Castors Collection

Charles Darwin, caricatured in Vanity Fair
Caricature of the naturalist Charles Darwin in Vanity Fair Magazine, 1871

A Sphere projecting against a Plane, pub. 1792 (hand coloured engraving)
3025378 A Sphere projecting against a Plane, pub. 1792 (hand coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info.: William Pitt the Younger (1759-1806); Albinia

The Rolls Rapide Twin Tub washing machine - look what you get! A bargain at 39 guineas! Date: 1961

Bourgade de castors (engraving)
3645452 Bourgade de castors (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Bourgade de castors. Illustration for Le Magasin Pittoresque (1867)

George III inlaid side cabinet, c. 1780 (mahogany & tulipwood) (see also 441548)
CH441547 George III inlaid side cabinet, c.1780 (mahogany & tulipwood) (see also 441548) by English School, (18th century); 87.5x122x55.5 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Work table, 1830-50 (mahogany & eastern white pine)
1069409 Work table, 1830-50 (mahogany & eastern white pine) by American School, (19th century); 71.8x53x50.5 cm; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas, USA; The Faith P. and Charles L

Edwardian carriage seat, early 20th century (mahogany & leather)
2645271 Edwardian carriage seat, early 20th century (mahogany & leather) by Charles Hindley & Sons (1841-1917); 121x179x107 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

HAT SHOP DEBACLE
The female attire includes a fox fur stole, over-coat, court shoes & a dress with puffed sleeves made of a heavy (?knitted) fabric. The men wear single- breasted suits & spats. Date: 1930s

Advert for Oetzmann & Co. Victorian furniture 1880s
Victorian furniture, available from Oetzmann & Co, Hampstead, London. Circa 1880s

Advert for Maple & Co. library table & chair 1904
Library table, finely carved with lift-up flap exposing deep well fitted pigeon-holes and ten drawers, stationery rack with fall-down flap comes with back chair in marone morocco. Date: 1904

Advert for Geo. Gale & Sons, hospital bed 1889
Dominion, patent wire spring mattress and Lawson Tait hospital bed, wire carefully coppered and lacquared to prevent rust. Date: 1889

Advert for S. Timings & Co. patent rotary castors 1888
Patenteers and sole manufactures of the patent brass rotary castors, also cabinet, builders and general brassfounders. Date: 1888

Circular Bookcase
A handsome 7 tier circular moveable bookcase with lions head handles and claw feet. The whole magnificent structure surmounted by an antique style lamp Date: 1810

Pair of Sugar Castors; Paul de Lamerie, British, 1688 - 1751; 1730; Silver; Various, see extensions

The Turtle Hippodrome, Earls Court, 1908
Illustration showing the Turtle Hippodrome, which was part of the Hungarian display at the Earls Court Exhibition, 1908. This image shows riders moving around, somewhat uncertainly

Opulent Bed 1851
Opulent, gilt bedstead complete with canopy, fringing and drapery

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Castors: A Journey Through Time and Functionality" From the caricatured image of Charles Darwin in Vanity Fair to the hand-colored engraving of a sphere projecting against a plane, they have played an intriguing role throughout history. These small but mighty wheels have made their mark in various aspects of our lives, from household appliances to furniture design. Take, for instance, The Rolls Rapide Twin Tub washing machine - a true testament to the convenience that castors bring. With its ability to effortlessly glide across floors, this innovative appliance was indeed a bargain at 39 guineas. And speaking of bargains, Oetzmann & Co. 's Victorian furniture advert from the 1880s showcased how these versatile wheels could enhance both style and functionality in your home. Maple & Co. 's library table & chair advertisement from 1904 further highlighted how they were integral components in creating elegant and practical pieces. Whether it was George III's exquisite mahogany and tulipwood side cabinet or the work table crafted with mahogany and eastern white pine dating back to 1830-50, these examples demonstrated how castors seamlessly blended form with function. Not limited to domestic settings alone, even Edwardian carriage seats utilized mahogany and leather alongside castors for comfortable transportation during the early 20th century. However, not every encounter with these wheels has been smooth sailing; as evidenced by the infamous "HAT SHOP DEBACLE, " where misplaced or faulty castors led to comical mishaps. Yet amidst all this diversity lies innovation – S. Timings & Co. 's patent rotary castors advertised in 1888 revolutionized mobility by allowing objects to rotate on their axis effortlessly. This advancement paved the way for Geo. Gale & Sons' hospital bed advert in 1889 which boasted improved maneuverability thanks to these cutting-edge wheel mechanisms.