the early form f as an "s." Further, the world map of North America shows a blank Pacific Northwest, indicating it was yet unexplored.

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16.29 MAP OF AMERICA. Original very early 19th century (War of 1812 era) map entitled "AMERICA." This extremely detailed engraving depicts the North and South American continents with portions of Europe and Africa shown as well. Despite its grand scale, great pains were taken by the engraver to identify towns, geographical and topographical features. Interestingly, much of the northern territories, which had yet to be explored, were left blank. The map was carefully hand colored providing a decorative as well as informative presentation. Of particular note in dating this map is the Florida Territory which is shown as a separate country from the United States (under Spanish control) identified as "W. Florida" and "E. Florida." The Louisiana Territory is simply identified as "Louisiana." And the area west of the "Stony Mountains" (Rockies) is referred to as "New Albion!" This early map measures 19 3/4 inches wide by 17 3/4 inches sight and is signed lower right, "J & G Menzies, Sculpt." It is mounted under glass in a carved antique wooden frame with gilded highlights measuring 26 1/2 by 24 1/2 inches overall. It is in excellent overall condition, with expected minor flaws and some toning to the paper. A scarce and quite important decorative piece of Americana from the Federal period, at least 185 years old! Ideal for office or den. 895Special Packaging

1803 - The United States purchased from Napoleon the territory of Louisiana for $15,000,000. Upon concluding the purchase Robert Livingston, America's Minister to France, said of the transfer, "We have lived long, but this is the noblest work of our whole lives ... From this day the United States will take their place among the powers of the first rank..."

1819 - American Secretary of State John Quincy Adams and Spanish Minister Luis de Onis reach an agreement finally ratified by both nations in 1821, by which Spain gives the United States title to East and West Florida. The United States relinquishes its claims to Texas, and Spain assigns its rights in the Pacific Northwest to the U.S., leaving ownership of the Oregon Territory to be settled among the United States, Russia, and Great Britain.

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