{"title":"Curiosities \u0026 Collectibles","description":"\u003cp\u003eUnusual objects, small treasures, and wonderfully specific collectibles selected to reward the curious eye.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"vintage-monnaie-de-paris-napoleon-i-marie-louise-bronze-medal-stuckhart-1811-design","title":"Vintage Monnaie de Paris Napoleon I \u0026 Marie Louise Bronze Medal, Stuckhart 1811 Design","description":"This substantial French commemorative medal preserves Franz Stuckhart's 1811 design celebrating the birth of Napoleon II, the long-awaited King of Rome. Napoleon I and Marie Louise appear in finely modeled portrait relief above an imperial eagle, crown and wreath, creating a densely symbolic image of Napoleonic succession. The reverse presents the allegorical birth scene and the Latin legend NOVAM ACCIPE SPEM ORBIS.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStruck in warm golden bronze by the Monnaie de Paris, this example bears the Paris Mint cornucopia and BRONZE edge mark. That mark, together with the absence of a dated modern edge punch, supports a circa 1880–1965 production range. It is an official Paris Mint restrike from the historic dies rather than an original 1811 issue, and offers the scale and sculptural presence of a large medal in a compact format suited to a cabinet, study or collection of French historical objects.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaker\/Artist: Franz Stuckhart, original medalist\u003cbr\u003eMint: Monnaie de Paris\u003cbr\u003eYear Made: Circa 1880–1965; original design dated 1811\u003cbr\u003eCountry: France\u003cbr\u003eMaterials: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Approximately 49 mm \/ 1 15\/16 inches in diameter\u003cbr\u003eEdge Mark: Cornucopia and BRONZE\u003cbr\u003eReference: Bramsen 1107; Julius 2411\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVery good vintage condition with crisp, well-defined relief. The surface has naturally varied golden and gray-bronze toning, fine hairlines and handling wear, scattered dark oxidation spots on the reverse, and localized brightened areas. No major rim damage is present. Please review all photographs for the complete surface condition.","brand":"The Gilded Fossicker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53213305798837,"sku":"Smalls","price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1029\/1327\/8133\/files\/blob_02dff54f-1619-4279-98fe-b64f68367cc2.jpg?v=1788558195"},{"product_id":"vintage-thorvald-marthinsen-valdres-830s-silver-4-piece-serving-set-norway","title":"Vintage Thorvald Marthinsen Valdres 830S Silver 4-Piece Serving Set Norway","description":"Produced by the esteemed Norwegian silversmith Thorvald Marthinsen of Tønsberg, this four-piece 830S silver serving set is cast in the highly collectible \"Valdres\" pattern. Introduced in 1932, the design draws direct inspiration from the historic wood carvings and rose painting traditions of the Valdres district in Norway. Each piece bears the Marthinsen chalice hallmark, the 830S purity stamp indicating 83% silver content, and the \"NM\" (Norsk Mønster) mark, a designation for registered Norwegian designs.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe set includes a pie server, a large serving spoon, a lemon fork, and a jam or sugar spoon, designated by the respective maker numbers 415, 406, 411, and 408. Intricate openwork piercing and prominent rose motifs anchor the scrolled tops of the handles. The substantial weight and clear historical context of the Valdres pattern present a significant addition to any curated collection of Scandinavian silver.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecs\u003cbr\u003e Maker\/Artist: Thorvald Marthinsen\u003cbr\u003e Year Made: 1930s-1950s  \u003cbr\u003e Materials: 830S Silver (125 grams total weight)\u003cbr\u003e Dimensions:\u003cbr\u003e Pie Server (#415): 8.75\" H x 2.25\" W x 0.5\" D\u003cbr\u003e Serving Spoon (#406): 8.5\" H x 2.25\" W x 1\" D\u003cbr\u003e Jam Spoon (#408): 5.75\" H x 1.25\" W x 0.5\" D\u003cbr\u003e Lemon Fork (#411): 5.5\" H x 0.75\" W x 0.25\" D\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003eThe set remains in excellent vintage condition with minor surface scratches and a light, unpolished patina consistent with age and gentle use. There are no bends, deep abrasions, or repairs to the silver.","brand":"The Gilded Fossicker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53215052005557,"sku":"Unassigned","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1029\/1327\/8133\/files\/5b3213bb-bb1d-422e-bd9d-84dad192ef3c.jpg?v=1788567920"},{"product_id":"vintage-ww2-david-white-co-u-s-navy-mark-ii-sextant-1940-in-wood-box","title":"Vintage WW2 David White Co. U.S. Navy Mark II Sextant 1940 in Wood Box","description":"Produced in 1940 by the David White Company for the U.S. Navy Bureau of Navigation, this Mark II sextant is a documented artifact of World War II maritime history. The instrument retains its original mahogany storage case and a U.S. Naval Observatory inspection certificate dated February 1942, alongside a localized retailer plaque from Northwest Instrument Co. in Seattle. As a primary tool for celestial navigation, the sextant measured the angle between astronomical objects and the horizon, allowing naval navigators to calculate precise latitude and longitude positioning at sea. The combination of the intact inspection record, original housing, and clear manufacturer stamping provides undeniable provenance for this historical nautical instrument.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecs\u003cbr\u003e Maker\/Artist: David White Co.\u003cbr\u003e Year Made: 1940\u003cbr\u003e Materials: Aluminum, Brass, Wood, Glass\u003cbr\u003e Dimensions: 11.25\" W x 11.25\" D x 5.6\" H\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003eThe instrument and case show expected wear commensurate with age and naval field use, including finish loss on the wooden handle, exterior scratches to the box, and heavy foxing on the paper certificate. All core components are present, though mechanical calibration is untested.","brand":"The Gilded Fossicker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53215052136629,"sku":"Unassigned","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1029\/1327\/8133\/files\/5a7991e5-a941-4305-9db7-c3c26dc1fedd.jpg?v=1788567990"},{"product_id":"northrop-grumman-b-2-spirit-stealth-bomber-multi-signed-pilot-autograph-photograph-44598115","title":"Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber - Multi-Signed Pilot Autograph Photograph","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis striking aerial photograph captures a Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit in formation with a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, symbolizing the pinnacle of American stealth technology and global reach. This display is hand-signed by an exclusive group of aviators from the 509th Bomb Wing, representing a fraternity of pilots smaller than the number of people who have traveled to space.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe piece features the signature of Lt. Col. Dave \"Super Dave\" Anderson (Spirit #115), a legendary figure in the stealth community who was only the 26th pilot in history to surpass 1,000 flight hours in the B-2. It is further signed by Capt. S. L. Kelt, an operational B-2 pilot, and crew members Buzz Parke and Dan Anderson. Captured during a critical mid-air refueling maneuver, this photograph serves as a rare historical document of the \"Silent Warriors\" of Whiteman AFB during the aircraft's high-readiness era of the late 1990s and early 2000s.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003e• Material: Professional grade photography print, matted in a wood-finished frame with protective glass.\u003cbr\u003e• Dimensions: Approximately 11\" x 14\" (Total frame size).\u003cbr\u003e• Color: Full-color landscape featuring the \"flying wing\" silhouette against a mountainous backdrop.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKey Signatures: \u003cbr\u003e. Lt. Col. Dave Anderson: Spirit #115, 1,000-hour club pilot.\u003cbr\u003e• Capt. S. L. Kelt: Identified as \"B-2 Pilot\" and USAF Captain.\u003cbr\u003e• Buzz Parke \u0026amp; Dan Anderson: Additional flight crew\/pilot signatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCondition: The photograph and signatures are in excellent condition with no visible fading or UV damage. The ink remains bold and legible. The wood frame shows minor vintage wear, including light scuffs on the corners consistent with age and previous display.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Gilded Fossicker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53214802870453,"sku":"Unassigned","price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1029\/1327\/8133\/files\/p1_d75bed04-34c8-49eb-bf6a-8d9a7fcd0d57.jpg?v=1788580664"},{"product_id":"vintage-anton-pieck-3d-shadow-box-st-nicolaas-winter-scene-1970s-53bc613c","title":"Vintage Anton Pieck 3D Shadow Box St. Nicolaas Winter Scene 1970s","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis vintage 3D shadow box captures the charming, storybook world of Dutch artist Anton Pieck. He was famous for his ability to make history feel warm and inviting, and this \"St. Nicolaas\" scene has all that classic holiday magic. It shows a busy winter street with a horse-drawn carriage arriving at an old shop called \"De Vergulde Olifant.\" The depth is created through hand-cut layers of paper, making the little characters and snowy rooftops look like a tiny stage. It’s a wonderful example of European craftsmanship that looks lovely on a gallery wall or a mantle during the winter months.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecs\u003cbr\u003e• Maker\/Artist: Anton Pieck\u003cbr\u003e• Year Made: circa 1970s\u003cbr\u003e• Materials: Layered paper, wood frame, glass, fabric matting\u003cbr\u003e• Dimensions: 14.5\" H x 17\" W x 1.5\" D\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003eThe artwork itself is beautiful and well-preserved. The frame has some small nicks and paint wear along the edges, giving it an authentic vintage character.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Gilded Fossicker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53214825939125,"sku":"Unassigned","price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1029\/1327\/8133\/files\/p1_b6fd4616-7e2d-462a-bcb1-26527b58ff61.jpg?v=1788581370"},{"product_id":"vintage-murano-style-red-bullicante-art-glass-apple-paperweight-c9af9311","title":"Vintage Murano Style Red Bullicante Art Glass Apple Paperweight","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis substantial art glass apple exemplifies the mid-century Italian bullicante technique, presenting a striking ruby red core suspended within heavy clear glass. A meticulously arranged matrix of controlled bubbles surrounds the inner color, refracting light and adding dimensional depth to the form. The piece is finished with an applied emerald green glass stem and leaf. Unsigned, yet carrying the distinct characteristics of mid-century Murano craftsmanship, this oversized paperweight serves as a vibrant, high-quality focal point for curated display spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecs\u003cbr\u003e Maker\/Artist: Unknown (Murano Style)\u003cbr\u003e Year Made: 1960s\u003cbr\u003e Materials: Art Glass\u003cbr\u003e Dimensions: 6.5\" H x 4.25\" W x 4.25\" D\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003eThis piece remains in excellent vintage condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. Minor scuffing is present on the polished base, consistent with normal shelf wear over the decades.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Gilded Fossicker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53214826332341,"sku":"Unassigned","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1029\/1327\/8133\/files\/p1_b63b2902-795a-4773-82b7-feee06610a8b.jpg?v=1788581384"},{"product_id":"vintage-west-german-sterling-silver-and-cut-crystal-articulated-swan-salt-cellar-9748e227","title":"Vintage West German Sterling Silver and Cut Crystal Articulated Swan Salt Cellar","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis mid-century articulated swan salt cellar exemplifies exceptional West German silversmithing and quality material composition. The piece bears a clear \"STERLING W-GERMANY\" hallmark along the neck, guaranteeing the purity of the precious metal elements. Its fully pierced sterling silver wings open on smooth hinges to reveal a brilliant cut-crystal basin beneath. The substantial weight of the crystal provides a perfect anchor to the delicate silverwork, creating an elegant balance of utility and artistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecs\u003cbr\u003e Year Made: 1950s\u003cbr\u003e Materials: Sterling Silver, Cut Crystal\u003cbr\u003e Dimensions: 2.75\" H x 3.25\" W x 1.75\" D\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is in excellent vintage condition with an unpolished, natural patina on the sterling silver components. The cut crystal basin is fully intact with no visible chips or cracks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Gilded Fossicker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53214829412533,"sku":"Smalls","price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1029\/1327\/8133\/files\/p1_3262ece2-661e-4e18-b600-aa2968fafbcf.jpg?v=1788581432"},{"product_id":"vintage-towa-aznon-60mm-refractor-telescope-with-wood-tripod-original-box-675738ef","title":"Vintage Towa Aznon 60mm Refractor Telescope with Wood Tripod \u0026 Original Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eConstructed during the height of the mid-century space obsession, this instrument bears the \"Circle T\" hallmark of the Towa Optical Company of Tokyo, Japan. Towa was a premier manufacturer known for supplying high-grade optics to the global market, and this refractor is a prime example of their precision craftsmanship. The achromatic coated lens is engineered to provide clear, sharp images of the lunar surface and planetary bodies, a hallmark of Japanese glass-working from this era. This telescope remains housed in its original red storage crate, representing a time when scientific instruments were built with heavy-duty materials meant to endure decades of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecs\u003cbr\u003e• Maker: Aznon (Manufactured by Towa, Japan)\u003cbr\u003e• Year Made: 1960s\u003cbr\u003e• Materials: Enameled Steel, Aluminum, Glass, Hardwood, Cardboard\u003cbr\u003e• Dimensions: 26.5\" L x 3.0\" D (Optical Tube); Tripod height adjustable to approx. 50\"\u003cbr\u003e• Included Components: 60mm Achromatic Optical Tube, adjustable wooden tripod with metal mounting hardware, rotating eyepiece turret, three original magnification lenses (20X, 40X, and 60X), and the original protective red storage box.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003eThe optical tube shows honest wear including surface scuffs and paint chips, while the tripod remains structurally sound. The original cardboard box is included; its heavy, authentic wear and aged patina provide significant shelf appeal for collectors seeking a true vintage aesthetic.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Gilded Fossicker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53214829674677,"sku":"Unassigned","price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1029\/1327\/8133\/files\/p1_d3e5bff8-d57e-4817-b6f4-09752903588a.jpg?v=1788581435"}],"url":"https:\/\/thegildedfossicker.com\/collections\/curiosities-collectibles.oembed","provider":"The Gilded Fossicker","version":"1.0","type":"link"}