Catalogue
apua New Guinea, framed collection of traditional exchange valuables, Framed ethnographic display entitled “Island Money”, comprising six labelled groups of traditional exchangevaluables and ornaments from Papua New Guinea, including a Kula trade arm ring or band fashioned from Conus shell, pig’s teeth necklace, two crocodile teeth, a second patinated Conus shell arm ring, coral and seed necklace, and cowrie shell cord. Mounted against a white backing with six original printed explanatory labels detailing their traditional uses, manufacture and cultural significance. The collection illustrates various forms of traditional wealth, exchange and personal adornment associated with Papua New Guinea, including the Kula exchange system of the eastern islands. In glazed wooden display case, approximately 61 × 38cm. Cultural attributions and historical uses are recorded from the accompanying collector’s labels and have not been independently verified. As a framed display; contents generally intact with expected age wear, patination and discolouration. Some deterioration, fraying and losses to the white mounting material. Glazing with visible surface marks and scratches, wooden frame with general wear and scuffing. Original descriptive labels slightly toned but legible throughout. Contents not examined outside the frame. Very fine (6 items in 1 enclosed display.)
Estimate $150
Papua New Guinea Traditional Feather Money and Ornaments, Framed ethnographic display entitled "Island Money", comprising six arrangements of feathers and bird plumage attributed to Papua New Guinea, including two pale yellow feather bunches, a large group of dark bird-of-paradise plumes with red highlights, a section of brown and mottled bird plumage, a Goura crowned pigeon's crest with delicate black-tipped filaments, and a large reddish-brown feather arrangement.
Mounted against a white backing in a wooden display case with a clear Perspex-type cover, measuring approximately 61 × 38cm. Accompanied by three original printed explanatory labels entitled "Traditional and Primitive Currency", "Rare Feather Money" and "Guria Pigeon's Crest".
The collector's labels describe the traditional importance of feathers as symbols of wealth, objects of exchange and ceremonial adornment among the peoples of Papua New Guinea. The feather arrangements exhibiting age-related discolouration, minor losses, bending and disturbance to individual filaments. Some feather groups retain strong natural colouring, particularly the reddish-brown and dark plumes. The mounted bird plumage exhibits wear and deterioration, with loose and displaced feathers. White backing with minor discolouration and wear around the mounts. Perspex-type cover with surface scratches and scuffing; wooden frame with general handling wear. Fine to very fine (1 framed display,)
Estimate $100
Pearl Shell Bridewealth Necklace, Traditional pearl-shell necklace or bridewealth ornament from the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, comprising five large curved sections of polished mother-of-pearl shell, displaying creamy white surfaces with natural iridescence and pale golden discolouration, joined by twisted natural-fibre cord.
Pearl-shell ornaments were important traditional valuables in the New Guinea Highlands, used in ceremonial exchange, bridewealth payments and as symbols of wealth and status.
Each shell section approximately 14.5cm long. Accompanied by an original collector's explanatory label identifying the necklace as an item of trade and bride price from the Highlands of New Guinea. The pearl-shell sections retaining attractive natural iridescence, with age-related surface wear, scratches, minor chips, edge irregularities and scattered brown staining and discolouration. Fibre bindings with fraying and wear. Overall an attractive example of traditional shell ornamentation. Fine to very fine (1 necklace.)
Estimate $80
Copeland Peacock, Late 19th Cent. Victorian Realistic Peacock, fine glazed Porcelain. (32cm x 18cm) (1.835kg) Porcelain slight crazing, otherwise extremely fine.
Estimate $300
Staffordshire Reservoir Swan, 19th cent. (late 1800s) (9cm tall) (150g). No visible wearing or structural damage, extremely fine.
Estimate $50
Pair of Wemyss Cats, c. Late 19th cent. British Bovey Tracy manufacture.
(both approx. 35cm tall) (1.865kg, 1.915kg). Overall fine condition, slight crazing but no apparent damage.
Estimate $700
Vietnam, Hmong-style neck torque, Silver, twisted open neck ornament of curved torc form, with spiral-twist decoration along the body and a scroll terminal at each end; the small loop adjacent to one terminal is also visible in the photograph. Approximately 13cm at widest point; recorded weight 50g. The original typed display label is headed “VIETNAMESE RING MONEY”, identifies it as a child’s neck ring of the Meo (Hmong) people of Vietnam, describes the metal as silver and records a weight of 51 grams. It may have functioned as ornament or a store of wealth, but classification as circulating currency, the claimed silver content has not been independently substantiated. Very fine, with dark toning and patination and minor surface wear and rubbing to the raised twisted decoration. Both scroll terminals appear intact, with no obvious fractures or repairs visible.
Estimate $100
Traditional Currency and Exchange Objects, Asia and Africa, Collection of traditional currency and exchange objects from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, comprising seventeen pieces, including:
Siam (Thailand) and Burma, two cast silver-alloy tok currency pieces of the pig-mouth type, with domed, irregular surfaces and dark deposits, traditionally associated with northern Siam and neighbouring Burma; Cameroon, two elongated forged iron Mimba spear-money pieces, with flattened leaf-shaped sections, attributed to nineteenth-century West African exchange practices; Arabia, a copper-alloy spear-shaped currency piece with elongated stem and green patination; Solomon Islands, three traditional fishhooks of bone, shell and other natural materials, with curved dark hooks and fibre bindings, associated with fishing, trade and customary valuables.
West and Central Africa, two pale ivory ring-money pieces, one with an old break and repair; a broad, flattened ivory ring attributed to the Congo region; three copper-alloy manillas of varying forms, comprising an elephant-foot type with enlarged decorated terminals, a broad engraved ring with decorated ends, and an open copper-alloy ring with diagonal incised ornament.
Also a small carved ivory or bone pendant in the form of a human face or mask, with suspension hole, attributed to Guinea; China, a small silver-coloured shoe or boat-shaped sycee-type ingot; and Thailand, an irregularly shaped stone axe head, described in the collector's documentation as stone axe currency.
An interesting and varied assemblage illustrating traditional forms of money, stored wealth, exchange valuables and ceremonial objects from several cultures, accompanied by the original collector's printed explanatory labels. Cultural attributions and historical descriptions follow the accompanying documentation. The two pig-mouth currency pieces heavily toned and encrusted, with irregular casting surfaces, oxidation and surface deposits. Iron spear money with extensive rusting, pitting and corrosion; copper-alloy spear-shaped piece with green patination and surface accretions. Fishhooks with age-related discolouration and wear, some fraying and deterioration to fibre bindings. Ivory and bone objects with natural colour variation, staining, rubbing and minor edge wear; one ivory ring with an old break and repair. Copper-alloy manillas with brown patination, minor surface abrasions, oxidation and wear to decorative details. Stone axe head with weathered surfaces, abrasions and edge irregularities. Sycee-type piece with toning and surface wear. Original explanatory labels generally preserved, some with age-related discolouration and minor edge damage. Condition varying (17 items.)
Estimate $200
Traditional Stone, Shell and Tooth Currency, Collection of ten traditional currency, exchange and ceremonial objects from the Pacific, Southeast Asia and Arctic region, comprising:
Papua New Guinea, a large dark polished stone trade axe attributed to the Highlands; three stone axe and adze blades of varying shapes and sizes, including two dark tapered examples and an elongated grey stone blade, attributed to the Sepik River region. Borneo, a dark, flattened stone axe head, traditionally attributed to the Dayak peoples and described as axe money.
Micronesia, Yap Island, a substantial irregular fragment of pale, crystalline stone, attributed to broken rai stone money, together with a smaller triangular perforated stone piece, described in the collector's documentation as a souvenir produced from an older Yap stone before 1975.
Papua New Guinea, a large pale polished shell plate of oval form with small perforations near the edges, identified as a kapkap-type ornament or component, fashioned from baler shell.
Fiji, a curved polished whale-tooth tabua, of pale cream to yellowish colour, with drilled suspension hole and attached braided natural-fibre cord. Such teeth were traditionally important ceremonial valuables, exchanged during weddings, reconciliations and other significant social occasions.
Arctic region, a curved pale tooth attributed to walrus ivory, traditionally associated with indigenous trade and ornamentation, with broken or unfinished broad end.
An interesting assembled selection of traditional exchange valuables, stone implements and ceremonial objects, accompanied by original collector's explanatory labels describing their geographic origins, manufacture and customary uses. Stone axes and adze blades with varying degrees of surface wear, weathering, abrasions, deposits and minor edge chips, several retaining smooth polished surfaces. Large Yap stone fragment with rough fractured edges and extensive pale crystalline deposits; smaller perforated stone with irregular worn surfaces. Shell plate with minor scratches, discolouration, small edge irregularities and surviving perforations. Whale-tooth tabua with age-related yellowing, minor surface scratches and staining, braided fibre cord with wear and some fraying. Walrus-tooth specimen with surface discolouration, minor scratches and an irregular broken or unfinished broad end. Original explanatory labels with handling wear, minor creasing and discolouration. Fine to very fine (10 items.)
Estimate $300
Traditional Exchange Valuables and Ethnographic Implements, Collection of six traditional exchange valuables, ceremonial objects and implements from Africa and the Pacific, comprising:
A long-handled wooden axe or implement, with dark tapered shaft and substantial head secured by overlapping strips of dark fibre or organic binding, exhibiting traditional construction and extensive wear; together with an African axe, having a long pale wooden haft fitted with a dark iron head, the latter of flattened, flaring form, accompanied by an explanatory collector's label.
Western New Guinea (Indonesia), two dark stone ceremonial blades or ye stones, attributed to the Dugum Dani people of the Baliem Valley, each with central bindings of woven natural fibre, one incorporating coloured thread decoration and dark feathers. Comparable decorated stone blades were traditionally associated with ceremonial exchange, marriage payments and ancestral significance among Dani communities.
Nigeria, a long U-shaped copper-alloy Calabar currency bar, of rounded rod construction, with dark brown patination and flattened terminals. Such bars circulated as a traditional medium of exchange in the Calabar region of southeastern Nigeria.
Fiji, an old ceremonial whale-tooth tabua, of elongated curved form, with polished yellow-brown surfaces and substantial plaited coconut-fibre suspension cord. Tabua were highly valued ceremonial objects traditionally presented during important social occasions, including marriages, reconciliations and chiefly exchanges.
The accompanying collector's label records that the tabua was presented in 1910 by the chief of Navaso village, Fiji, to B. L. Gregg, identified as Registrar-General and Chief Magistrate. This historical attribution remains unverified.
An interesting collection illustrating traditional ceremonial exchange, wealth and material culture across Africa and the Pacific, retaining original collector's labels and identification notes. Condition varying. The dark wooden axe or implement with extensive age-related surface wear, abrasions, discolouration and deterioration to the overlapping bindings, including loose and displaced strips. African axe with oxidation and surface corrosion to the iron head, and general wear, staining and abrasions to the wooden haft. Dani stone blades with darkened surfaces, scratches, abrasions and edge wear; woven fibre bindings with fraying and discolouration, coloured threads and feather decoration exhibiting wear and some losses. Calabar bar with dark brown patination, oxidation, surface marks and minor irregularities to the rod and terminals. Fijian tabua with natural yellowing, scattered darker staining, surface scratches, fine age-related marks and minor edge wear; plaited coconut-fibre cord with fraying, wear and deterioration to some strands. Original explanatory labels with minor creasing, handling wear and discolouration. Fine to very fine (6 items.)
Estimate $400
Traditional Money and Ethnographic Curiosities, Assorted traditional money and ethnographic curiosities, including Borneo Dayak iron spearhead; three Indian metal ornaments; multicoloured bead necklace; taccoes seeds; three West African gold-dust weights; twelve Mexican silver-coloured milagros; three Siamese ngon hoi currency pieces; curved metal hook-form object; and Siamese skite. Several with original collector's explanatory labels. Poor to very fine, oxidation, corrosion, tarnishing, surface wear and minor damage to various pieces; some with age-related discolouration and encrustation. Collector's labels with handling wear. (12 assorted items.)
Estimate $250
Borneo, Dayak, tribal iron spearhead, (c. late 19th century), long thin form with flared base, (34cm long). Very fine.
Estimate $80
Page & Baker Blue Grass Rod, speculated to be used to remove excess ink from documents after having a medium of absorption wrapped around it then rolled onto documents, OR as a primitive light measuring device with fibres of glass within. (visible when held to light). (32cm long) (205g). Extremely fine.
Estimate $90
Victorian Needle Work Floral Arrangement, 1880-1890 (35.5cm X 31.5cm). Was gifted in 1994 as stated on reverse. Good antique condition, frame almost perfect condition, very fine - fine.
Estimate $50
Victorian Watercolour of Seascape, 1860s-1900s, reframed in early 20th century.
(39cm x 31.5cm). Foxing around matting but not on painting, very fine - fine.
Estimate $120
Porcelain Hercules & Omphale, late 19th cent., unmarked, after Joachim Kandler in the Meissen Model (47cm x 28cm) (6.360kg). Snapped branch attached and included, former mount absent, fine.
Estimate $500
Portrait Miniature Brooch, Late 19th cent., oval portrait of a Lady in 18th cent. dress, with an openwork foliate metal mount set with four small red stones, with safety pin and chain, unmarked. (35mm x 25mm) (5g). Minor wear consistent with age otherwise, very fine.
Estimate $80
Continental Bronze Medici Lion, c. Late 19th cent. Standing lion with one paw resting on a gilt sphere, finely detailed mane and muscular body. (19.5cm x 15cm) (1.910kg). Minor surface wear and oxidation, slight wear to marble base, very fine.
Estimate $150
Hermes fastening his sandle, c. Late 19th cent. Hollow cast bronze figure, seated, nude on a rock. Unsigned. (20cm x (20cm) (1.525kg). Surface wear and rubbed patina, very fine.
Estimate $120
Bronze Classical Discus Thrower, hollow cast bronze figure on oval base, c. Late 19th Cent. (27cm x 14cm) (1.225kg). Surface wear and loss to patina exposing yellow alloy, very fine.
Estimate $120
Pair of Bronze busts of Laughing and Anguished Child, Late 19th cent. Bust of laughing child with swept back hair; bust of anguished child with swept back hair, both on bronze plinths/pedestals. (27.5cm x 10cm) (2.460kg). Oxidation to underside, very fine.
Estimate $250
Carved Victorian Serving Tray, c. Late 19th Cent. (39cm x 28.5cm x 2.5cm) (540g). Surface scratches, good.
Estimate $40
Continental porcelain allegorical group of Africa, c. late 19th cent. After the model by Louis - Simon Boizot for Sevres.
(22cm base,37.5cm tall) (4.935kg). Minor chip to left index finger, otherwise good condition.
Estimate $700
Maritime Harbour Scene, Continental style scene in a dark timber frame with gilt inner border. (64.5cm x 52cm). Some discolouration to mount.
Estimate $80
Continental School, Decorative Still Life of Fruit, elongated, rounded edged decorative wall panels. (109.5cm x 44.5cm) (3.330kg). Extensive craquelure, good.
Estimate $280
Egyptian Revival Decorative Container, Black square, open topped vessel, with chamfered corners. Reliefs of Egyptian Scenes decorative stoles. (8cm x 15.5cm x 15.5cm) (745g). Fine.
Estimate $40
Victorian-Style Embroidered Landscape, Dense embroidered landscape depicting coastal scene. (6cm diameter) (160g). Age related discolouration and wear to textile. Good.
Estimate $60
Miscellaneous Antiques, 2 cherubs in porcelain; 1 metallic tiger; 1 ceramic tiger. Fine - good. (4)
Estimate $80
Stone-headed trade axe, Small hafted stone implement with a dark, polished stone head secured to a curved wooden handle by vegetable-fibre lashings. Approximately 32cm long; total weight 115g. An accompanying bag is inscribed “Trade Axe”. The form has also been described provisionally as an axe or adze; the precise original function, geographic origin and age are not established. Abrasions and minor losses to the stone, weathering of the curved wooden handle and fraying and discolouration of the vegetable-fibre bindings. Stone head remains attached to the handle. Continued handling should be cautious owing to the age-worn bindings. Fine, with surface wear
Estimate $50
Africa, antelope trade horn Natural antelope horn of curved, tapering form, dark brown in colour, with a transverse perforation apparently intended to permit suspension or attachment. Approximately 28cm long; weight 120g. An accompanying label attributes the object to Uganda, East Africa, and describes it as a “trade horn”. While the physical form and perforation can be recorded, its proposed commercial or monetary function, precise geographic origin and date remain unverified. Fine, with dark brown patination, visible surface scratches, abrasions and general wear.
Estimate $100