Discovering Victorian Treasures
Ever wondered why some of the treasures the Victorians left behind are highly sought after? The queen's wedding gown, teapots, mirrors, bookcases, and more—these 11 artifacts are worth a pretty penny.
Celestial Library Globe: $71,038
Man has always had the instinct to explore the world beyond their feet. That curiosity has led to many of these types of inventions. This mid-20th-century globe, in particular, sits on top of a beautifully handcrafted wood frame with skillfully carved cabriole legs.
Celestial Library Globe: $71,038 (Cont.)
This globe was uniquely made of fiberglass; it moves smoothly, and as it moves, it shows every detail on the map clearly. And the wood frame? Its old look adds a story from the past, which gives it a lot of charm and character.
Sainte-Geneviève Library, CC BY 2.0 FR, Wikimedia Commons
Queen Victoria's Wedding Dress: N/A
It wasn't just an ordinary wedding dress; it changed the way wedding gowns are worn today. When Queen Victoria got married in 1840, colorful wedding gowns were very common, but she wanted something unique, hence her choice of white, and ever since then, white has been the norm.
S Reynolds, F Lock, Wikimedia Commons
Queen Victoria's Wedding Dress: N/A (Cont.)
Her love for Honiton lace didn't end after the wedding. She made a bold statement by wearing it at her children's christenings, two of their weddings, and even for her Diamond Jubilee portrait. She also encouraged her children to incorporate the lace into their gowns.
Hughes & Mullins, Wikimedia Commons
Queen Victoria's Wedding Dress: N/A (Cont.)
Although the actual price of the dress is unknown to the public, many sources speculate it to be anywhere between $65,000 and over a million. The dress is so iconic that you will find replicas and knock-offs on Etsy for around 500 bucks.
Roger Fenton, Wikimedia Commons
Grand Format Four Overture Antique Cylinder Music Box: $38,345
One of the many things to admire about this era is that they are the pioneers of many innovations that are still being improved today. Made by Nicole Freres around 1865, this piece is very well-known for playing songs like Rossini's William Tell and Verdi's Il Trovatore, which create a rich sound.
Grand Format Four Overture Antique Cylinder Music Box: $38,345 (Cont.)
That is just one; its size allows it to be played for a very long time, and it also has detailed pin patterns, which makes it very valuable. The beautifully polished case with wood, brass, pewter, and enamel is almost irresistible to collectors.
Pre-raphaelite Victorian Oil Painting: $25,157 (Cont.)
Though unsigned, this work is unmistakably Richard Barrett Davis, a British artist celebrated for his animal and landscape paintings. "The Clandon Harriers Portrait of James Imms, Huntsman, on his Favourite Mare Libertine", is an oil-on-canvas masterpiece. The rich use of greens, browns, whites, sky blues, and blacks brings the scene to life.
Important John Imms Ringmer Clandon Harriers Hunting Oil Painting by Cheshire Antiques Consultant
Pre-raphaelite Victorian Oil Painting: $25,412 (Cont.)
The painting centers on James Imms, dressed in a dark green hunting coat, white trousers, and tan riding boots. With a steady hand on the reins, he is the definition of a Victorian-era huntsman. Davis rose to prominence as an animal painter for King William IV and later Queen Victoria, too.
Victorian Writing Desk: $12,000
These desks are very symbolic and serve different purposes. Writing desks are mostly found in intellectual environments. They are crafted from rich mahogany or walnut. The sizes are often modest and simple, nothing too elaborate, just straight lines, minimal ornamentation, and a functional layout that adds warmth to a space.
Thomas Quine, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Victorian Writing Desk: $12,000 (Cont.)
Beyond their functions, these desks are signs of personal taste, one's social status, and even gender. The Bonheur du Jour is a desk specifically designed for women, with graceful lines and ornate details meant to symbolize beauty. Then, for something private, the dramatic cylinder desk is the best catch.
Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Tiller Carved With Princess Victoria: $28,056
A lot of amazing pieces and statements are out there about Queen Victoria, but pause for a second and imagine the young princess and what she liked. Yes, this masterpiece is one of her favorites; crafted from solid mahogany, this S-curved marvel features intricate carvings of young Princess Victoria's head.
This Antique 'Ships Tiller' is a Shocker! by David Harper Antiques | Trade Secrets!
Tiller Carved With Princess Victoria: $28,056 (Cont.)
This exceptional artifact, once adorned with a prestigious 100-foot yacht, is only reserved for ceremonial use. Unlike the everyday tillers, this was designed for special occasions and events. Its twisted rope design and brass handle show it was both useful for sailing and elegant for display.
This Antique 'Ships Tiller' is a Shocker! by David Harper Antiques | Trade Secrets!
Yellow Gold And Emerald Drop Earrings: $31,104
With 13.82 carats of beautiful emeralds and 0.60 carats of diamonds that sparkle and steal the eye, these earrings are set in 18-carat yellow gold. The design has a bold drop shape, with the emeralds softly hanging from a special setting and tiny Dutch cut diamonds that beautify it.
Yellow Gold And Emerald Drop Earrings: $31,104 (Cont.)
What makes these earrings even more special is the attention that goes into making them, like the natural saltwater pearls at the top, which are surrounded by a domed gold frame and eight-cut diamonds. The mix of history, original materials, and very careful craftsmanship makes a high piece like this highly sought after.
Louis XVI Secrétaire à Abattant By André Gilbert: $159,400
Master ébéniste André Gilbert created the exquisite Louis XVI secrétaire à abattant. Gilbert is celebrated for his remarkable marquetry craftsmanship, and this is proof of his artistry. The secrétaire has stunning inlaid designs crafted from rosewood, amaranth, stained holly, and mother of pearl.
Expert Insights with Bill Rau: Louis XVI Secrétaire à Abattant by André Gilbert by M.S. Rau
Louis XVI Secrétaire à Abattant By André Gilbert: $159,400 (Cont.)
But the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly its vivid, three-dimensional scene. It shows an architectural landscape, complete with lush trees, ancient ruins, a charming bridge, and a walled town. The bronze mounts on the desk add a touch of luxe, which really shines through.
Expert Insights with Bill Rau: Louis XVI Secrétaire à Abattant by André Gilbert by M.S. Rau
Louis XVI Secrétaire à Abattant By André Gilbert: $159,400 (Cont.)
Ah, and when you open it, it's even more stunning. It's got a rich green leather writing surface, a series of storage shelves, and six neatly arranged drawers. The bottom doors also open up and can be used as additional storage compartments. There's a hidden safe, as well.
Expert Insights with Bill Rau: Louis XVI Secrétaire à Abattant by André Gilbert by M.S. Rau
French Walnut And Kingwood Card Table: $6,135
We have already established that the word "common" has no place in the Victorian Era. Covered in rich walnut wood with golden flower designs, the French card table is a symbolic piece that perfectly represents its time. Underneath it is a pull-out base that serves as a secret storage.
Antique French Burr Walnut Marquetry Card / Backgammon Table by Regent Antiques
French Walnut And Kingwood Card Table: $6,135 (Cont.)
With golden metal decorations, the table stands on elegantly curved legs. What is more appealing is the shell-shaped leaf designs on the side. The French Walnut and Kingwood card table could easily turn any room into a place of elegance.
Antique French Burr Walnut Marquetry Card / Writing Table by Regent Antiques
Antique Mirrors: $5,920
Antique mirrors from the Victorian era carry an age-long history with them. These mirrors were often grand overmantle designs of that era. They were handcrafted with an ornate frame of dark wood, patterns, carvings, and an arch shape. The one in this image would be worth 5–6 grand in antique shops today.
Gunnar Berndtson, Wikimedia Commons
Antique Mirrors: $5,920 (Cont.)
When evaluating the designs, the frames are usually gold or silver gilding. Pay attention to the wood backing; it is one of the signs of handcraftmanship. These mirrors have been around forever, so spots like minor blemishes or bubbling in the glass only increase their worth.
Tiffany Lamps: $433 To $298,500
Designed under Louis Comfort Tiffany, these lamps became a famous item at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. In an era that very much cherishes exquisite stained-glass shades, they were crafted with copper foil. It captured the attention of audiences with designs inspired by nature, like flowers and dragonflies.
New York, The Duffner and Kimberly Company, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Tiffany Lamps: $433 To $298,500 (Cont.)
Each lamp was intelligently hand-made by the most skilled artisans of that time. With various designs, every detail has meaning: The lamps with irregular tops and bottoms have an openwork crown edge that looks like a branch, tree, or bushes. The prices can range anywhere from $430 to $298,500.
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