Friday, May 31, 2013

Peacock Wall Sculpture

If you are looking for a piece to add a big decorative punch to a room, we've picked the piece for you.  This large wall sculpture features a pair of peacocks set against a backdrop of a flowering tree.  It is done in silver leaf which has been rubbed over a deep red base.  45" l., 32" h.  American, c. 1950's SOLD

Brass Log Holder

Elegant, well made and substantial, this log or magazine holder is clean lined and modern but with timeless decorative elements.  Even though summer has arrived, it is always nice to keep a fully loaded log holder next to the fireplace just in case.  It's Canada!  23" l., 14" w., 9 1/2" h.  American, c. 1950's  SOLD

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

"Drexel Furniture Company" Octagonal Table


This handsome octagonal table by Drexel has an open work top with inset glass and four pairs of carved legs.  It has a bit of a Moorish feel and would make a great center table or lamp table flanked by a pair of chairs.  30" diam.  28 1/2" h.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD

Art Glass Bowl


Beautifully crafted, large, coblat to clear art glass bowl.  14" diam., 7" h.  c. 1960's  SOLD

Monday, May 27, 2013

"Basic-Witz" Chest of Drawers


Made by the Basic-Witz Furniture Company of Virginia, this modern, clean-lined chest has five drawers and  patinated brass drawer pulls.  The pulls are highlighted by contrasting inlaid veneer discs.  38" l., 18" w., 44" h.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Ceramic Bear

This modern looking ceramic bear has a great cubist form which reflects light to make it appear to be almost fifty shades of grey!  12" h.  c. 1970  SOLD

"Oggetti" Murano Glass Table Lamp




At the peek of  Halston style 1970's chic is this rare and exceptional Murano glass lamp by Oggetti.  The base of the lamp is highly polished chrome and brass.  The glass shade is in three nesting parts; two solid shades in a creamy gold and one clear shade with white stripes.  The entire lamp is in mint condition with all glass free of chips or blemishes.  20" h., 19" diam.  Italian, c. 1978 SOLD

Saturday, May 25, 2013

"Oscar de la Renta" Gown with Evening Jacket

This one is for Margaret and Micheline and all the ladies that I was fortunate enough to have on my team during my time as buyer and manager for the Boutique at Holt's.  While I knew very little of women's fashion going into that position, the ladies always provided colorful guidance.  After experience gained from many Oscar trunk shows, I suspected this outfit was vintage Oscar before I saw the label.  While it is a little off the beat of our usual Michael Thomas offerings, it also "fits" in that it is exceptional design, excellent quality and has an elegant edge.  In addition, remembering retails upwards of $10,000.00 on his gowns in the mid nineties, it is a great value.  This "Oscar Awards worthy" outfit dates to the late sixties and is made up of a long pleated, belted gown which buttons at the back and ties in the front and an evening jacket with mink cuffs.  The fabric is a woven silver metallic and the jacket and gown are both fully silk lined.   It is a vintage size 12.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD








Gary Kahle; Untitled Sculpture of a Woman's Head

Gary Kahle is an American sculptor who was born in Oklahoma in 1942 and grew up on a wheat farm.  Since 1981 he has devoted himself exclusively to art and to creating stainless steel sculptures.  He has been selected numerous times to show at the North American Sculpture Exhibition as well as at the National Academy of Design in New York City.  His work is represented in significant private as well as corporate collections both in the U.S. and abroad.  He has also been commissioned to create several large scale public sculptures which may be found throughout the U.S.   This graceful, semi-abstract sculpture of a woman's head is double sided and composed of highly polished stainless steel.  The mirror finish and reflective qualities give this piece a lively fluidity and wonderful play of light.  It is signed by the artist, numbered and dated.   16 1/2" h,. 14 5" l., 5" w.  American, c. 1989 SOLD



Sailboat Weathervane


From a Hudson River Estate, this classic weathervane  features a copper sailboat and E,W,N,S directional.  It has it's original roof mount and a great patina.  It would look perfect mounted back on a roof or as an interior decorative object.  55" h., 18" diam.  American, 20th c. SOLD

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

"Royal Haeger" Ceramic Lamp

Sleek Royal Haeger ceramic lamp with a beautiful ombre glaze of light to dark greens.  The lamp has it's original textured fibreglass shade and both the base and shade are in mint condition.  The base even retains it's original gold foil Royal Haeger label.  27" h., 17" diam.  American. c 1950's SOLD

"Russell Woodard" Chairs

Russell Woodard was an American furniture designer who, along with his brothers Lyman and Joseph, began producing hand-crafted, fine, wrought iron furniture in the 1930's.  They were at their height during the 1950's which was when these iconic chairs were made.  These chairs would perfectly compliment the Salterini set listed earlier and could make a seating group for six as such. American, c. 1950's  SOLD (3 available).  Upholstered seat cushions with c.o.m. appx. $50.00 each

Monday, May 20, 2013

We are getting a little more social.....

As we quickly approach our five year anniversary here at Michael Thomas, we are getting a little more social.  While we really enjoy posting our favorite pieces from the shop on our blog, it has started to feel a little one sided.  We will still be updating our site several times each week, but now we will also be sharing our favorite things and thoughts on Facebook.  And, we want to hear from you and know what you "like".  Is our obsession with ornate Italian mirrors making you think that "Life is Beautiful" or hitting you like a Fellini film that you just don't get?  Do you want to know more ...or less.... about the designers we love like Paul McCobb, Bert England, Edward Wormley, etc.?  So, we are cordially inviting you to join us and "like" us at Michael Thomas Art Antiques and Furnishings on Facebook.  When you like us, you will be the first to see all the great new pieces, learn about special sales and offers, and find out about events in the shop.

 https://www.facebook.com/MichaelThomasArtAntiquesFurnishings

Italian Gilt Mirror



Regal, ornately carved, gilded Italian mirror.  If you are looking for a pair of mirrors for a double vanity or double chest, this mirror would nicely compliment another Italian mirror (shown above) which was posted previously on the blog and is available.  41" l., 21" w.  Italian, c. 1950's  SOLD

Rattan Table and Chairs


This great looking rattan set consisting of four chairs and a glass top table no longer has a makers label but is of the quality and style of McGuire or Baker Furniture pieces.  The chairs retain their original dark green naugahyde upholstery on the back and seat cushions and are very sound and very comfortable.  The table is 40" in diameter and 29" high.  The base will accommodate a larger top if needed.  The set would work well in a kitchen, sun room or as a card/ games table.  American, c. mid 20th c. SOLD

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Victoria Day Weekend

This holiday weekend, Michael Thomas will be open on Saturday from 10 to 5, Sunday from 12 to 4 and Monday from 12 to 4.  Wishing everyone a Happy Victoria Day long weekend!  For our friends and followers south of the border and in other parts of the world,  Victoria Day celebrates the birth of Queen Victoria and officially marks the beginning of our Canadian two months of summer. In terms of fashion, it's o.k. to start wearing your white toque again.  In sports we switch from winter ice hockey to summer ice hockey.  Most of our homes have melted by this point so the weekend usually marks the beginning of a big upswing in the housing market across the land.  But most of all the weekend is just a perfect time to get together and get outside with friends and family and enjoy all the natural beauty that this great country has to offer.

Friday, May 17, 2013

"Haeger" Ceramic Lamp

Ceramic lamp made by the Haeger Pottery Company of Illinois.  The lamp is done in a drip glaze of varying tones of turquoise, green and deep blue.  It sits on a ceramic base and comes with the shade as pictured.  28" h., 6" diam. base  American, c. 1950's SOLD

Sheaf of Wheat Table



Made iconic by Coco Chanel (as seen in her Rue Cambon apartment above), the wheat sheaf table has remained a decorating classic.  This table is one of the nicest of it's kind, with a substantial, well crafted bundle of wheat and a thick rope tie.  The  base will accommodate a larger top as well if a cocktail table size is desired.  16" h., 23" diam.  Italian, c. 1950's  SOLD

Italian Vase

Hand painted trefoil form ceramic vase with a wonderful, lively, abstract design in vibrant primary colors on a white background.  7 1/2" h., 7" diam.  Italian, mid-20th c. SOLD

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Ship's Wheel Clock

Father's Day is one month away.  He probably doesn't need another tie and this would be one very cool, original gift.....especially if he sails or loves the ocean.  This electric clock was made by the Ensign Clock Co. and is in the form of a ship's wheel.  The wheel pivots on a brass base and has great Deco style graphics and hands.  It is in perfect working order.  9" h., 10" w., 6" diam. base.  American, c. 1946  SOLD

Pair of Leather Wing Chairs

If you cringe at the thought of parting with the leather jacket you've had for twenty years because it is just starting to look right, with it's worn elbows and mellow patina, these are the chairs for you.  This pair of tufted wing chairs are upholstered in a rich, warm, chestnut leather and have been beautifully "broken in".  Structurally they are perfect and the leather is worn in all the right places.  When you place them in your den, library, etc. they will look like they have been there forever.  American, c. mid 20th c. SOLD

Monday, May 13, 2013

Porcelain Table Lamp


Very pretty porcelain lamp with a soft yellow background and classical decoration in cobalt and pale blues.  The decorative base and cap are patinated bronze.  Shade separate.  The lamp would look terrific with a simple white lacquer paper shade.  Base is 10" h., 7" l., 5 1/2" w.  c. 1st half 20th c. SOLD

Magnifying Glasses

These handsome, hand held magnifying glasses come with handles made from horn, bone or wood with aluminum accents.  9 1/2" - 10 1/2" l., 4" w.  New $44.00 each

Cranberry Glass Vase


Bohemian Rhapsody in glass.  Thick, cut to clear Bohemian cranberry glass vase with etched depictions of a leaping stag and a forest scene on the reverse.  10" h., 6" diam.  Bohemia, c. early 20th c. SOLD

Saturday, May 11, 2013

"Stiffel" Bouillotte Lamp


This classic bouillotte table lamp was made by Stiffel and has a brass trefoil base which supports three candle lights.  It retains it's original adjustable black shade, and both the shade and base are signed Stiffel.  Lamp base is 29" h., 8" diam.  Shade is 6 1/2" h., 14" diam.  American, c. 1960  SOLD

New Works by Bob Hambly

Michael Thomas is pleased to present new works by Bob Hambly.  When he is not working as the creative director for a Toronto-based design firm, Bob can be found in his studio working on collages and assemblages.  Bob is intrigued by the floatsam and jetsam that fill our lives-be it from a retail store, the sidewalk, the scrap pile or from nature.  His work explores the awkward yet engaging relationships these objects have when aligned together.  Bob received his BFA from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA and has taught and lectured at OCAD University, Sheridan College and York University.  His work has been featured nationally in one-man shows and group exhibitions and can be found in numerous private collections.  The two mixed media pieces shown below measure 29" l. and 20 1/2" w. framed, and are priced at SOLDh. Please contact us for more information or to see other pieces from this captivating new series.





"Henredon" Table on Faux Bamboo Base


Made by Henredon, this very versatile single drawer table has a fresh, casual feel.  It is a fine quality piece with rich wood inlays of contrasting tones.  The top sits on a faux bamboo, carved wood base with decorative leather ties.  28" l., 28"w., 24" h,  American, c. 1970 SOLD

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Pair of Brass Candlesticks

Chunky and well crafted pair of brass candlesticks.  They are quite substantial and would add a classic radiance to a dining table, mantle, chest, etc.  13 1/2"h., 5 1/2" square.  American, c. 1st half 20th c.  SOLD