Lots of interesting things have been happening in the antiques world recently. Since I have a bit more time to write about them during the spring, I will be posting new blog entries twice a week, instead of once — Mondays and Thursdays for the next few weeks.

The French auction house Aguttes, will be holding an auction in Lyon, France, on June 15, 2011. Lot 318 will be a 17th Century iron and leather chastity belt. As most of you know, they are difficult to obtain, so make sure you sign up soon for the auction, so you can buy it for that unfaithful wife of yours. I would suggest cleaning off the rust and oiling the hinges before usage, as it can cause chafing on delicate skin. Then you can take that nice long trip you’ve wanted without your wife, knowing that you can now trust her. The estimate is reasonable at €1500/1800, especially for the peace of mind it would surely give.

The sale has a section called “Curiosités”, which does not need translating. How about a real skeleton (lot 405, €1000/1200)? Some nice surgical instruments (lot 406, €400/500)? An engraved, English brass model of a steam locomotive (lot 476, €2000/2500)? The sale has a wonderfully diverse selection of items too numerous to mention, but you can browse it by clicking on the following link. The Aguttes June 15, 2011 sale. The Curiosités section begins with lot 300. Have fun!

Check out my new acquisitions. This week I listed a very rare Tiffany Studios desk lamp in the Spanish pattern, as well as several fine Daum vases, a Daum lamp, several Galle vases and several Tiffany Favrile vases. Soon I’ll be listing a wonderful Tiffany Studios 7-light lily lamp with beautiful shades and a fine patina. Also coming soon will be several wonderful European ceramic items by Clement Massier, Zsolnay and Amphora. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com