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 and 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 is also necessary to know whether it is 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 interior decoration. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its characteristic features.

Several prominent styles distinguish antique furniture. Eclectic furniture from the 19th century, including the beloved Biedermeier style, is one example. Early 20th-century variations 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 influences.

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, such as Louis XVI style, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique pieces in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco' meaning irregularly developed pearl, was characterized by highly ornate, luxurious furniture designed to impress with splendor and play a significant role in luxury interiors. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has on modern classic furniture, which often closely resembles 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 solid, often using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and other chest-type furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Many global brands now reproduce such furniture inspired by Italian and French craftsmen, paying homage to and preserving the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its unique character. This is especially relevant when searching for exclusive antiques suitable for your interior.

The key aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial for buyers, as the market contains many forgeries. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity and compliance of each item with its description and photos. We also have access to art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world.