Early Cabaret Sign, bat-shaped, France, possibly 19th century, modified in the 20th. Wrought and rolled iron, carved and embossed, with green glass. Housed at Réunion des Musées Métropolitains, Rouen, Normandy, France.
The Roper steam velocipede, built by Sylvester H. Roper in the late 1860s, is widely considered the first steam motorcycle in the world.
Stair dust corners are flexible, triangular pieces made of brass or nickel designed to prevent dust from gathering in the corners of stairs. They were introduced in the late 19th century to make sweeping easier.
A metal and leather straight-back dresser trunk from around 1890. Designed with the savvy traveler in mind, this trunk converted from a standard steamer trunk into a functional dresser, meaning you didn’t have to unpack your belongings during your journey.
Rat coin purse designed by Paul Frey for the renowned Lacloche Freres jewelers and was popular in the early 1900s. It is part of the French Art Deco movement and is made of brass and a small ruby.
Carved shell and engraved gilt sewing kit lined with blue silk. Made in Paris, c. 1815-1820