Round Top Antiques

Pair of Revolutionary War Military Shoe buckles

Revolutionary War Shoe Buckles, circa 1720s - 1790s. They are made of iron and measure 4 ¼” x 2 ¾”. This large size is typical of what the military was using during the Revolutionary War, both American and English. Shoe buckles came into fashion for men in the middle of the 17th century. Samuel Pepys, quoted above, gives us one of the earliest written records of the practice. They were used almost exclusively until 1790 when the French Revolution brought about a shift towards less ostentation in daily dress. However, shoes were not sold with buckles already attached, they had to be purchased separately. During the 18th century, buckle making was a large trade in England, according to Chambers’ Encyclopedia: A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge, Volume II: “In the latter half of the 18th century the manufacture of buckles was carried on most extensively in Birmingham, there being at one time not less than 4000 people directly employed in that town and its vicinity, who turned out 2,500,000 pairs of buckles annually, the prices ranged from one shilling to five guineas, and even ten guineas a pair.”

Price: $135.00

Pair of mid-19th Iron Stirrups

This is a nice matching set of iron stirrups from the mid-19th century. They each measure 5 1/2" x 6" x 1 3/4". Possibly used during the Civil War.

Price: $85.00

Antique Hammered-copper Parlor Teapot, zipper seam

This is an amazing hand-hammered Antique Copper Pot, circa 1760 – 1810. It measures 7 ½” from the bottom to the top of the handle on the lid and has a diameter of 6 ¾” at the base and an extended handle. It has dovetail joint/cramp seams running the circumference of the base. The dovetail/cramp joint cuts are irregular, a characteristic of 1700s construction (as simple straight seams did not begin to replace dovetail/cramp construction until the 1800s). This method was insanely hard to do. Not only was the cutting very difficult, but also matching the copper together and then braising it to essentially melt the copper together was incredibly painstaking. It’s one of the reasons they are rare – they were harder and more expensive to make so large quantities weren’t made. It has a beautiful untouched patina.

Price: $185.00

Mid-19th century whale oil lamp with reflector

Whale oil lamp that dates to the early to mid-19th century having a decorative floral design reflector. Nice triple raised banding on the side location. The filler cap has a cork to close the opening. There is a fluted cap on burner where the wick exists. Wire hanger intact. Stands 10 ½” tall including the hanger, measures 7 ¾” to the top of the reflector, measures 2 1/4” across the top reservoir and bottom.

Price: $185.00

Georgian Brass Round Chamber Pan Stick ca.1800

The brass pan has a 5 1/2" diameter. This piece has elaborate fretwork and the Queen Anne Handle suggests 18th century. It remains in very nice condition.

Price: $125.00

Tall Blown Trumpet Stem Wine Glass ca. 1800

It stands 7 1/8" tall and has a vase-like form with two piece stem. This ca. 1800 glass is in excellent condition.

Price: $55.00

Queen Ann Scallop-Base Brass Candlestick ca. 1730

This early candle stick has a scalloped base, seamed baluster plinth with notched umbrella. Lovely color and patina. Exceptional early stick. It measures 7 1/4" high and 4" wide at the base. There is a very slight seam separation on candle cup - not through, but just on the surface, notwithstanding, excellent clean condition and solid.

Price: $120.00

19th Century Copper Pitcher

It measures 8 1/2" high and has a 4" diameter on the bottom. The seams are soldered, which is correct for the period, along with a flat bottom. It remains in very nice untouched condition.

Price: $45.00

Traveling brass collapsible candle holder

This is late 18th century – early 19th century heavy brass, collapsible candle holder. It stands 3 1/2” high with a diameter of 5” at the scalloped base. It appears to have had a finger ring at one time, but this is long gone, to a point where it is actually smooth now. It easily unscrews for travel. It shows signs of extended use and has a great untouched patina finish. In my book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, I go into detail about the use of candles and candlesticks, and just how important they were for every soldiers during the Civil War. Being that such items were not issued to Civil War officers, this would be typical of what they brought with them from home. It is made of solid brass and heavy for a candle holder. Being collapsible, it was ideal when on the move. It would make a great addition to just about any collection.

Price: $125.00

Early to mid-19th century Horse Bit, possibly CS

This is another interesting piece being offered, it is an iron horse bit, which is pre-war and probably seen Confederate use. It measures 7” x 8”. There are very similar bits in “Horse Equipment of the Civil War Era”, by Howard Crouch. He states those were found in early Confederate Artillery camps in Virginia. It is not rusted in place; all of the parts and rings still move and no chipping or flaking. It would be a nice addition to a Cavalry, or Civil War collection.

Price: $125.00

Antique Hammered-copper pot, dovetail/zipper seams

This is an amazing hand-hammered large Antique Copper Pot, circa 1750 – 1810. It has a diameter of 7 ¼” at the top, 7” on the bottom, and about 9” high. It has dovetail joint/cramp seams running the length of one side, as well as around and across the base. It also has two brass handles on the top. The dovetail/cramp joint cuts are irregular, large, and widely spaced, characteristic of 1700s construction (as simple straight seams did not begin to replace dovetail/cramp construction until the 1800s). This method was insanely hard to do. Not only was the cutting very difficult, but also matching the copper together and then braising it to essentially melt the copper together was incredibly painstaking. It’s one of the reasons they are rare – they were harder and more expensive to make so large quantities weren’t made. They are beautiful…but tricky!

Price: $485.00

Mortar and Pestle, circa 1740s – 1780s

This is a fantastic looking, very old Mortar and Pestle, circa 1740s – 1780s. The overall height of the mortar is 8 ½” with a diameter of 5” and the pestle is 9” x 1 ¾”. Both pieces are made from one piece of wood. A mortar and pestle is a set of two simple tools used to prepare ingredients or substances by crushing and grinding them into a fine paste or powder in the kitchen, laboratory, and pharmacy. It is still a solid piece but does show its age with cracks and a piece broken off at the base. (Please see photos for condition). There is a very good chance that this piece could have been used during the Revolutionary War. There is a near identical example of one in the Revolutionary War Fort Ticonderoga Museum. There is also one pictured in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann and Kravic.

Price: $245.00

18th Century American Iron Kettle Pusher

Though commonly referred to as a "Pot" or "Kettle" pusher, a piece such as this actually served several functions in an open hearth fireplace. The primary purpose was to have the hearth attendee use the article to push and maneuver various cooking vessels around the front of an open hearth fireplace. It is blacksmith-made and measures 7” x 7” x 1 ¾” high. The second was to have the piece push embers and coals out of the hearth to use with broilers and other cooking utensils. If you have ever been to Colonial Williamsburg, you can see reenactors using coal pushers to arrange hot coals under broilers. It's a common misconception that cooking utensils were inserted directly into the fireplace, many and most rested outside the direct heat and utilized the more controlled temperature. Examples can be seen illustrated in George Neumann’s landmark volume "Early American Antique Country Furnishings". This piece is most probably of New England origin but could have possibly been brought over by English immigrants as well. Simply a superb piece of early American hearth ware.

Price: $185.00

Hammered Copper Pot, ca. 18th - early 19th century

This is a very early hammered copper pot, circa 1780 – 1820. With the lid on it measures 5” high and the diameter to the ends of the handles is 9”. It is complete with a lid that has a crudely attached handle and the body of the pot also has handles. This style was known as copper cooking trade pans. The brass handles are peened with rivets. It has the original blue-green patina and has never been cleaned, which is rare today, however, it would also look very nice cleaned up.

Price: $85.00

Early Identified Tin Document Box, Philadelphia

This is a very unique piece being offered, it is circa late 18th – early 19th century document box. It measures 13” x 5” x 4 3/4”, has the period correct soldered seams, and a hinged lid. It was found in an antebellum house in Philadelphia, PA. In several areas on the box in old brown ink is “Joseph Smyser’s Box”. These boxes were the forerunners for today’s bank Safety Deposit Boxes. They would keep important documents, money, jewelry, and other valuables. This box is in very nice condition with no issues, only showing the normal signs for its age.

Price: $145.00

Colonial era Tin 3-barrel Candle Mold

This is a tin Colonial era 3-barrel candle mold for making tapered candles. The size is 4” x 3 ½” x 10 ½” high. It has a soldered side handle as well as the other seams. There is an example of this mold in “Early American Antique Country Furnishings”, by George Neumann, he has this style as circa 1750 - 1850.

Price: $75.00

Early 19th century heavy bronze Mortar and Pestle

This is a heavy cast and turned bronze mortar and pestle dating from the early 19th century through mid-1800s. The diameter on the top is 4 ¼” and 3” diameter on the bottom. The overall height is 4 ½” and weights almost five pounds. It even has the faint file marks on it from final finishing. This is not one of the often encountered later examples, or the common Chinese castings. This type would have been used by military surgeons throughout the Civil War. Most medicines of the time were in a bulk form and would have to be crushed and mixed, and these mortar and pestles would be a necessity. It was also typical in most early households. The rare19th century bronze apothecary mortar & pestle retains its original patina and would make a nice addition to any quality medical grouping or will go well simply as a period decorative piece.

Price: $145.00

MID-19TH CENTURY SILK TOP HAT, FAMOUS LONDON MAKER

Being offered is an early to mid-19th century top hat. The exterior is polished silk with a black satin ribbon; the interior has a silk and calf leather, hand-sewed lining. The hat stands 6” high, the diameter at the top is 8” x 7 ¾”, the opening is 6 ½” x 7 ¾”, and the overall width is 12 12” x 11”. Stamped in the interior is “Harris & Co. / Opp Post Office Portland”. Below is the name of the famous maker “MELTON / HATTER / TO THE / QUEEN / TO H.R.H. THE / PRINCE OF WALES / AND / NAPOLEON / THE THIRD”. Below is “194 REGENT STREET / LONDON”. Henry Melton was considered the best manufacturer of hats in England, called “Prince of Hatters”. This hat is in very nice condition, retaining its original shape. There are a few blemish spots on the hat, but nothing serious, only from typical use. The stamp with “Harris & Co.” was probably an independent seller of Melton’s hats. This particular hat was made prior to the Civil War – later hats had an additional marking above their usual stamp “PRIZE MEDAL PARIS EXHIBITION 1867” (not on this earlier hat). This is a fantastic piece and would be hard to find a nicer example.

Price: $445.00

Original 1832 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Insignia

This is an original 1832 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Silver Bullion Hunting Horn Insignia. It measures approximately 2 ¾” x 2” with a black background and silver bullion and sequins. The1832 pattern embroidered hunting horn was authorized for the tails of infantry officers’ coats, replacing the old blue-cloth diamonds. Militia followed the trend, with greater or lesser strictness. These remained regulation in the regular army until 1851 and much later in militia units and into the Civil War. These were of an earlier style with the horn dangling from a tassel that was likely inspired by British light infantry units and identical to the one used by the British Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Regiment. The same design was used as an officer’s skirt-tail ornament on the back of the tailed coats worn prior to the introduction of the frock coat. The same open bugle horn, sometimes called the stringed horn, appeared as a cap ornament on the regular army shako from 1832 to 1851, with some made of white metal. It is possible, however, that an embroidered device like this may well have made its way onto militia headgear. I have seen many of these priced over $300.00.

Price: $175.00

19th century pantry box with original green paint

You just don’t see these boxes very often, still having much of the original green paint. It measures 6 ½” by 2 ½” tall and a great example of a primitive pantry box, just having the typical signs of its age. Just a super attic fresh box all original and in nice condition.

Price: $165.00

Large Brass Candle Holder, circa 1780 – 1800

This is a nice early candle holder being offered. It is solid brass and measures 7 ¼” x 6 ½” x 5” high, circa 1780 – 1800. At one time there would have been a small adjusting lever on the side of the tube, but like with many of these older examples, it is now gone. The finger ring may have had something else attached to it. Overall, this is a nice solid piece and would fit in nicely with just about any collection.

Price: $125.00