THE VAULT
A curated space for investment-grade historical artifacts, mechanical milestones, and exceptional antiques. Every piece is meticulously sourced, vetted for provenance, and restored to operational excellence.
THE PROVENANCE & DESIGN
Capture the smoky, high-stakes atmosphere of a classic casino with this authentic, hand-signed 1980 etching by legendary American artist LeRoy Neiman.
Titled "Stud Poker," this captivating piece represents a fascinating departure from Neiman's globally celebrated explosions of vibrant color. Instead, it places his exceptional, raw sketching talent on full display. Through masterfully chaotic and expressive linework, Neiman captures the quiet tension, intense calculation, and psychological weight of a table of card players mid-hand.
With its sophisticated monochromatic style and rich narrative energy, this piece serves as a commanding centerpiece for a high-end study, private office, game room, or dining den.
COLLECTOR'S DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS
Artist: LeRoy Neiman (American, 1921–2012)
Title: Stud Poker (1980)
Medium: Original limited-edition etching on archival paper
Edition: Hand-numbered 162/250 in pencil in the lower left margin
Authentication: Hand-signed in pencil by LeRoy Neiman in the lower right margin
Presentation: Housed in an elegant, period-correct ebonized wood frame and protected behind premium glass. The stark contrast of the black frame beautifully outlines the clean white paper margins and deep grey ink of the etching.
Condition: Exceptional vintage condition. Crisp, dark impression with clean margins and zero foxing or fading.
ACQUISITION & SHIPPING
Due to the investment-grade value and framed glass presentation of this limited-edition work, it is prepared in custom, multi-layered archival art packaging for safe transit. Fully insured domestic white-glove shipping is arranged upon acquisition from our Los Angeles collection. Local collection or private hand-delivery is available by appointment for collectors in the Greater Los Angeles and Santa Monica area.
THE PROVENANCE & DESIGN
Step into the absolute dawn of the electrical age with an exceedingly rare, museum-grade 1876 Thomas Edison Electric Pen outfit. Invented in 1875 at Edison’s famed Menlo Park laboratory and patented in August 1876, this revolutionary document duplicating system is globally celebrated as the first commercially sold, electric-motor-driven appliance in United States history.
Unlike the more common nickel-plated domestic models, this offering is the highly elusive, brass-shafted European variant, distinguished by distinct engineering flourishes, casting details, and a larger overall scale. Experts estimate that only approximately 35 authentic examples of the pen—combining both US and European variants—survive globally.
IRONCLAD PROVENANCE
This is the exact, documented pen famously featured on the History Channel’s television series American Pickers (Season 14, Episode 3, "The Superfan").
Acquired on-screen from art historian Mark Osdene by hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, this museum-grade artifact later left Antique Archaeology's inventory in Nashville, Tennessee, and comes straight to us from that historical private collection, accompanied by its media provenance. Owning the exact piece from the episode elevates this set into a blue-chip historical asset of the highest caliber.
THE MUSEUM CONSERVATION
The set has undergone professional, museum-grade conservation and stabilization by the renowned Mumford’s Restoration in Raleigh, North Carolina:
The Pen: The delicate brass-shafted pen mechanics, period wiring, and glass battery flasks have been painstakingly cleaned and conserved while rigorously preserving their historical character and untouched patina.
The Mechanics: Highly responsive. When the flywheel is spun manually, the internal needle raises and lowers precisely to perforate stencil paper.
The Power Source: Includes a pair of exceptionally scarce, period-correct Grenet-style wet-cell battery flasks (complete with carbon and zinc elements), representing the proper operating configuration for this international variant.
Custom Display: Comes beautifully presented on a custom-crafted solid walnut and archival-grade acrylic display stand. The bottom of the walnut base is felt-lined and features precision-milled insets lined with black velvety fabric to lock the heavy glass battery flasks securely in place.
COLLECTOR'S DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS
Inventor: Thomas Alva Edison (Patented August 8, 1876)
Patent Number: U.S. Patent 180,857
Variant: Ultra-rare brass-shafted European export model
Provenance: Featured on American Pickers (S14, E3) / Ex-collection Antique Archaeology
Conservation: Completed by Mumford’s Restoration (Raleigh, NC)
Condition: Museum-grade, stable, conserved antique condition with all mechanical parts responding precisely to manual rotation.
ACQUISITION & SHIPPING
Due to the extreme historical significance, fragility, and high value of this Edison duplicate set, it is prepared for transit within a custom-constructed, shock-absorbing wood crate. Fully insured domestic white-glove freight shipping is arranged post-acquisition from our North Carolina vault. Local collection is available by appointment near Wilmington, NC.
THE PROVENANCE & DESIGN
Step into the height of 19th-century French luxury with this monumental Gilt-Bronze (Ormolu) and "Sèvres-style" porcelain mantel clock. Crafted by the highly esteemed Paris makers, Lévy Frères, and dating to the Napoleon III period (circa 1870), this clock is a structural and visual tour de force of the historicist era.
The architectural case is crowned by an elegant porcelain medallion depicting a courtly French lady, flanked by two masterfully cast, seated bronze putti (cherubs).
The Lower Register: Features two horizontal porcelain plaques depicting winged cherubs playing and engaging in the arts, framed by ornate, hand-chased rocaille scrollwork and a central Mascaron face.
The Flanking Columns: Two cylindrical porcelain columns featuring hand-painted floral bouquets set against a brilliant bleu céleste (heavenly blue) ground.
The Dial: An exceptionally clean porcelain-enamel dial paired with its original, delicate brass filigree hands.
THE MUSEUM RESTORATION
This investment-grade clock has undergone complete, professional restoration and conservation by the renowned Mumford’s Restoration in Raleigh, North Carolina:
The Movement: Fully dismantled, cleaned, re-oiled, and calibrated. The mechanical clockwork is in excellent working order, and the original internal bell tolls cleanly on the half and hour.
The Ormolu: The gilt bronze has been meticulously cleaned to restore its brilliant, warm luster while preserving its authentic 150-year-old antique character.
The Accents: All hand-painted porcelain plaques are completely vibrant, stable, and intact with zero hairline cracks.
Included: Comes complete with its matching winding key and fully functional original movement.
COLLECTOR'S DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS
Maker: Lévy Frères (Paris, France)
Period: Napoleon III (c. 1870)
Materials: Gilt bronze (ormolu), hand-painted Sèvres-style porcelain, enamel dial
Restoration: Full professional movement overhaul and case conservation (Mumford’s Restoration, Raleigh, NC)
Condition: Pristine, restored antique condition. Movement running and tolling perfectly.
ACQUISITION & SHIPPING
Due to the extreme value, mechanical complexity, and delicate nature of this 19th-century gilt-bronze clock, it is packed in custom-engineered, multi-layered wooden crate housing. Fully insured domestic white-glove shipping is arranged post-purchase from our North Carolina vault. Local collection is available by appointment near Wilmington, NC.
THE PROVENANCE & DESIGN
Steeped in the history of Gilded Age Memphis, this exceptional Raingo Frères three-piece garniture set was once the decorative crown jewel of the historic Lowenstein Mansion. Accompanying this set is an ironclad trace of its history: the original flannel jeweler's storage bag from the legendary Southern jewelers Perel & Lowenstein, alongside original private collection photographs dating to 1984. To own this set is to possess a documented artifact of late-19th-century American high-society living.
This monumental Napoleon III period centerpiece (circa 1870–1880) consists of a matched mantel clock and a pair of flanking six-light candelabras.
The Sculpture: At the center of the clock rests a masterful, fluid gilt and patinated bronze sculptural scene depicting playful classical nymphs and a satyr, sculpted after the legendary Claude Michel (better known as Clodion).
The Base: The sculpture is beautifully anchored to a stepped architectural white onyx base, accented by intricate, hand-chased ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts.
The Dial: Features a pristine, hand-painted white enamel porcelain dial signed by the makers, set with delicate pierced brass hands and black Roman numerals.
The Candelabras: Flank the clock with matching grandeur, featuring elegant urn-form white onyx bodies enveloped by sweeping, naturalistic bronze acanthus leaves that blossom into six candle holders.
THE MUSEUM RESTORATION
To ensure its mechanical longevity and aesthetic preservation, the entire suite has undergone an exhaustive, museum-grade restoration by the renowned Mumford’s Restoration in Raleigh, North Carolina:
The Movement: The original French Raingo movement has been completely dismantled, cleaned, re-oiled, and meticulously calibrated. It is in excellent, responsive working order, keeping exceptional time.
The Materials: The gilt bronze ormolu has been carefully hand-cleaned to lift decades of dust while rigorously preserving the structural antique gold patina. The white onyx has been professionally stabilized, polished, and sealed.
Included Accompaniments: Your purchase includes the original Swiss winding key, the historical Perel & Lowenstein flannel roll, the 1984 provenance photographs, and one uncleaned original finial (held in reserve to document the before-and-after state of the conservation).
COLLECTOR'S DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS
Maker: Raingo Frères (Paris, France)
Period: Napoleon III (c. 1870–1880)
Materials: Gilt and patinated bronze (ormolu), white onyx, enamel porcelain dial
Set Composition: 1 clock, 2 flanking six-light candelabras
Provenance: Formerly of the Lowenstein Mansion (Memphis, TN) / Accompanied by Perel & Lowenstein archival ephemera
Conservation: Completed by Mumford’s Restoration (Raleigh, NC)
Condition: Restored, pristine antique condition. All mechanical functions and strikes are fully operational.
ACQUISITION & SHIPPING
Due to the exceptional scale, weight, and extreme fragility of the three onyx-and-bronze components, this garniture suite is prepared for transport in a series of custom, shock-absorbing gallery crates. Fully insured domestic white-glove freight shipping is arranged post-acquisition from our North Carolina vault. Local collection is available by appointment near Wilmington, NC.
THE PROVENANCE & DESIGN
Step into the heights of Italian ceramic mastery with an extraordinary 20th-century statement piece. This monumental floor sculpture is a flagship work emerging from the legendary design collaboration between Oggetti and the historic Giulia Mangani Porcelain Studio of Florence, Italy.
This is the highly coveted, true "Monumental" version of this design. Weighing a substantial 21 lbs (9.43 kg) of solid, high-density Italian porcelain, this sculpture was engineered specifically to anchor grand-scale galleries, high-ceiling foyers, or bespoke living spaces.
The sculpture showcases the legendary craftsmanship of the Mangani workshop, celebrated since the 19th century for preserving Florentine porcelain secrets:
The "Talon Grip": Features the signature Mangani anatomical splay of claws holding the crossbar. The legs and talons are finished in a brilliant gold-wash metallic glaze containing real 24k gold, characteristic of premium 1970s and 1980s Florentine production.
Hand-Painted Plumage: Hand-finished in an exceptionally rare rose, blush-pink, and alabaster-white colorway. Each feather is layered by hand in a "wet-on-wet" high-glaze technique, leaving behind a deep, fluid luster that reacts brilliantly to shifting room light.
Hollywood Regency Pedestal: The parrot sits perched atop a golden square-column stand, engineered with a weighted black lacquer base to ensure absolute structural stability.
COLLECTOR'S DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS
Studio: Giulia Mangani Porcelain Studio (Florence, Italy) for Oggetti
Design Era: c. 1970s / 1980s
Materials: High-density Florentine porcelain, 24k gold-wash glaze, lacquered wood pedestal
Total Height: 57 inches (144.8 cm)
Sculpture Weight: 21 lbs (9.43 kg)
Base Dimensions: 11 inches (28.0 cm) square
Condition: Pristine vintage condition. The high-density porcelain is in immaculate, mint museum condition with zero chips, cracks, or flea-bites. The pedestal base's gold-gilt finish has been gently refreshed and stabilized with archival-grade preservation wax.
ACQUISITION & SHIPPING
Due to the monumental scale, weight, and highly delicate porcelain construction of this Italian sculpture, it requires specialist transit care. The piece will be secured inside a custom-built, cushioned wooden shipping crate. Fully insured domestic white-glove freight shipping is arranged post-acquisition from our North Carolina vault. Local collection is available by appointment near Wilmington, NC.
THE PROVENANCE & DESIGN
Add an authentic piece of French luxury glassmaking history to your curated home. This spectacular, signed Lalique "Victoire" trinket box showcases the peak of post-war French Art Deco style.
The focal point of this heavy, luxurious crystal container is its sculptural lid. It features René Lalique’s iconic "Spirit of the Wind" (Victoire) design, masterfully detailed to capture a striking, high-contrast play between velvety, satiny-frosted surfaces and brilliant, clear crystal.
Designed for dual utility, it sits elegantly on a vanity, desk, or display shelf—perfect for holding precious keepsakes, or standing alone as a brilliant sculptural focal point.
COLLECTOR'S DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS
Design House: Lalique (Paris, France)
Motif:Victoire ("Spirit of the Wind"), originally designed by René Lalique
Period: c. 1950s (Post-War production era)
Materials: Satiny-frosted and clear luxury lead crystal
Authentication: Hand-signed "Lalique ® France" etched on the bottom surface of the base
Condition: Pristine vintage condition. Absolutely no chips, cracks, fleabites, or restoration. Crystal is exceptionally clear and lustrous.
ACQUISITION & SHIPPING
Due to the delicate nature of high-end French art glass, this piece is packed in custom, multi-layered archival cushioning. Fully insured domestic and international gallery shipping is arranged upon purchase from our North Carolina vault. Local collection is available by appointment near Wilmington, NC.
THE PROVENANCE & DESIGN
Infuse your space with sophisticated texture and timeless coastal heritage. Crafted by the highly regarded Braxton Culler, this exquisite solid wood demi-lune (half-moon) cabinet serves as a masterclass in organic post-war design.
Its balanced, semi-circular silhouette makes it an ideal, high-status accent piece for a breakfast nook, narrow entryway, dining room, or a curated living room alcove.
The cabinet displays an extraordinary play between geometric pattern and organic, raw texture:
Woven Rattan Panels: The upper drawers feature elegant, tightly woven natural rattan panels that provide a stunning tactile contrast to the smooth, rich solid wood.
Geometric Fluting: The curved sides of the cabinet are styled with clean, vertical fluted wood columns, creating architectural depth and a beautiful shadow play.
Premium Drawer Construction: The lower register consists of two spacious, curved storage drawers built with classic, high-end wood-dovetail joinery.
The Hardware: Accented with classic brass ring pull handles that handsomely complement the natural wood grain tones.
COLLECTOR'S DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS
Maker: Braxton Culler Furniture
Design Style: Organic Modern / Coastal Mid-Century
Materials: Solid Wood, Natural Woven Rattan, Brass Hardware
Joinery: Classic wood-dovetail drawer construction
Condition: Immaculate, museum-grade vintage condition. The solid wood body has been professionally cleaned, conserved, and conditioned. The natural rattan elements are fully intact with no breaks, fraying, or wear. All drawers operate smoothly with zero structural resistance.
ACQUISITION & SHIPPING
Due to the size, weight, and pristine vintage condition of this solid wood cabinet, it requires special transit care. Fully insured domestic white-glove shipping is arranged post-purchase. Local collection is available by appointment for collectors in the Greater Wilmington, North Carolina area.
Please Note: Due to the high-value nature and rarity of our inventory, items in The Vault are subject to prior sale across global auction platforms. Worldwide secure transport and white-glove delivery can be arranged for all successful acquisitions.