This commemorative bronze plaque medal was awarded to a member of the Société Protectrice des Animaux (SPA) in Paris.
The plaque features a beautifully detailed relief depicting a woman surrounded by various animals, symbolizing compassion and care. The design was created by the French sculptor Amédée Donatien Doublemard, whose signature appears on the left side of the medal. It is presented in its original custom case, lined with blue velvet.
The Société Protectrice des Animaux, founded in 1845, is the oldest animal welfare organization in France. The SPA was established to combat animal cruelty and abandonment, rescue mistreated animals, and find them new homes.
This piece would make a perfect addition to any cabinet of curiosities or collection of antique medals.
After more than a century, the medal remains in good antique condition. Over time, it has developed a beautiful patina, adding to its character and charm.
Measurements:
Diameter medal: 4.2 cm
Diameter case: 5.2 cm
This antique riding spur is a fine example of early Spanish craftsmanship, hand-forged with great skill and attention to detail.
It is a unique piece that would make a striking addition to any cabinet of curiosities or a western-themed interior.
After more than a century, the spur remains in good antique condition and displays a beautiful rustic patina acquired through time and use. The iron has been treated with antique wax, providing a protective layer and a subtle, soft sheen.
This remarkable crucifix dates from the First World War and was crafted from spent bullets and shell casings. It stands as a poignant reminder of the conflict and reflects the personal expressions that emerged from the hardships of war.
At the top there is a small brass plaque engraved with “Ypres,” the Belgian town that lay at the heart of the Western Front and was almost completely destroyed during the war due to years of heavy fighting and bombardments.
To cope with the relentless stress and monotony of trench warfare, soldiers often turned to creativity, transforming remnants of the battlefield into expressive handmade objects. Today known as trench art, these pieces were fashioned from discarded military materials such as shell casings, bullets, and other metal fragments. Working with only simple tools, soldiers relied on ingenuity and patience, giving each object a raw and deeply human character.
This unique artifact carries a strong historical presence and would make a striking addition to a World War I or military collection.
Despite being over a century old, the crucifix remains in good condition. Over time, it has developed an oxidised patina that enhances its historic character.
This beautiful relief is hand carved from a single piece of oak and depicts a sea scene with two Viking ships and a seagull. The upper right corner bears the signature of the artist: R. Soyez.
It would make a wonderful addition to any cabinet of curiosities or rustic style interior.
After more than a century, the wood relief remains in good condition. Over the years it has developed a lovely patina, which only adds to its charm.
Antique early 1900s Swiss miniature carving of the Löwendenkmal monument.
This wooden sculpture depicts the famous Löwendenkmal, the monument of the dying lion located in the Swiss city of Lucerne. The original monument was created in 1820–1821 to commemorate the Swiss Guards who were killed in 1792 while defending King Louis XVI of France during the French Revolution.
The sculpture is weighted with lead, making it perfect for use as a paperweight.
This sculpture is a finely carved miniature version, made with the craftsmanship that the Alpine and Black Forest carving tradition became world famous for.
It would make the perfect addition to any Black Forest collection or cabinet of curiosities.
After more than a century, the sculpture remains in good condition and shows only minor signs of wear. Over the years it developed a nice patina which only adds more charm to it!
Measurements:
Width: 5.5 cm
Length: 12 cm
Height: 6 cm
This antique polished lion’s canine tooth is set in a silver mount. The tooth originally came from South Africa and has been carefully mounted to be worn as a pendant.
It would make a unique piece to wear on a necklace or to display as part of a cabinet of curiosities.
After more than a century, the piece remains in good condition. Over the years, the silver mount has developed a beautiful natural patina that only enhances its antique character and charm.
This beautiful piece of folk art was traditionally hand carved from hardwood in the Black Forest region of Germany or Switzerland. It is a fine example of local craftsmanship and is shaped like the head of a wild boar, designed to crack open walnuts when the mouth is pressed closed.
This unique piece would make the perfect addition to any Black Forest collection or cabinet of curiosities.
After more than a century, this piece remains in good condition, though it shows signs of age and use. Over the years it has developed a lovely patina that only adds to its charm. Sadly, the tips of the lower tusks have worn down over time.
The piece has been treated with antique wax to protect the surface and give it a subtle glossy finish.
This unique plant press consists of wooden covers that were hand carved in Aeschi, a Swiss town in the Black Forest region. The two wooden covers can be tightened together with leather straps, allowing plant specimens to be pressed and dried in between. The press still includes several old alpine plant specimens. The top cover is decorated with hand-carved edelweiss flowers and the name of the town where it was made.
This herbarium press would make a wonderful addition to any botanical collection or cabinet of curiosities.
After more than a century, the herbarium press remains in good condition. It has been treated with antique wax to protect the surface and give it a subtle glossy finish.
Measurements:
Length: 28 cm
Width: 18 cm
Depth: 4 cm
Antique early 1900s Swiss miniature carving of the Löwendenkmal monument.
This small wooden sculpture depicts the famous Löwendenkmal, the monument of the dying lion located in the Swiss city of Lucerne. The original monument was created in 1820–1821 to commemorate the Swiss Guards who were killed in 1792 while defending King Louis XVI of France during the French Revolution.
This sculpture is a finely carved miniature version, made with the craftsmanship that the Alpine and Black Forest carving tradition became world famous for.
It would make the perfect addition to any Black Forest collection or cabinet of curiosities.
After more than a century, the small sculpture remains in good condition and shows only minor signs of wear.
Measurements:
Width: 3.5 cm
Length: 10.5 cm
Height: 4.7 cm
This antique polished canine tooth is set in a silver mount. Unfortunately, the exact species it originates from is unknown.
It would make a unique pendant to wear on a necklace.
After more than a century, the piece remains in good condition. Over the years, the silver mount has developed a beautiful natural patina, which only enhances its antique charm.
Antique early 1900s charivari bird’s talon pendant
Traditionally, charivari charms like this one were worn by Bavarian hunters as talismans believed to bring good fortune during the hunt. These small ornaments were often crafted from roe deer antler tips and attached to a hunting hat, bag, or watch chain. This unique pendant, however, is made from a large bird’s talon and features an eagle-shaped metal mount.
This particular piece would make a distinctive item of jewellery – still perfect to wear for good luck on a hunting trip, or as a fascinating addition to a cabinet of curiosities.
After more than a century, the pendant remains in good condition, showing light signs of age and wear consistent with its history. Over time, it has developed a beautiful natural patina that enhances its character and charm.
This elegant brass letter opener features an Art Nouveau style design, beautifully shaped like a feather with a birds talon at its base. Its refined craftsmanship and flowing lines make it a charming relic of early 20th century design.
It would be the perfect decorative piece to display on your writing desk or to use as a functional vintage accessory.
Even after nearly a century, the letter opener remains in good vintage condition. Over the years, it has developed a warm aged patina that only enhances its character and charm.
