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, created 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 assessing 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 interior decoration. 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.

Several major styles distinguish antique furniture. 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. By 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 draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable antique styles include Rococo and Louis XV. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was highly ornate, designed to impress with splendor and luxury. Materials were carefully selected and used sparingly to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classical furniture, which often 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 robust, often finished with brown stains, featuring moldings, strong bases, and relief decorations. These pieces were quite distinctive but also introduced new construction ideas, such as credenzas and other chest-type furniture. Mythology and classical themes were popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Many global brands now reproduce such furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, paying homage to the beauty of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its unique character, which is crucial when selecting an exclusive antique for your interior.

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately important for buyers, as the market contains many forgeries. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photos. We also offer access to art appraisers, historians, and experts worldwide.