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 working 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, indicated after assessment with known necessary declination, adjusted for the year, date, and solar hour. Usually, it’s also important 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 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 design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its own distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, especially the Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and the Victorian English 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, originating from the Napoleonic era, featuring significant influences from Roman and Greek ornamentation.

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

Today, we can see how the Baroque style has greatly influenced modern classical furniture, which often resembles the grandeur of the past. 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, using dark stains, moldings, strong bases, and relief decorations. These pieces were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and other chest-type furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also 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 recreate such furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, reflecting admiration and respect for the history of beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its own character. This is especially crucial when seeking exclusive antiques suitable for a specific interior.

The key aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is vital for buyers, as the market is flooded with fakes. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photos. We also have experts in art appraisal, history, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.