A lethal and sleek pair of firearm by a premier gunmaker of London, John Fox Twigg (1732-1792), these pistols were the personal weapons of a 19TH Century gentleman of taste, who would have wanted protection with an artistic touch and not too imposing nor difficult to carry. Signed on the lock plate left sides “Twigg” and “London” on the right, they carry London proof marks beneath as well. Making an lasting impression is only part of the purpose of the spring-loaded bayonets.

The pair of octagonal barrels are approximately .50-bore with the blunderbuss muzzle flaring to 13/16ths diameter well after the first reinforce which shows an inscribed sunburst design. The pistols would have been originally flintlocks by Twigg, and the exceptional steel lion-headed percussion hammer strikers are quite early, likely done by a renowned gunsmith in the 1820s, the first decade of such conversions. The hardwood grips are polished smooth. This is an exceptional pair of firearms with an artistic presence to their deadly function.

12 1/4 inches long, 17 inches long with bayonet open. 1 1/8 inches wide.

An impressively large, well carved 19th Century figurehead, the figure is believed to have been into service during the most important Age of Sailing, the 19th Century era of the Clipper Ships. This artifact has the large size and proper positioning of the plugs to have been the centerpiece of the bow on one of the great ships. While her identity is a mystery, we’re inclined to believe her a mythological goddess in her flowing robe and statuesque presence, possibly Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty herself. English society found it fashionable to emulate the mythologies of the Greeks, a trend that started in the Renaissance Period and carried through the Victorian Age.

Fully dressed in a classical flowing robe dress with scalloped edges, colored sash, and geometric jewelry, the three primary colors are featured throughout her appearance. Her white dress is pleated, and she holds her left arm across her lower chest while her right hands pinches her clothing. She is elevated standing atop a scroll through her base. Her mythological ancestry becomes her with her icy blue eyes, and even inanimate, she possesses a regal, even noble demeanor and maternal strength.

Full sized figureheads of the quality and size are amongst the rarest of marine artifacts. Her authenticity is assured, yet much mystery remains to be hopefully discovered about her history and prominence in relation to one of the great merchant ships of the 19th Century. The wood plugs and mounting hardware is properly positioned and even with her years of service, she maintains a dignified and imposing figure.

Provenance: Richard Headley, Santa Barbara, California.

Size: 84 Inches High with a 24½ x 29 Inch Maximum Width and Depth

An excellent example of an actual “treasure chest” from the 17th century, this heavy iron strong box possesses artistic touches which enrich its presence. Made of the heaviest iron construction by European craftsmen, often Prussian or Germanic, these chests were sold to the sailing nations, including Spain, Portugal, France, the Netherlands and of course, England. Used to transport and secure gold, silver, documents and other valuables, once loaded and locked, it would be incredibly difficult to move. For dramatic effect, this one has some scattered “doubloons and gold bars” of metals that are less-than-precious and some coin sacks.

Impressively artistic inside and out, this box has a presence which is eye- catching. Its exterior has a hard edged presence in iron with hand-forged twisted iron beckets at each end to carry the locking chest. The large key fits the lock in the center of the lid, hidden under the swivelled panel, and triggers the unusual design of 7 striker bolts which are the chest’s primary security. The interior locking mechanism is accented with Floral Rosettes and stamp-patterned iron leaves. There is an additional locking internal compartment with key and a false escutcheon on the face of the chest, between the pair of vertical iron hasps which would hold two additional padlocks. Once a portable safe, this box is now itself a treasure.

Size: Saucer: 5 3/8 " wide x 1 1/4" deep- Cup: 4" Wide x 2 3/8" deep.

More information to follow.