British Silhouette Artists and their Work 1760-1860 by Sue McKechnie, 1978. First published in 1978 by Wilson Publishers, Ltd, for Sotheby Parke Bernet Publications. Houston Library discard. Book and dust jacket are in very good condition. Measures 12 x 9 x 3 inches.

Antique Victorian tole painted tin tray circa 1880. Painted free hand, not stenciled. Measures 28.75 inches wide by 22.5 inches deep. Excellent condition. Elaborate gilt scrolls surround a floral medallion, with floral swags and a pair of exotic birds in flight.

International Exhibition paper advertising fan for The Art Gallery Philadelphia. The fan's bamboo frame is stamped Registered June 8th 1875. The fan is mounted in a well designed and crafted oak frame. The fan is in very good condition for its age, some minor loss here and there. The frame measures 21 x 13 x 2 inches with a 24 x 4 inch stand. The fan measures 11 x 19 inches open. In celebration of America’s 100th anniversary of independence, the Centennial Exhibition took place on more than 285 acres of land in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park May 10-November 10, 1876. Close to ten million visitors (9,910,966) went to the fair via railroad, steamboat, carriage, and on foot. Thirty-seven nations participated in the event, officially named the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures, and Products of the Soil and Mine. The grounds contained five major buildings: the Main Exhibition Building, Memorial Hall (Art Gallery), Machinery Hall, Agricultural Hall, and Horticultural Hall. In addition to these buildings, approximately 250 smaller structures were constructed by states, countries, companies, and other Centennial bureaus that focused on particular displays or services. At the top of the print on the fan is a bald eagle perched on an American shield holding Old Glory and flags of others nations.

Vintage African tribal ceremonial spoon circa 1950. Carved from single stock African hardwood. Lovely old patina. Measures 24" long x 4.75" wide x 2" deep.

RARE 17th century English or Dutch hand forged brass salamander. Used as a hearth cooking spatula when needed, the salamander was primarily a browning iron holding a dish above the flame for the final touch or heated to red hot in the fire, then held above a roast or a custard to brown the surface. By one estimate, for every 1,000 peels or spatulas, perhaps one salamander survives. Measures 12.75 inches long and 3.5 inches across its flat serving end.