In addition to the Gallery in Milan, opened in 1999, Antik Arte & Scienza has also had a channel for online sales: on this site it is possible to buy, in fact, nautical antiques, astronomical instruments, globes and antique world maps, antique compasses, measuring instruments, vintage medical instruments and related to natural history. We know how it is important to offer secure and easy on-line purchases and therefore we have decided to offer free shipping and free insurance. All objects have an accurate and safe packaging, and when necessary also a padded wooden box made to measure. Shipping is insured by Lloyd's London, and you have 28 days to change your mind and return the bought items (see our general selling conditions for more information about return methods).
1774973688Code 724 Trophy ShieldThe "Elkington Challenge Cup" trophy shield, a commemorative award in hallmarked silver made in 1909 by the English manufacturer Elkington & Co. of Birmingham.
Good condition. Dimensions: 26 x 3 x 39 cm - 10.3 x 1.2 x 15.4 in.
The trophy was awarded in 1909, at the Birmingham Cattle Show, a prestigious British livestock exhibition held between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, to Sir Richard Cooper, Bart’s (short for baronet), an industrialist and landowner active between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, well-known as a breeder of fine livestock.
It is a silver shield mounted on a shaped oak support. The surface is richly decorated: ears of wheat appear in relief on the sides, while in the center is a show bovine, symbolizing the livestock competition for which the prize was awarded.
At the top is the civic coat of arms of the city of Birmingham, with a masonry crown and the motto "Forward," emphasizing the institutional link with the host city.
The prize was awarded for the specimen known as Pan of the Burn, a famous Aberdeen-Angus bull born in 1905, which won several British championships in the early 20th century.
The trophy is called the "Challenge Cup – Commemorative Shield," a formula indicating a significant award.
The following elements can be recognized from the hallmark: E & Co, the manufacturer’s mark, the anchor symbol of the city of Birmingham, the lion passant indicating 925/1000 sterling silver, and the letter K indicates the date.
1774974952Code 728 Equestrian InkwellSilver-plated inkwell with an equestrian motif, with cut crystal ink bottles, Italian manufacture from the 1950s.
Good condition. Dimensions: 28 x 13 x 24.5 cm – 11 x 5.1 x 9.7 in
The elegantly contoured base is composed of two horseshoes placed side by side, a clear reference to the equestrian world, and is supported by four small hemispherical feet. At the center, beneath the arched silver-plated metal handle, is a depiction of a horse mounted by a jockey, modeled in the round with fine detail.
The two crystal bottles, crafted with a faceted motif, are complete with domed silver-plated metal lids decorated with ornamental elements in relief.
1775062567Code 721 Multi-ToolsRare antique boot lifter with multi-tools, typical of the Victorian era, from the second half of the 19th century and intended for cavalry officers or traveling gentlemen.
Unopened box dimensions: 5.3 x 4 x 31.8 cm – 2.2 x 1.7 x 12.5 in.
The mahogany case isn’t just a container; it hinges open to form a sturdy V-shaped base that rests on the floor. By pressing down on the platform with one foot and wedging the heel of the other boot into the opening, tall, narrow shoes can be easily removed. Brass latches secure the structure during use.
Inside are two multifunctional metal tools that, when opened into a T-shape, reveal large curved hooks for pulling boots through the eyelets, a corkscrew for bottles, a gimlet or auger for drilling holes in wood, a button puller for gaiters, a leather awl, and a screwdriver bit.
1775141058Code 730 Commemorative PlateA pressed glass commemorative plate created for the coronation of King George VI of the United Kingdom, father of Queen Elizabeth II, on May 12, 1937.
It was created to celebrate the coronation following the sudden abdication of Edward VIII, caused by the king’s determination to marry the twice-divorced Wallis Simpson.
The rim of the plate features a scalloped shell design, and the design is executed in a dotted relief technique, common for glassware of the period.
The following details are inscribed on the glass:
"Coronation of King George VI" and the date "May 12, 1937."
The center depicts St. Edward’s Crown with the inscription "God Save the King."
In good condition. Dimensions: 24.5 x 4.5 cm – 9.6 x 1.8 in.
1775142590Code 726 Billiards Trophy ShieldAn important silver-plated billiard shield, "Long’s Billiard Trophy," from the late Victorian or Edwardian era, dating to the early 20th century and commissioned by Captain Charles Edward Percy Long (1878–1952) of the Southsea Brewery.
Good condition
Measurements: 54 x 4 x 74 cm – 21.2 x 1.6 x 29.2 in.
The trophy’s structure consists of a dark oak base mounted on a large embossed silver-plated metal plaque, surrounded by a decorative perimeter featuring garlands of leaves and berries.
In the center, an oval plaque depicts in exquisite detail a game scene in a period billiards room, complete with players in classical attire and suspended gas lamps. It is surrounded by a garland of oak leaf and acorn motifs, traditional British symbols of strength and stability.
Along the edges of the shield-shaped wooden base are 13 small stamped silver plaques bearing the names of the winners and clubs in the Portsmouth and Southsea area between 1921 and 1948. The shield-shaped structure served to house the small plaques with the names of the winners year after year, creating a historical record of the competition.
The names of the Conservative Club, the Radical Club, the Social Club, and the Recreation Club are engraved among the plaques, confirming that the trophy represented a deeply felt inter-club challenge at the local level.
These details underscore how billiards played a vital social role in England at the time, transforming Captain Long’s Brewery into a veritable hub of community recreation.
The brewery, located in Hampshire, as indicated by the abbreviation "Hants" engraved on the metal, was a pillar of the Portsmouth community since its founding in 1814 and came under the management of the Long family in 1839.
At the time, it was common for brewery owners to sponsor sporting events in local pubs to promote their products—such as the famous "Long’s Southsea Stout"—linking the brand to the city’s social life.
1775144293Code 725 Impressive ChallengeThe imposing "MPCCSS House Challenge Shield," donated in August 1928 by W.E. Hinkley, represents an exceptional testament to British social and sporting culture between the wars.
Good condition
Dimensions: 47 x 4.5 x 56.5 cm – 18.5 x 1.8 x 22.3 in.
Crafted from a solid oak base, the trophy is embellished with an elaborate embossed silver-plated metal central plaque, celebrating athletic versatility through four finely detailed medallions depicting boxing, wrestling, swimming, and track and field.
At the center of the composition is the motto "Service Before Self," a core principle of dedication to the community that frames the ethical value of competition. The importance of the piece is confirmed by the 22 solid silver side plates, which bear the hallmarks of the city of Birmingham and the mark of the prestigious manufacturer Ardill & Co. Ltd.
1775144923Code 717 NutcrackerAnthropomorphic lever nutcracker in hand-carved wood, typical of late 19th-century folk craftsmanship and most likely of German or Alpine origin, traceable to the Black Forest or Tyrol.
Good condition.
Dimensions: 21 x 9 x 5.5 cm – 8.3 x 3.5 x 2.2 in.
The mechanism is as simple as it is ingenious: the figure’s head, which depicts a man with a hat and pronounced features, acts as a fulcrum, while the lower jaw acts as a movable lever. When pulled toward the head, the necessary pressure cracks the shell of the nuts placed inside the mouth.
Crafted from walnut for durability and carved as a caricature of a traditional folk character, the meticulously carved face, with its pronounced nose and skullcap, recalls a satirical figure or a Commedia dell’Arte mask revisited with a mountain twist.
1775145474Code 716 NutcrackerAnthropomorphic lever-operated nutcracker in hand-carved wood, typical of late 19th-century folk craftsmanship and most likely of German or Alpine origin, traceable to the Black Forest or Tyrol.
Good condition.
Dimensions: 26 x 10 x 5.5 cm – 10.2 x 4 x 2.2 in.
The mechanism is as simple as it is ingenious: the figure’s head, which depicts a man with a hat and pronounced features, acts as a fulcrum, while the lower jaw acts as a movable lever. When moved toward the head, the necessary pressure cracks the shell of the nuts placed inside the mouth.
Crafted from walnut for maximum structural strength and carved as a caricature of a traditional folk character, the face with its pronounced nose and skullcap recall the satirical figure of a Commedia dell’Arte mask revisited with a mountain twist.
1775145999Code 719 NutcrackerAnthropomorphic lever nutcracker in hand-carved wood, typical of late 19th-century folk craftsmanship and most likely of German or Alpine origin, traceable to the Black Forest or Tyrol.
Good condition. Dimensions: 19 x 7 x 5 cm – 7.5 x 2.8 x 2 in.
The mechanism is as simple as it is ingenious: the figure’s head, which depicts a man with a hat and pronounced features, acts as a fulcrum, while the lower jaw acts as a movable lever. When moved toward the head, the necessary pressure cracks the shell of the nuts placed inside the mouth.
Crafted from walnut for maximum structural strength and carved as a caricature of a traditional folk character, the meticulously carved face, with its pronounced nose and skullcap, recalls a satirical figure or a Commedia dell’Arte mask revisited with a mountain twist.
1775146403Code 718 NutcrackerHand-carved walnut nutcracker, which has developed a beautiful natural dark patina over time.
Typical craftsmanship from the Black Forest area of Germany or the Brienz region of Switzerland, likely dating to the late 19th or early 20th century.
Good condition. Dimensions: 16 x 4 x 4.5 cm – 6.3 x 1.6 x 1.8 in
1775662157Code R364 BrochureEnglish-language brochure, circa 1934, created by American artist Victor Beals (1895-1975) relating to the cruises of the ships of the ITALIA FLOTTE RIUNITE fleet.
The ships advertised are REX, Conte di Savoia, Roma, Saturnia, Augustus, Vulcania, and Conte Grande. Numerous photos inside.
Poor condition, with stains, creases, and signs of use. Dimensions: 23.5 x 28.8 cm – 9.3 x 11.3 in
Do you provide an authenticity certificate/expertise?
Of course! The legislative decree n. 42/2004 stipulates that who sells works of art or historical and archaeological items has the obligation to deliver to the purchaser the documents attesting to the authenticity of the object, or at least to submit the documents relating to the probable attribution and origin. Antik Arte & Scienza provides an expertise (as warranty) that contains a description, period and assignment or the author, if known, of the item.
How can I pay?
Secure payments by PayPal, credit card or bank transfer.
What are the shipping terms and the delivery schedule?
Shipping by DHL or UPS is free (but if we are shipping to a country non-EU remember that any taxes and customs duties are on your expense), and items will be sent just after receiving of payment. Italy: delivering on the average in 24 h.
Europe: delivering on the average in 2/3 weekdays.
Other countries: delivering on the average in 5 weekdays; custom duties charged to the buyer.
Is shipping insured?
Of course! Free insurance by Lloyd's London that covers almost all destinations.
If I change my mind, can I return the item?
Of course! (see our general terms for more information).
Antik Arte & Scienza sas di Daniela Giorgi - via S. Giovanni sul Muro 10 20121 Milan (MI) Italy - +39 0286461448 - info@antik.it - www.antik.it - Monday-Saturday: 10am-7pm
