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

Historic sundial from an XVIII-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’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 that possess distinct character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the 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 are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, especially 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 blend into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, inspired by the reign of Napoleon, 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. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical 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 solid, often using brown stains, with cornices, robust bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but opened 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. 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 matters most to the buyer, as the market is flooded with fakes. 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.