If music is a passion and money is not a problem, then pause a moment to take a look at the Regence Style Concert Grand Piano that was created by Sebastien Erard Paris. Well, this spectacular musical instrument is up for bidding and it is expected to fetch big bucks. With its rather grand length of 246 cm, this unique masterpiece was first seen participating in the the International Universal Exposition of Industry way back in 1889 in Paris.

Right now, one can take a look at the piano at Loiret in France. We are told that the case of the grand instrument has been painted in hand with a signature of the noted painter Heber Lippmann. He has portrayed the 18th entury Flemish country sides, ocean as well as river scenes.
The Regence Style Concert Grand Piano sits heavy on a six legged gold plated base. The 18th century theme atop the face of the piano is kept intact with cembalis of the similar styles attched to the legs. The auction begins in December 5th with the opening bid at $225,000.

Via billionairexchange

The rags (meant only figuratively here) to riches story will have another real life incident added to its list of anecdotes. Latest buzz in the news world tells us that an extremely lucky and ignorant British family had the first edition of Charles Darwin’s the ‘Origin of Species’ eating dust on their bookshelf. Well, they just happened to see a picture of the book’s spine somewhere, which led them pondering, “Don’t we have this at home?”

And they were right. Reuters report that the book was originally purchased for just a few shillings way back in th 60s or 70s (the family does not remember). Since then, it lay undiscovered on a dusty shelf. But now, a rather bright and glamorous future awaits this book that will be auctioned off at Christie’s to celebrate the edition’s 150th anniversary. The estimated price is between $66,000 and $100,000.
So, it’s a lesson learnt that more attention should be paid to the attic and dusty, forgotten areas of the house. After all, you might not have the faintest idea what valuables might be lying there in wait for you!

Via reuters

We think luxury breeds luxury. And we do not mean it in an infestation sort of a way! It’s simple that luxury impresses one enough to acquire more luxury. Take fine champagne for instance. A nice and exclusive bottle of your favorite fizzy wine easily deserves to be served in the right kind of glass and in a fine champage bowl. This article focuses on the latter.

Brand Christofle has set out to bring to you the extra large champagne bowl that has been made in hand, and spectacularly so too. This one is definitely a collector’s item. Called the Extra Large Champagne Bowl (yeah, now that name’s far from innovative but the bowl definitely is) this one is being sold under the name Christofle Belle Epoque. We are told that this creation is the baby of the collaboration between the two maisons.

Credit for the eloquent design goes to Emile Galle who created it in 1902. No wonder, this piece is so valuable. The extraordinary art work deserves to be impressed upon our memories for life. You bet, this one comes expensive.

Via veraclasse

Antique collectors, may we have your attention please? We just came across this bit of news which might just add some excitement to your lives that forever wait for some gorgeous piece to add to your collection. Hyde Park Antiques in New York is selling a pair of exquisite Regency rosewood and Parcel Gilt game tables. And when we say ‘exquisite’ we totally mean ‘exquisite’!

Each of these tables have a rectangular top that has been lined with leather to make for a real classy gaming surface. We are quite taken up by the boldly craved acanthus edges that yell royal luxury in your face, and tell you very frankly, no one seems to mind it. And then there is a peneled frieze set between the foliate-carved corbels.

The square structure has quite a strong support from its base that has foliate scrolls applied with rosettes all over the quadripatite plinth base on gilt foliate-scroll that form the feet. The price tag is huge at $80,000. Even if you are not much into games, this one will be a great addition to your home deor. The dimensions are 28.5″ h x 18″ d x 36″ l.

Via 1stdibs

Music lovers will be happy to know that very soon Moscow will be treated to some delicious musical notes that come from one of the costliest violins in the world. So if you have the time and money, you should very well make it to the Russian captial for the grand event. This violin goes by the name Ex-Vieuxtemps and was made by the venerated Giuseppe Guarneri in 1741.

A little bit of research told us that this violin has a long list of famous owners that also includes the great violinist and composer of the 19th Century, Henri Vieuxtemps maybe that is the reason why the violin is called so.

Well, in 2008 this musical instrument was purchased by a Russian lawyer and businessman, Maxim Viktorov. And since the violin has been so closely associated wit Pagnini, it has been decided to play on it to mark the great composer’s  to honour legendary musician Paganini’s 227th birth anniversary that falls this year. Apparently, it was Pagnini who heard Henri play this same violin at 14 and predicted that the boy would grow to be a great man. Famous Japanese violinist Kyoko Yonemoto will have the honor of playing this violin at a special concert at Moscow’s Conervatorium.

Via russiatoday

Unlike the popular belief, recycling can be a whole bagful of fun. In fact, lately we have come across several examples of recycling that burst the bubble of the aforementioned myth. Take the case of classic Vespa scooters for example. We have witnessed how the scraps of old autombiles have been used to contribute majorly to a green lifestyle. In fact, recycled bike furniture as well as the reuse of aircraft parts to make real stylish chairs and tables have all been greatly appreciated.

Well, this furniture range just got wider with the vintage Vespa scooters adding their own special charm. The Spanish design studio, Bel & Bel has taken up the task of converting the discarded Vespa scooters and into real cool office furniture.

That is not all. The design team has lent the handmade upholstered chairs a whole range of colors to gel with your office decor. Apart from the chairs, one can also get these unqiue scultpure models that let’s say combine the scooter handle and lower body of a mannequin. It does sound a bit crazy but it sure looks quirky and good.

Via blog.motorcycle

Technology has indeed taken BBQ grills to newer levels, but this time we spotted creativity doing a real slick job with the whole outdoor cooking regime. And in all fairness, we are completely blown away by it. First, it was the barbecue train followed by Dragon BBQ grills but even those could not satiate the hunger for more styles, and so the pistol-shaped BBQ grill was born. This time it is a truck, or should we say Ford truck to be precise, that is at your service to cook up some crunchy meats and breads for you on the go.

This one comes decked with all the high-tech gadgets giving one the ultimate in tailgating. In fact, it might just remind you of the Fire Truck grill that was launched last year. Well, the two are different and you will know once you take a look at the Ford Truck grill’s price tag which is a huge $15,000.

There isn’t any word on the specs of this beauty. All we know is that it is up for sale on eBay and is looking to add a certain magic to all your outdoor eating sessions. You will definitely rule with this one.

Via eBay

The world saw its most expensive coin at the recently held auction in Barcelona. Organised by Auero & Calicó, this grand event had a participating coin that is being celebrated as the last one from the 1609 centen coin which is remarkable as the biggest solid gold coin to be ever minted in Spain.

A very rare money, this coin attracted a lot of attention from bidders, onlookers and media alike. Finally, it was sold to a huge bid of $1,202,566. The identity of the lucky bidder has been kept anonymous. We just know him as the bidder no. 74 and that this super rich person came from Europe. In fact, the surprised on his face was quite evident when he saw that absolutely no one challenged his opening  bid of 1,202,566.

The coin in question was minted in Segovia and belonged to the priceless Knight of the Yndias collection that was on auction in Barcelona. There were other 2,200 rare items in gold on auction too. But it was this coin that stole the limelight.

Via thinkspain

It is not as small as those heavyweight suitcases you drag through air travel though! Furniture maker and antiques dealer Timothy Oulton of London came up with this oversized steamer trunk armoire. Some of its great features are that while it is handmade of distressed vintage cigar leather over a solid wood frame, its Aniline-dyed leather has a vintage look giving an antique feel. As many as over 3,000 hand-hammered brass nailheads have gone into putting it together.

Open it and you get a pull-down desktop and multiple drawers, cubbies, wire management and bookshelves. It stands on wheels for purpose of mobility. And you can shut it away for that hard earned privacy and storage too. Its leather is resistant to scratches and only improves in looks with use. Even its corner brackets, handles, oak slats with tobacco finish and cast-metal antiqued hardware add up to its real classic look.Its price is $3995.

Via: Boingboing, Restoration Hardware

It is a very rare opportunity indeed. We are referring to the James D. Julia Auctions in Fairfield. Well, now is the time to actually get hold of some historic firearms that we heard of in tales and folklore only; you know the guns and pistols that onece belonged to the infamous of all men John Dillinger, who also was on the most wanted list with the FBI.

This exhibition has an impressive display of items than belonged to Dillinger. There is a Belgian Kncukleduster Revolver with an estimated price ranging between $7,000 and $9,000. Again, the 1968 Browing pistol might interest you more owing to the gold trigger at $2,500-$4,500. The famous Colt Navy Flask has a price range of $2,500-$4,500. But the most exciting indeed is the rather morbid death mask of John Dillinger.

We are expecting the auction to be a raging hit with the enthusiastic collectors. After all, even if you can’t buy them you can at least see them at close!

Via selectism