Antique wooden sundial of German origin, by David Beringer, 18th century

Historic sundial from an 18th-century diptych and a portable wooden sundial with boxwood compass, of German origin, crafted by David Beringer, Nuremberg, dated around 1790, in good age-related condition with signs of wear consistent with age and use. David Beringer (1756 – 1821) was a German maker of scientific instruments and craftsman operating in Nuremberg, known for his cubic wooden sundials visible in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

The portable sundial, also known as a travel sundial, is a sundial that cannot be repaired or mounted. Stationary sundials typically measure the sun’s hour angle directly and must be aligned with the compass points. Portable sundials are mainly elevation dials, used to measure the sun’s elevation angle, which is then read after evaluation with a known declination, adjusted for the year and the solar hour. Usually, it’s also necessary to know whether it’s morning or afternoon, as the same elevation angle can be measured twice a day.

Luxury antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items, which possess a distinct character and soul. This is a nod to history, the creation, and design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its characteristic features.

Many styles distinguish antique furniture, but a few key ones can be highlighted. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, notably the Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, inspired by Napoleon’s reign, featuring significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to shine with splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French craftsmen. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

The key aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial for buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.