The Great Exhibition of 1851, also known as the Crystal Palace Exhibition, was an international exposition held in London, England, from May 1 to October 15, 1851. The exhibition was organized by Henry Cole and Prince Albert, and was held in a giant glass and iron structure known as the Crystal Palace, which was built especially for the event.

The Great Exhibition was the first of its kind and aimed to showcase the technological and industrial advancements of the time, as well as to promote international trade and cooperation. The exhibition was a huge success, attracting over six million visitors and showcasing the products and innovations of countries from around the world, including the United States, France, Germany, and Russia.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was the display of the latest in industrial technology, including machines for manufacturing, textiles, and steam engines. There were also displays of fine more...

69 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

An important rare palace size 19th century English Charles…

An important rare palace size 19th century English Charles Meigh & Son exhibition majolica vase circa 1855 of bulbous form with cranes forming handles, having central hand painted vignettes to front and rear depicting exotic birds in river landscapes,…

Crystal Palace 'From the Grounds' antique English papier mache…

Crystal Palace 'From the Grounds' antique English papier mache box with glass vignette scene of the famous exhibition hall in London, mid 19th century, 5.5 cm high, 14 cm wide, 10 cm deep

William Hamilton, important Colonial Australian cedar wine…

Colonial Australian Cedar Wine Table by William Hamilton

William Hamilton, important Colonial Australian cedar wine table, solid book-matched flame cedar top, handsomely carved with crisp dragooned edge, and finely carved column, standing on a platform base with Hamilton's signature scroll over feet, circa 1845…

Stereoviews 'Crystal Palace' group of nine hand-coloured cards…

Hand-Coloured Stereoviews of 1851 Great Exhibition's Crystal Palace Interior

Stereoviews 'Crystal Palace' group of nine hand-coloured cards showing interior scenes of the exhibits from the 1851 Great Exhibition.

George Baxter (1804-1867), The Gems Of The Great Exhibition, No.…

Gems of Great Exhibition

George Baxter (1804-1867), The Gems Of The Great Exhibition, No.3, Baxter print, mid 19th century, 12 x 24 cm, 31 x 41 cm overall

Victorian Copeland parian ware figure 'Cottage Girl', the young…

Victorian Parian Ware Figure "Cottage Girl"

Victorian Copeland parian ware figure 'Cottage Girl', the young girl and her dog after a sculpture by L. A. Malempre, inspired by Gainsborough's painting 'The cottage girl with dog and Pitcher'. Impressed 'L a Malempre Sc. 1876 ceramic and Crystal Palace…

Victorian Copeland parian ware bust by F M Miller of Princess…

Victorian Princess Alexandra Parian Ware Bust

Victorian Copeland parian ware bust by F M Miller of Princess Alexandra, stamped Crystal Palace Art Union, 25 cm height

19th century Copeland parian ware bust 'Happy Dreams', the back…

"Happy Dreams" Parian Ware Bust, 1875

19th century Copeland parian ware bust 'Happy Dreams', the back stamped with title, ceramic and Crystal Palace Art Union 1875, L a Malempre, 32 cm height

A quality Regency mahogany cased bracket clock by John Pace of…

Regency Mahogany Bracket Clock by John Pace

A quality Regency mahogany cased bracket clock by John Pace of Bury St. Edmunds, of architectural form with gilt brass highlights and side grill panels, the cream painted 8-inch dial with makers details, the quality brass twin drive train movement…

A Copeland parian bust of Prince Albert Edward, marked Marshall…

Prince Albert Edward Bust, 1863

A Copeland parian bust of Prince Albert Edward, marked Marshall wood Sculp 1863 and Crystal Palace Art Union verso, height 32 cm

Crystal Palace mother of pearl embroidery / sewing set

Mother of Pearl Sewing Set with Crystal Palace Embroidery

Crystal Palace mother of pearl embroidery / sewing set

Joseph Nash (after) the great exhibition of 1851 at Crystal…

Crystal Palace Exhibition 1851

Joseph Nash (after) the great exhibition of 1851 at Crystal Palace colour lithograph, 35 cm x 50

A cased mercury trough type artificial horizon by John Crichton,…

1851 Crichton Mercury Trough Artificial Horizon

A cased mercury trough type artificial horizon by John Crichton, London, circa 1851, the mahogany box with brass hook and eye fasteners, metal and glass instrument, boxwood bottle with bone threaded funnel, label affixed inside lid reads 'John Crichton…

Rare mid 19th century Killarney yew and arbutus marquetry games…

Killarney Marquetry Games Table with Muckross Abbey Inlay

Rare mid 19th century Killarney yew and arbutus marquetry games table, with chequer and feather inlay, the rectangular swivel hinged top inlaid with an oval depicting Muckross Abbey, encompassed by bracken, thistles and other foliage, enclosing chess,…

A Copeland parian ware bust 'May Queen', sculpted by J. Durham…

"May Queen" Parian Ware Bust by J. Durham

A Copeland parian ware bust 'May Queen', sculpted by J. Durham for the Crystal Palace exhibition & Art Union 1868. Height 33 cm.

Late 19th century Copeland parian figure, by a. Chesnead,…

Copeland Parian Figure of Pre-Raphaelite Maiden

Late 19th century Copeland parian figure, by a. Chesnead, depicting a Pre-Raphaelite maiden with head tilted holding her dress and flowers, impressed 'Ceramic and Crystal Palace Union// Copyright// Copeland,' height 43 cm

A pair of Napoleon III ormolu small candelabra by Victor…

Napoleon III Ormolu Candelabra by Victor Paillard

A pair of Napoleon III ormolu small candelabra by Victor Paillard, Paris, each stamped VR beneath a crown, in the Louis XVI style having a pine cone and acanthus cast finial, issuing four fluted supports and two candle branches with urn shaped nozzles,…

A polychrome glazed and pierced terracotta stove tile designed…

Pugin-designed polychrome glazed terracotta stove tile

A polychrome glazed and pierced terracotta stove tile designed by A.W.N. Pugin, manufactured by Minton & Co, height 22.5 cm, width 22.5 cm, depth 3 cm. Provenance: H. Blairman & Sons, London. Other Notes: Similar tiles were used in a stove created for the…

Two English 19th century parian wares, circa 1860's, the 'Diana…

19th Century Parian Figures: Diana and Prince of Wales

Two English 19th century parian wares, circa 1860's, the 'Diana de Gabies' figure, probably Copeland, the other Marshal wood bust of the Prince of Wales by Copeland, Crystal Palace Art Union mark, on socle base 64.5 and 31 cm high, base to the figure…

A rare Kerr & Binns Worcester plate by Thomas Bott, painted…

Kerr & Binns Worcester Plate with Medusa by Bott

A rare Kerr & Binns Worcester plate by Thomas Bott, painted with the head of Medusa in profile on a deep turquoise ground, within an entwined ribbon and scroll border, the rim gilt. Impressed circular factory mark. Signed and dated in white enamel 'T.…

Trade token, W.J. Taylor, Medallist to the Great Exhibition…

W.J. Taylor's 1851 Great Exhibition Medallist Trade Token, Melbourne

Trade token, W.J. Taylor, Medallist to the Great Exhibition 1851, Melbourne

New York Times - Civil War Era - First Invasion of Northern…

NY Times Reports on Civil War Era Invasion & Battles

New York Times - Civil War Era - First Invasion of Northern States: 1861 to 1862 selection comprising 1861 (Oct.13, Oct.21 & Dec.6) & 1862 (Sep.15, Oct.2 & Nov.19) edition which include Union biased reports from field correspondents, plus official…

A pair of great exhibition etchings 35 x 40 cm

Exhibition Etchings: Impressive 35x40cm Pair

A pair of great exhibition etchings 35 x 40 cm

A large Copeland parian ware Crystal Palace Art Union figurine,…

Signed M. Noble Parian Figurine with Base Chip

A large Copeland parian ware Crystal Palace Art Union figurine, signed M. Noble Sc. (small chip to base)

Ansonia 'Crystal Palace No.1, Extra' American mantel clock in…

Ansonia Crystal Palace No.1 Mantel Clock in Glass Dome

Ansonia 'Crystal Palace No.1, Extra' American mantel clock in glass dome, 19th century, 48 cm high

A French exhibition alarm skeleton clock with pull cord wind…

French Exhibition Alarm Skeleton Clock, 1851

A French exhibition alarm skeleton clock with pull cord wind and brass movement in glass dome, circa 1851. These clocks were produced for the great exhibition of 1851 by Victor-Athanase Pierret who achieved an Honorable Mention for his efforts. 28 cm high

27 various British medals. Oliver Cromwell 1658; G.B. Defeat of…

Assorted British Medals, 1658-1974

27 various British medals. Oliver Cromwell 1658; G.B. Defeat of Scottish 1745; King George 111 golden Jubilee 1760-1810 'Silvered' gUF; Great Britain Victoria crowned 1838 (33 mm) brass Vf; William & Mary Coronation medallion 1688 (26 mm); Great Britain…

An enamel and diamond bangle, of hinged design with a central…

Enamel and Diamond Bangle by Marshall & Son

An enamel and diamond bangle, of hinged design with a central blue enamelled foliate panel set with twenty two rose cut diamonds, to a concealed clasp and safety chain, in original fitted box, retailed by Marshall & Son, 87 George St, Edinburgh., Marshall…

Minton wall charger Majolica Earthernware. Decorated with a…

Minton Holly & Putti Charger 1859

Minton wall charger Majolica Earthernware. Decorated with a band of holly & berries. Four putti in different poses. The bottom putti bearing a shield. With Crystal Palace Art Union. Impressed back stamp Minton & date mark 1859. Diameter 40 cm. (a/f minor…

A Bohemian ruby overlay glass vase with a view of The Crystal…

Bohemian Ruby Glass Vase with Crystal Palace View

A Bohemian ruby overlay glass vase with a view of The Crystal Palace in London, inscribed 'The Industrial Exhibition For 1851', 21 cm high

Copeland Spode parian ware Ophelia bust, C:1860 on a black…

Copeland Spode Ophelia Bust on Black Base

Copeland Spode parian ware Ophelia bust, C:1860 on a black socle base,stamped crystal palace art union, W.G.Marshall R.A.sculpt, Copeland, height 28 cm

Parian bust Copeland 1871, Crystal Palace Art Union, mounted on…

1871 Copeland Parian Bust on Socle Base

Parian bust Copeland 1871, Crystal Palace Art Union, mounted on Socle base, height 34 cm

World Exhibitions: 1851 Crystal Palace, London, gilded plaster…

1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition Medal with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

World Exhibitions: 1851 Crystal Palace, London, gilded plaster exhibition medal obverse (80 mm) Queen Victoria and Prince Albert portraits facing left, two dolphins below, 'W. Wyon Mdcccli. Royal Mint' at base, bevelled rim, excellent condition.

Parian bust 1863 by F.M Miller, Copeland parian ware, Crystal…

F.M. Miller's Parian Bust, 1863

Parian bust 1863 by F.M Miller, Copeland parian ware, Crystal Palace, height 31 cm

A collection of five Prattware Great Exhibition and Industrial…

Collection of Prattware Exhibition Pot Lids (1851-1878)

A collection of five Prattware Great Exhibition and Industrial Exhibition pot lids, 1851 - 1878; comprising one example each from 1851, the Crystal Palace London; 1853, New York; 1853, the Dublin Industrial Exhibition; 1869, Amsterdam and 1878 Paris

A collection of four gilded porcelain International Exposition…

Gilded porcelain intaglio medallions from 19th century expositions

A collection of four gilded porcelain International Exposition intaglio medallions, 19th century comprising a medallion of Victoria & Prince Albert in profile by W. Wyon, later struck in bronze to commemorate the 1851 Great Exhibition, A medallion of…

Six medals Art Union of London, 1854, Flaxman, a medal by H.…

Assorted medals from various exhibitions and festivals

Six medals Art Union of London, 1854, Flaxman, a medal by H. Weigall (5.6 cm) International Exhibtion of Artistic Furniture Home Decorations and Building Materials, Cyrstal Palace, London, 1907 a gilded copper medal by Massonnet (5.7 cm) And Colonial and…

Great Exhibition Prize Medal in original case of issue. Bronze,…

Great Exhibition Prize Medal in Original Case

Great Exhibition Prize Medal in original case of issue. Bronze, 64 mm, by W.Wyon/G.G.Adams, impressed around edge 'Prize Medal of the Exhibition. Davy, Mackmurdo & Co. Class II' Davy, Mackmurdo & Co. were manufacturing chemists & druggists in London.

Crystal Palace Re-opening medals by Pinches, (2) white metal;…

Crystal Palace Re-Opening Commemorative Medals

Crystal Palace Re-opening medals by Pinches, (2) white metal; each 63 mm in presentation leather box with 'From the Crystal Palace' embossed on top. First medal: Obverse with conjoined heads of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert left. Reverse: distant view…

London Exhibitions: The Crystal Palace, Sydenham 1854:…

London Exhibition Interiors: 1854-1873

London Exhibitions: The Crystal Palace, Sydenham 1854: 'Nelsons' Pictorial Guide-Book' accompanying a set of 12 coloured images of Interiors; also, Nelson's 'Views of the Interior' from the 1862 Exhibition together with a silk embroidered souvener of the…

Wyatt, Matthew Digby [1820-1877] May 1850 letter signed as…

Letter and Medal from Great Exhibition Secretary in 1850

Wyatt, Matthew Digby [1820-1877] May 1850 letter signed as Secretary of the Great Exhibition, to the Secretaries of the Mechanics' Institute, Sheffield, discussing the arrangements for 'the Lectures which Her Majesty's Commissioners have authorised.....'…

Great Exhibition, London, 1851, pair of medals in white metal…

Great Exhibition 1851 Medals and Case

Great Exhibition, London, 1851, pair of medals in white metal (74 mm) by Ottley, obverse; first with bust of Prince Albert left, reverse, view of Exhibition building, inscription below; second with bust of Queen Victoria right, reverse, The Houses of…

A French miniature skeleton clock, circa 1850, the porcelain…

French Skeleton Clock with Alarm and Glass Dome, 1850

A French miniature skeleton clock, circa 1850, the porcelain dial above engraved plates, raised on an ebonised base. Alarm time/alarm with bell to base and a silk suspension pendulum. Encased under a glass dome, 26 cm high, 16 cm wide, 10 cm deep. Other…

A Victorian Parian figure of an Elizabethan woman, stamped to…

Victorian Parian Figure of Elizabethan Woman

A Victorian Parian figure of an Elizabethan woman, stamped to base 'Ceramic & Crystal Palace Art Union', etc. Provenance: The Flower Family Collection. Height 36 cm

A Victorian Parian figurine, Musidora', stamped and marked to…

Victorian Parian Figurine "Musidora"

A Victorian Parian figurine, Musidora', stamped and marked to reverse 'Ceramic & Crystal Palace Art Union', etc. Provenance: The Flower Family Collection. Height 43 cm

A Victorian Parian bust, The May Queen', on socle base, stamps…

Victorian Parian Bust: The May Queen

A Victorian Parian bust, The May Queen', on socle base, stamps to reverse, 'Ceramic & Crystal Palace Art Union', etc. Provenance: The Flower Family Collection. Height 32 cm

A Victorian Parian bust, The Hop Queen', on socle base with…

Victorian Hop Queen Bust

A Victorian Parian bust, The Hop Queen', on socle base with impressed stamps to reverse, 'Ceramic & Crystal Palace Art Union', etc. Provenance: The Flower Family Collection. Height 35 cm

Six 19th century Melbourne & other trade tokens comprising of…

19th Century Melbourne Trade Tokens Lot

Six 19th century Melbourne & other trade tokens comprising of 2@ 1851 W.J. Taylor Medalist to the Great Exhibition, 1855 Lewis Abrahams Draper Hobart Town, 2@ Warnock Bros Melbourne and 1861 Robert Ryde & Co Melbourne

The Royal Wedding 1851 cup and saucer made for Great Exhibition,…

Royal Wedding 1851 Cup & Saucer for Great Exhibition

The Royal Wedding 1851 cup and saucer made for Great Exhibition, The Crystal Palace

A Victorian Staffordshire figure of noted architect and…

Victorian Staffordshire Figure of Joseph Paxton and Daughter

A Victorian Staffordshire figure of noted architect and gardener Joseph Paxton with his daughter Annie, circa 1860, the press moulded flatback group depicting the architect of the Crystal Palace accompanied by his daughter Annie, noted for posing upon a…

Copeland parian bust of Princess Alexandria, c.1863,…

Copeland Parian Bust of Princess Alexandria, c.1863

Copeland parian bust of Princess Alexandria, c.1863, realistically modelled and finely detailed, impressed to back 'Published Feb 1 1863/ Copeland/ Crystal Palace Art Union/ F. M. Miller Sculpt', Height 31 cm

Royal Doulton 'Prince Albert Great Exhibition', character jug,…

Royal Doulton Prince Albert Exhibition Character Jug

Royal Doulton 'Prince Albert Great Exhibition', character jug, height 11.5 cm

Louis Haghe, (1806-1885) Belgian, The Crystal Palace (Interior)…

Crystal Palace Interior Lithograph by Louis Haghe

Louis Haghe, (1806-1885) Belgian, The Crystal Palace (Interior) 1851, colour lithograph, 58.5 x 41 cm

A Victorian gilt bronze and turquoise dinner bell and stand…

Victorian Turquoise Dinner Bell from 1851 Great Exhibition

A Victorian gilt bronze and turquoise dinner bell and stand with a Cupid finial, from the 1851 London Great Exhibition with paper label 'Has been in the Exhibition 1851. Manufactured by S. Wertheimer, 35 Greek Street, Soho, London', 12 cm high, The…

Three Parian ware busts, 19th century, a pair of Copeland busts,…

19th Century Parian and Copeland Busts

Three Parian ware busts, 19th century, a pair of Copeland busts, one of the poet, John Milton, after the model by Matthew Noble, one of William Shakespeare, after Raphaelle Monti, both with Ceramic and Crystal Palace Art Union impressed marks, 36 cm high,…

An issue of the illustrated London News on the great Exhibition,…

The Great Exhibition: A Visual Chronicle (8 words)

An issue of the illustrated London News on the great Exhibition, 1851

Minton Majolica rams head decorated jardiniere with under plate…

Majolica Rams Head Jardiniere with Under Plate

Minton Majolica rams head decorated jardiniere with under plate having a tapered body decorated in relief with floral & fruit swags on a spirally fluted turquoise ground, the top edge with an egg & dart pattern in blue, yellow gold & white, the bottom…

A Victorian pair of mother of pearl reverse painted on glass…

Victorian Mother of Pearl Reverse Glass Prints

A Victorian pair of mother of pearl reverse painted on glass prints of Great Exhibition and Albert Monument, circa 1850, one signed 'Lanes Patent', 23 x 32 cm

An Elkington & Co. silver plated electrotype casket, Birmingham…

Victorian Electrotype Silver Casket Replica

An Elkington & Co. silver plated electrotype casket, Birmingham c.1854 copy of the original made by French silversmith Alexandre Gueyton for the great Exhibition in London, 1851. The process of electroyping was a Victorian phenomenon and product of…

A Victorian Copeland parian bust of Lesbia, impressed Crystal…

Victorian Lesbia Parian Bust

A Victorian Copeland parian bust of Lesbia, impressed Crystal Palace Art Union, Lesbia, W.C. Marshell, R.A. Sculpt. 28 cm high

Victorian Copeland parian figure. 'Happy dream.' inscribed…

Victorian Parian Figure 'Happy Dream'

Victorian Copeland parian figure. 'Happy dream.' inscribed 'Crystal Palace Art Union, 1875. L a Malempre.'. Height 32 cm

Pair of Crystal Palace blue and white plates, approx 27 cm dia.…

Blue and White Crystal Palace Plates (Set of 2)

Pair of Crystal Palace blue and white plates, approx 27 cm dia. (2)

A 19th century Great Exhibition porcelain plaque with a hand…

Crystal Palace Porcelain Plaque, 19th Century

A 19th century Great Exhibition porcelain plaque with a hand painted image of the crystal palace and grounds. Possibly Wedgwood. Length 5 cm

A fine French gilt bronze mounted and ivory inlaid vitrine…

French gilt bronze and ivory vitrine by Gabriel Viardot

A fine French gilt bronze mounted and ivory inlaid vitrine cabinet, by Gabriel Viardot, Paris, circa 1880, signed, 180 cm high, 92 cm wide, 44 cm deep, Reference, For a similar example see Sotheby's, 19th and 20th century Furniture and Decorations, Belle…

1873 Parian Copeland figure, Crystal Palace Art Union

Crystal Palace Parian Figure

1873 Parian Copeland figure, Crystal Palace Art Union

An impressive Japanese lacquer and mother of pearl inlaid…

Japanese Lacquer Mother of Pearl Cabinet, Meiji Period

An impressive Japanese lacquer and mother of pearl inlaid cabinet, Meiji period, of rectangular form with an arrangement of sliding panels, drawers and doors with brass mounts and lock plates, all finely inlaid in mother-of-pearl with exotic birds amongst…

A Victorian Copeland parian ware 'Musidora' figure by W. Theed.…

Victorian Copeland Parian Ware 'Musidora' Figure by W. Theed

A Victorian Copeland parian ware 'Musidora' figure by W. Theed. Impressed mark Crystal Palace Union. (minor fault). Height 43.5 cm

An exceptional Australian Colonial full cedar pedestal…

Exceptional Australian Colonial Cedar Pedestal Sideboard by John Fletcher

An exceptional Australian Colonial full cedar pedestal sideboard, with carving by John Fletcher, Sydney, late 1840s, the rectangular top with cross-banded edge supporting a broad scrolled backboard with applied carved acanthus scrolls, over a beautifully…

Green wooden refrigerator trolley advertising fish fingers and…

Green Wooden Fish Finger Trolley from Great Exhibition 1983-84

Green wooden refrigerator trolley advertising fish fingers and Kraft chedder exhibited in 'The Great Exhibition' 1983-84, Museum of Victoria curated by Murray Walker; and two others, trolley 93 cm high, 77 cm wide, 31 cm deep (3)