German sundial and compass from the 18th century

Ancient sundial with an XVIII-century diptych and a portable wooden compass sundial made of boxwood with a compass, of German origin, by Johann Georg Kleininger, Nuremberg, dating from around 1785, in good age-related condition, with signs of wear consistent with age and use.

The portable sundial, also known as a travel clock, 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 sundials, which measure the solar elevation angle and are indicated after assessment with known necessary declination, adjusted for the year, solar date as the hour. Usually, it is also necessary to know whether it is morning or afternoon, as the specified elevation angle can be measured twice a day.

Prestigious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage products 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 notable. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing 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.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative, luxurious pieces designed to impress with splendor and play a significant role in opulence. Materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often finished with brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global companies reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French creators. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its own character. This is especially important when searching for an exclusive antique suitable for your interior.

The most important aspect of original antique furniture is authenticity. Ultimately, this matters most to buyers, as the market is flooded with counterfeits. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s compliance with its description and photos. We also have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.