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Other Interesting Items

Ref: A3465
Vintage 3ft 95cm Model of a Ferrari Arno XI Hydroplane 1954 37& 34 Long 20th C

Vintage 3ft 95cm Model of a Ferrari Arno XI Hydroplane 1954 37" Long 20th C

This is a superb Vintage model of a Ferrari Hydroplane 1954, late 20th Century in date. Ferrari's cars are adored on all corners of the globe and are seen as the ultimate status symbol for the rich and powerful. But as these incredible pictures show, Ferrari is not just a talented car manufacturer. This astonishing-looking Ferrari speedboat set an unrivalled world record in 1953 and is valued in the millions. The legendary ARNO XI Hydroplane craft was the brainchild of wealthy boat privateer Achille Castoldi who had a desire to break a world water speed record. He persuaded the great Enzo Ferrari to lend knowledge and technical assistance in building the ultimate powerboat. The result was a 12-cylinder, 4,500cc, V12 Ferrari engine - the same as can be found in the Type 375 Grand Prix car.   In October 1953, ARNO XI travelled at 150.2mph on Lake Iseo in northern Italy, setting a world speed record for an 800kg boat that has still never been broken. When Mr Castoldi was finished with ARNO XI, it was sold to Nando dell'Orto, a rich engineer, who went on to race it with great success for more than 10 years, securing numerous wins. The boat went through various aerodynamic improvements during that time, including a modified nose and the addition of a fin. It finished its competitive racing career in 1960 with a European championship victory and numerous fastest laps, many of which still exist.   Condition: In really excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.  

Dimensions in cm:

Height 25 x Width 95 x Depth 37

Dimensions in inches:

Height 10 inches x Width 3 feet, 1 inch x Depth 1 foot, 3 inches

£1,250.00
Ref: A4068
Vintage model of a Ferrari Hydroplane 1954 50cm 20th C

Vintage model of a Ferrari Hydroplane 1954 50cm 20th C

This is a superb Vintage model of a Ferrari Hydroplane from 1954. Ferrari motor cars are adored on all corners of the globe and are seen as the ultimate status symbol for the rich and powerful. But as these incredible pictures show, Ferrari is not just a talented car manufacturer. This astonishing-looking Ferrari speedboat set an unrivalled world record in 1953 and is valued in the millions. The legendary ARNO XI Hydroplane craft was the brainchild of wealthy boat privateer Achille Castoldi who had a desire to break a world water speed record. He persuaded the great Enzo Ferrari to lend knowledge and technical assistance in building the ultimate powerboat. The result was a 12-cylinder, 4,500cc, V12 Ferrari engine - the same as can be found in the Type 375 Grand Prix car.   In October 1953, ARNO XI travelled at 150.2mph on Lake Iseo in northern Italy, setting a world speed record for an 800kg boat that has still never been broken. When Mr Castoldi was finished with ARNO XI, it was sold to Nando dell'Orto, a rich engineer, who went on to race it with great success for more than 10 years, securing numerous wins. The boat went through various aerodynamic improvements during that time, including a modified nose and the addition of a fin. It finished its competitive racing career in 1960 with a European championship victory and numerous fastest laps, many of which still exist.   Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 22 x Width 50 x Depth 37

Dimensions in inches:

Height 9 inches x Width 1 foot, 8 inches x Depth 1 foot, 3 inches

£775.00
Ref: A3902
Antique Burr Walnut Pop Up Davenport Desk 19th Century

Antique Burr Walnut Pop Up Davenport Desk c.1860 19th Century

This is a gorgeous antique Victorian Davenport Desk crafted from beautiful burr walnut and circa 1860 in date. The hinged 'piano' lid opening to reveal maple veneered drawers and a pull out writing slope with pen & ink compartments to one side and a stationary well below. The gold tooled green leather inset writing surface is hinged so that the angle can be changed when writing. The Davenport has four drawers on one side, perfectly sized for all the stationary you could possibly need, and dummy drawers on the other, making it not just a symbol of refinement but a practical furnishing as well. The main talking point when showing it to friends is the  secret pop up compartment at the rear on top, with  pigeonholes for pens, letters, stamps, etc, which rises up by itself when a hidden catch is pressed. It rises by an ingenious system of pulleys and a hidden weight. You need to remove the interior right hand small drawer to find the catch hidden inside. It stands on it's original brass and porcelain castors. It has been wonderfully  made by a master craftsman, the quality of the work is breathtaking, and the burr walnut is of the highest quality. It is finished on all sides so that it can stand freely in the middle of a room, making it extremely versatile. It is an absolutely beautiful and perfectly formed piece of furniture which could be placed almost everywhere.   Condition: In really excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.  

Dimensions in cm:

Height 91 x Width 57 x Depth 56

Dimensions in inches:

Height 3 feet x Width 1 foot, 10 inches x Depth 1 foot, 10 inches

£3,150.00
Ref: A3663
Antique 2 French Electro Therapy Devices & 34 Institut Electrotherapy& 34 Dated 1905

Antique 2 French Electro Therapy Devices "Institut Electrotherapy" Dated 1905

Of scientific interest two French Electrotherapy devices, both wih plaques to the tops stamped "Institut Electrotherapy, 27 Rue Godot de Mauroy, Paris" Complete with original instructions dated 27th September 1905. These are very good example of early 20th century electrotherapy / electric shock machines. These early battery operated devices produced a noticeable, but low powered, electric current that was applied to various body parts. It was believed that such stimulation could help with a multitude of nervous disorders. These all-in-one units contained a battery, coil, voltage controls and a number of contact probes and connecting wires. These are housed within a sturdy wooden body, with compartment for accessories. The boxes have carry handle and close with clasps. There is age related ware to these items. The effectiveness of these types of devices was unconvincing, and for safety reasons these should not be used. However, they make excellent display pieces and are ideal for collectors. Condition: As antique items, the pieces show signs of use commensurate with age, these condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs they display beautifully. They are for decorative use only.  

Dimensions in cm:

Height 24 x Width 25.5 x Depth 16

Height 16.5 x Width 19 x Depth 10.5

Dimensions in inches:

Height 9 inches x Width 10 inches x Depth 6 inches

Height 6 inches x Width 7 inches x Depth 4 inches

£275.00

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