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 solar hour angle directly and must be aligned with 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, date, and 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 belongs 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 transitioned 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, such as Louis XVI style, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique pieces in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly shaped pearl. These were highly decorative, opulent pieces designed 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 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 using dark stains, moldings, strong bases, and relief carvings. These pieces were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as in the construction of cabinets and chest furniture. Mythology and classical themes were popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws and eagle heads are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Many global brands now reproduce such furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, reflecting admiration and respect for the finest 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 antique pieces suited to 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 of each item, matching the description and photos. We also offer access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.