Desire

Unusual Blonde Oak and Slate-Top Architectural Center Table, the rectangular charcoal slate top raised on a base in the form of a classical temple, the frieze of traditional form with triglyphs and metopes raised on a series of fluted Doric column supports, the base in the form of a stepped floor, h. 33-1/2", w. 62-1/2", d. 30-1/2".

One way I could happily commemorate my second anniversary date for blogging, today, would be to buy myself this stunning table, at auction next week. But then I'd have to stump up USD7,000-10,000 that it is estimated to achieve, which would be wildly extravangant, to say nothing of the shipping from New Orleans to Bangkok. So, unless someone surprises me, a more realistic alternative, will be to make it a virtual gift to myself. Much more practical really, all round.

Oranges and lemons

My penchant for architectural models, in varying forms appears partially sated by this architectural mahogany floor lamp, in the form of a spiraling bannistered staircase, raised on a stepped octagonal base, with a conforming leather shade, h. 70", and is for sale at auction by New Orleans Galleries Inc on Saturday, with a starting price of USD1,500 and an estimate of USD1,800 to USD2,500.

My post title is from the nursery rhyme Oranges and Lemons: "here comes a candle to light you to bed, and here comes a chopper to chop off your head". But you knew that. Obscure I know, but I refer to the candle (light) used to guide you upstairs, (the spiral), to bed. On researching the origins there is a suggestion that the rhyme is highly sexual in its connotation. Perhaps this explanation is a little less tawdry.

Mahogany Architectural Model of a Spiral Staircase, with spindled banister, h. 41", dia. 17". Sold for USD1,700.