Book by Joyce Bourne provides a guide to over 2,500 characters from over 270 operas -- not only the standard repertoire, but also important and interesting rarities. From Arabella to Wozzeck, entries give a description of the role, its vocal category, by whom the part was created, and notable performers. First edition, published by oxford University Press, 457 pp. Handsome book. Mint condition.

Handsome and useful book. Ex-Library with usual associated stamps, labels, pockets, etc., with protective cover on dust jacket. Flap from dj pasted on ffep. Book itself in very good condition with only a few marks on title and copyright page. Useful information on the marks on the pottery. About 60 plates, many showing more than one object. Published in 1962 by Tuttle.

Cake serving knife with a sterling handle in the Wallace Violet pattern and a new stainless blade. Wallace first made this Art Nouveau style in 1904. Overall length is 9 ½ inches.

This very amusing French transfer plate making fun of tennis and tennis players. A great item for the tennis enthusiast. Vintage tennis collectibles are hard to find. It was manufactured by St. Amand, probably in the mid 1920's. There is some very light staining around the inside of the rim, but it does not detract from the attractiveness of the piece. Diameter is 7 3/4 inches. The photograph of the plate has some reflections which make it harder to see the details -- sorry.

Bin labels were used to identify sections or bins in wine cellars. This is a vintage French enamel on metal bin label, dating from the early 1900’s, for CHAMPAGNE. Bin labels for champagne are among the most desirable. It was used for decades and shows some chipping to the enamel (which is usual on enamel labels, especially around the holes where nails were used to affix them). On this one there is some in-painting to some of the damage on some letters...

French absinthe era bar saucer with 2 franc price, blue rim decoration and gold gilt hairline circles inside. This is a guaranteed genuine turn-of-the-century saucer or soucoupe from the Belle Epoque when poets and artists drank the addictive wormwood-based drink absinthe, which was banned in France in 1915. When you ordered, each drink was served on a priced saucer...

Lovely Victorian rolled gold retractable pencil that hung from a pin or chatelaine. Nice quality, attractive. At the end is a lovely rose-colored stone which may be a garnet. Overall condition is very good. The pencil is 2 1/2 inches long closed and 3 5/16 inches long open.

Handsome set of mother of pearl cufflinks and shirt studs. The cufflinks are 9/16 in diameter while the studs are 5/16 in diameter. These probably date from around 1900. There is a maker's mark (see photograph) but I have not been able to identify it. Other photographs are available and can be emailed on request.

Extremely rare French bar saucer with 30 centime price for use under an absinthe glass. There is a green edge with a silver hairline inside. This is a genuine turn-of-the-century saucer or soucoupe from the Belle Epoque when poets and artists drank the addictive wormwood-based drink absinthe which was banned in France in 1915. You sat at the bar and drank, each drink being served on a priced saucer...

Smart-looking heavy cast brass candlestick made about 1730 in Northwestern Europe, possibly in Denmark. Made in two pieces that come apart; you can see the hand-made threads. The parts fit very tightly. Overall quality is very high. Note how carefully it is finished with finely engraved lines on the base and the shaft...

Very nice early 17th century bronze mortar and pestle, probably from the Le Puy area of central France which had many foundries in that era. Note the good detail in the vertical elements. It is about 2.8 inches tall while the top diameter is 4.7 inches. It is heavy and has a good patina. We believe the pestle is original to the mortar.

"Guía de Pescados y Mariscos de consumo usual en España" is a very interesting and useful guide to the fish and seafood available in Spain. We used it to good advantage on a six-week drive through the country; we had found it difficult to translate the names of all the menu offerings. This is a laminated hardback, 7 7/8 inches by 4 7/8 inches — pocketable. It contains information on 197 items: drawings, names in other languages, size, distribution and quality of taste...