Musings of an Antique Dealer

Troika Pottery

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:14:47 GMT

Different regions of the country, whether that be England and Wales or right down to individual towns and counties, produced antiques that were often very specific to that area, shaped by the local traditions, history and available materials.

With a long history of farming and mining, it’s no surprise that the Westcountry produced a lot of beautiful country furniture but another piece of striking Westcountry design is Troika Pottery. It has a rich history rooted in Cornwall, founded in St Ives in 1962 by three people Leslie Illsley (a sculptor), Jan Thompson (an architect) and Benny Sirota (a potter). The name “Troika” actually comes from the Russian word for “a group of three”, reflecting the three founders.

The pottery was open until 1983 and Troika pieces are very recognisable because of their modernist, almost architectural look which draws influence from the different backgrounds of the founders. Troika pieces often use angular or geometric shapes and have heavy thick walls with rough textured surfaces decorated in abstract designs, sometimes resembling the chimneys of the Cornish tin mines

This large piece is called a Double Base vase because of its shape and shows typical Troika colours and designs. Troika is very popular with collectors and some rare pieces can be very valuable. Condition is important and genuine pieces will always be signed to the base.

Peculiar Pomanders

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:14:44 GMT

It’s easy to imagine how people lived in days gone by - what they wore, what they ate and the type of things they did - but we often forget when we are watching period dramas or looking at old paintings that odour was a real problem. Soap and hot running water were not readily available hundreds of years ago, clothes were not washed frequently and sewage ran through the streets! The only way to ensure you were smelling fragrant was to douse yourself in perfume or carry a pomander!

A pomander is a small, often decorative object that was historically used to hold pleasant smelling substances like herbs, spices or perfume. This example has small holes all around it to allow the fragrant smell out - a bit like a portable air freshener! It would have been filled with aromatic materials such as cloves or ambergris and either worn around the neck or carried.

This example dates from the late 1800s and has been turned and carved entirely from a Coquilla nut - the hard brown, egg shaped fruit of the Brazilian palm tree. Due to its very dense texture, rich colour and ability to take a fine polish it was highly popular in the 18th and 19th century for creating miniature carvings, snuff boxes, buttons, sewing items, and jewellery.

The Antiques Riviera

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 21:14:07 GMT

We're very excited to share that Lydia will be starring in the new Channel 4 series "The Antiques Riviera" for More 4.

Devon isn't just home to beautiful beaches - it also boasts a thriving antique scene. This enlightening 6-part series follows the dealers, collectors and auctioneers of the Riviera as they meet people wanting to sell their treasures.

The series promises antiques, ambition and a dash of rivalry where the stakes are high and the shelves never stay full for long! It's not only entertaining but also a useful insight into what dealers want - and what they'll pay for it.

A reel-y good buy!

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 20:35:42 GMT

I recently bought a large collection of old fishing reels dating from the early to mid 1900s. It was a varied collection including everything from wooden sea fishing reels to spinning reels and fly and salmon reels. The collection itself came in a lovely old fishing basket, called a ‘Creel’. These were traditionally made of wicker, willow, or split reed and were used by anglers to hold caught fish. The design allowed air to circulate which kept the fish cool and creels themselves can be quite collectable now.

Fishing is actually a favourite past time of mine and there is no better way to spend a few hours than sat on a sunny river or lake bank with a rod. There’s a good collector’s market for antique and vintage fishing tackle and it is one of the few collector’s items that you could actually still use - from the old split cane rods to collections of hand-tied salmon flies and beautiful lures. I know that some people even favour the older equipment over today’s modern equivalents. Not only can it be usable but the old reels in particular make very decorative display objects and are collected for their rarity too.

One name I always look out for is “Hardy”. Hardy Bros are one of the most well known and most respected manufacturers when it comes to fishing reels and fishing tackle. They were founded in 1872 in Alnwick by brothers William Hardy and John James Hardy. They were originally gunsmiths but began producing fishing tackle using the same meticulous workmanship and quickly became leaders in the field. They introduced many new features that soon became industry standards. So confident in their designs they released what they called the “Perfect” Reel in 1891. It featured a smooth ball-bearing race for the spool, providing unmatched smoothness and its basic design remains in production today!

Trafalgar Day

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 20:35:39 GMT

The 21st of October is known to some as Trafalgar Day because it marks the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar which took place in 1805. This year will be 220 years since this historic battle which saw The Royal Navy, under the command of Admiral Lord Nelson, defeat the combined fleets of France and Spain.

Tragically, Nelson was shot and killed during the battle, but on his death he became a national hero and a symbol of British naval strength and sacrifice. The scale of mourning was unprecedented with songs, poems, memorials and artworks created to celebrate him. Nelson’s influence was so profound that it even gave rise to the ‘Trafalgar Chair’!

Trafalgar chairs are a specific style of chair that emerged in early 19th-century Britain, named in honour of Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar. They typically have an open curved backrest with a central horizontal bar and sabre splayed legs that curve outwards. Despite the name, Trafalgar chairs are not military chairs, nor were they used in the battle itself. Rather, they became popular in British homes as a show of patriotism following the victory.

I’ve had various examples of Trafalgar chairs over the years and I love the way that they epitomise the elegance of Regency furniture but also reflect the national pride of the early 1800s. It’s also a good example of how furniture design has been influenced by historical events over the centuries.

The design of the splayed legs, whilst elegant and attractive, were sometimes weak and vulnerable to damage so there is good demand for period examples of Trafalgar chairs that have survived in good condition .

Are you sitting comfortably?

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 21:53:16 GMT

If you want to know how to tell whether a chair is good quality and has been well made, there’s a very easy way to find out - simply sit in it! I always say a good chair will be comfortable. You know something has been properly made when you sit in it and you don’t want to get out of it! Everything from the shape and the design to the upholstery has been carefully thought out and skilfully constructed. You’ll feel supported and the shape will feel natural with no sharp edges or awkward protruding angles.

This theory was put to the test and proved true again this week when I bought this leather lounge chair with matching footstool. It is a very recognisable design first introduced by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956 in America. The chair was inspired by the traditional English club chair and Charles wanted the chair to have "the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt”. From those original designs the chair has gone on to be produced to this very day and has been seen in magazines, studios and film sets across the world.

This particular chair was made later than the original but has been made in the same style and to the same high quality standards. It’s not strictly an antique but, like I’ve said before, there are some pieces which are such iconic designs that I can’t resist buying them. The great thing with these timeless pieces is that they can be mixed so effortlessly with any interior, modern or classic, and they never seem to look out of place.

Welsh Blankets

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:40:01 GMT

No two days are ever the same in this business. The pressure to keep the shop full of new and interesting items means I’m always hunting down fresh stock - following up leads, visiting trusted contacts and making new ones. This takes me far and wide and this week I’ve been travelling through Wales where I was able to buy a fabulous collection of Welsh Blankets.

Sheep farming and the wool industry has shaped Wales’s economy for centuries and the production of blankets can be traced back to the 12th Century! Originally made at home on a small loom, the industry grew in the 18th and 19th centuries when commercial mills were established.

A particular feature of Welsh blankets is the woven double cloth technique which produces a pattern on both sides, making the blankets reversible. Each region and indeed each mill had their own distinctive patterns, some of which were carefully passed down through generations. For example, the Caernarfon pattern is one of the most iconic and traditional with its geometric design featuring a series of interlocking portcullises, usually created with two to four colours. Plaid Blankets were a popular design and colours became more bold over time with the introduction of synthetic dyes.

Traditionally, a pair of Welsh blankets were given as a wedding gift and they were believed to capture the feeling of ‘Hiraeth’, a Welsh word for homesickness and longing for home. Queen Victoria was even gifted a Welsh blanket on her wedding day in 1840!

At its peak there were more than 300 mills in Wales producing Welsh blankets but the industry almost disappeared in the 20th century and now just a handful of mills remain. However they are continuing this important tradition and the Welsh blanket maintains its cultural significance as well as being a very collectable, usable and decorative item.

Learn the lingo

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:40:00 GMT

The antiques world is full of jargon - from cabriole legs to ogee feet and dentil cornices to boule work - it can be difficult to get your head around some of the vocabulary! I’ve gotten used to the lingo over the years and some of words can actually be found when talking about architecture or buildings and tend to describe different styles of moulding or decorative shapes.

However I realised recently, whilst talking to a customer about a bachelor’s chest and seeing their look of confusion, that perhaps not everyone is as familiar with the terminology as I am so I thought it might be useful to cover a few common terms.

To begin with, a bachelor’s chest refers to a small sized chest of drawers, usually dating from the Georgian period. What particularly makes it a bachelors chest and not just an ordinary chest of drawers is the brushing slide - which is another great piece of terminology in itself! A brushing slide is the flat shelf that pulls out from the top of the chest and was simply used for brushing your clothes. An odd notion now perhaps, but if you were a bachelor in the 1800s and did not have a wife to brush your clothes for you, you would have to do it yourself. This shelf meant that your clothes could be laid out and brushed to remove dirt, hair and debris before getting dressed - all very useful for a Georgian gent long before the days of hoovers!

This bachelor’s chest also has cock beading - another favourite phrase! Cock beading refers to the narrow strip of wood, usually rounded or slightly moulded, which is applied around the edge of a drawer front. It has two main purposes - both aesthetic and functional. The cock beading adds depth and elegance to the drawer front enhancing its appearance but it also helps to protect the veneer on the edge of the drawer from chipping. It was time consuming to produce and required a lot of skill from the cabinet maker so it is a good sign of quality. Cock beading can be useful when trying to date a piece of furniture because it was particularly used on pieces dating between the mid 18th and mid 19th Century.

This chest also has escutcheons which refer to the metal plates fitted around keyholes. Some are set discreetly into the keyhole to protect the edges from chipping and some sit around it to act as decorative features as well. They are most commonly made from brass and usually match the style of the handles.

Of course it’s not necessary to speak the lingo to enjoy buying antiques. It’s interesting to learn some different terms and maybe you’ll be able to name a few features on pieces you already own but don’t be intimidated if you don’t know your parquetry from your stringing! I’m always happy to share my knowledge and answer any questions and even now I’m still learning new things!

Terrific Treen

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:39:59 GMT

Treen is one of those words that’s quite specific to the antiques trade and it’s simply the name we give to small items made entirely of wood. Before metal and ceramics became widely used, most household items were made from wood. Highly skilled woodturners and carvers could create almost anything with only manually powered lathes and hand tools.

These two items, a dairy bowl and a cream skimmer, would have been used daily on a farm in the production of cream and butter. Fresh milk would have been poured into the bowl and left to sit so the cream would naturally rise to the top. Once the cream rose to the surface, it was skimmed off, using the skimmer, to make butter or clotted cream.

Both of these items are turned from Sycamore wood that would have been carefully chosen for its non-tainting and close-grained properties, which made it ideal for food preparation. Sycamore would not flavour or taint the milk and the tight grain made it easy to clean and more resistant to bacteria compared to other more porous woods.

There would be nothing to stop the bowl and skimmer being used for their original purpose today but more often than not items like this are used as beautiful decorative pieces - perhaps a fruit bowl or somewhere to put your keys or loose change. There is a good collectors market for pieces of antique treen and it’s easy to see why.

Howard & Sons

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 21:23:42 GMT

The quality of antique furniture speaks for itself in the simple fact that it is still here all these years after it was made. Great care, time and skill went into making antique furniture and, whilst the quality is always good, there are some pieces that really are in a league of their own.

There are a couple of particular names that we look out for which always guarantee the finest quality, one being “Howard & Sons”. Howard & Sons were founded in London in 1820 and quickly grew to be one of the most prestigious and respected makers of luxury furniture in the Victorian and Edwardian periods. They supplied furniture to aristocracy, stately homes and prestigious institutions, furnishing many major country houses and clubs in England. They could even include Royalty on their client list!

They were particularly well known for their armchairs and sofas but this Oak extending dining table is also a Howard & Sons piece. There are telltale signs that suggest it might have been made by someone special - from the quality and cut of the wood to the weight and the construction. Howard & Sons would usually sign most of their pieces and this table also has the maker’s stamp and serial number.

Delftware

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 21:23:40 GMT

This pair of Delft plates date from the late 18th Century and were made in the Netherlands. Delftware production began in the early 17th century as Dutch potters sought to replicate the fine Chinese porcelain that was being imported by the Dutch East India Company.

Delft plates are made from earthenware coated with a distinctive white tin glaze, which gives them a smooth, porcelain-like appearance and are traditionally painted in blues.

Delft pieces often have some form of signature or mark but it’s not always a straightforward ‘Delft’ stamp. These plates have the 'hatchet' makers mark for De Porceleyne Bijl (The Porcelain Axe).

There is a good collectors market for early pieces of Delft, especially pieces in good condition and those with rare or unusual patterns can command a good price.

Chatelaines

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 21:23:38 GMT

tyles and fashions are always changing through the years and antiques are a tangible reminder of what life was like in different eras. I recently bought this lovely silver chatelaine - an object that is rarely used or seen nowadays but was once an essential everyday item.

The word “Chatelaine” is derived from the French for “Keeper of the Castle” or “Mistress of the Chateau” and essentially referred to the lady in charge. Over time, it came to describe the decorative clasp or hook that such a lady would have worn at the waist, from which various household tools or accessories were suspended on chains - think Mrs Hughes in Downton Abbey!

Chatelaines were popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, during which most women’s clothing did not have pockets and women did not traditionally carry handbags like we do today. A chatelaine was essentially a sort of key chain, somewhere to keep the keys to the larder or tea chest but also somewhere to keep other daily essentials such as small embroidery scissors, a watch, snuff box or perfume vial. This very practical accessory would hold all of these and other essential items, which a head of house, a nanny or nurse might need at a moment’s notice.

As with most items, Chatelaines eventually became a symbol of a person’s wealth. A wealthy person might wear a very decorative and ornate Chatelaine made from precious metals such as silver and adorned with precious stones. As handbags became the fashion, the Chatelaine shrank in appearance and functionality, but was still a popular ornamental piece. Men began wearing them from their waistcoat to carry their watch and women began wearing them more as a decorative accessory around their neck and even around their wrist - perhaps this was the origin of the modern day charm bracelet?

Waste not, want not!

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 20:47:22 GMT

I have always championed antiques as being a very sustainable way to shop and buying antique, vintage or second-hand is truly the ultimate way to recycle. However these paperweights really take recycling to the next level and are a true champion of a ‘waste not, want not’ attitude. They are called Stourbridge Dumps after the famous glassmaking region of Stourbridge where they were made in the 19th Century.

Unlike the more refined and decorative French paperweights of the time made by Baccarat or Clichy, Stourbridge dump paperweights are a unique type of glass paperweight created using leftover molten glass at the end of the day. Literally ‘dumps’ of leftover glass were roughly shaped into paperweight form rather than be wasted.

They are more rustic and substantial in appearance with some natural flaws but there is beauty in this and often flower designs can be found inside.

Samplers

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 20:47:20 GMT

I’ve always had a fondness for antique Samplers and the story they can tell. For those who aren’t familiar with them, a Sampler is the name given to a needlework or embroidery that was traditionally created as a way for young girls to practice their needlework skills.

In times gone by it was an essential skill for a young woman to be able to sew and this was often taught at home in the form of Samplers. Traditionally girls would be given a square of cloth or canvas on which to embroider a design to practise their skills and it was not unusual for girls as young as 4 or 5 to do this.

They would most commonly sew the letters of the alphabet, practicing both upper case and lower case and rows of numbers. They would also embroider small pictures of trees, animals or personal things such as their home. Nearly all samplers were finished with the name and age of the child who made them and the date when they were made so they give a real insight into the past. This one was sewn over 200 years ago by Mary Brown in 1811.

Some of the earliest samplers date back to the 1400s but they are most commonly found to date from the 18th and 19th century. As well as age, condition is key when it comes to collecting and valuing samplers. We always look for vibrant colours and make sure there are no holes or tears.

I wonder what the children would have thought if they knew hundreds of years later their work would be collected and displayed in homes and museums all over the world?!

Scrimshaw

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 20:47:15 GMT

The Antiques Trade is always evolving and some fashions change just as quick as laws and regulations do. Just like with any trade there are rules and regulations that we must abide by, whether that is in terms of insurance or VAT or the actual legalities around what we are selling.

In June 2022 the Ivory ban came into force in the UK which fundamentally changed how we sell ivory pieces and we’ve had to learn to adapt to the new rules since then. Prior to the ban, it was legal to sell worked ivory pieces that predated 1947 but now there is a blanket ban on ivory sales, regardless of their age. There are a few minor exceptions including portrait miniatures and items which have an ivory content of less than 10%; for example an item with handles or inlay may be exempt but a licence from DEFRA is still needed in order to sell it.

Now, from the 28th of January 2025, the Government have further extended this ban to include the sale of Marine Ivory such as Scrimshaw and Narwhal tusks. Scrimshaw is the art of engraving or carving intricate designs into materials such as whale teeth or walrus tusks or bone from other marine animals. This craft is traditionally associated with sailors who began practising it during the 18th and 19th centuries and there has always been a strong collectors market for such items.

Ivory is a difficult topic and always evokes strong feelings on both sides of the argument. It is hard to get the balance right between preserving and respecting these historical items whilst also being able to protect the wild animals at risk as a result of the trade. If you are concerned that you might own a piece of ivory or scrimshaw there is no need to worry, it is not illegal to own the items it is only the sale and purchase that has been restricted.

Murano Magic

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 22:16:24 GMT

I am usually drawn to good quality English antiques, particularly simple country furniture. I love antiques that are tactile and made from beautiful wood. I’d say that usually my taste is quite understated but I have to admit that I have somewhat broken the mould recently and absolutely fallen in love with this opulent Murano glass chandelier. It is big, bold, glitzy and very pink! I wish the low ceilings in my cottage would allow for such extravagance but alas they will not!

It was made by Murano Glass and dates from the mid 20th Century. The island of Murano is near Venice in Italy and is world famous for its glassmaking. With a history dating back to the 8th century it still makes glass to this day. Murano became a hub for glassmaking in 1291 when Venice, fearing fires in its wooden buildings, ordered glass furnaces to be moved to the island and the industry really took off.

Every piece is individually hand blown and the craftsmanship is renowned for its vibrant colours and innovative techniques. This chandelier comprises over 20 individually made parts that come together to make this one spectacular chandelier.

A miniature mystery!

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 22:16:21 GMT

After more than 10 years of buying and selling antiques it fascinates me that I can still come across things that I’ve never seen before and this happened recently when I bought a small silver brush. It measures just over 3 inches long and is hallmarked sterling silver. From the hallmark I can tell that it was made in Birmingham in 1904 by the makers Adie & Lovekin.

On first inspection I thought it was a dolls house accessory. Dolls Houses were big business in the Victorian era and early 20th century and I see lots of miniature items from that period that are in fact Dolls House replicas. They came in various scales from the very small to really quite large and no expense was spared in furnishing them.

However, whilst the age of my miniature brush was correct, the size was slightly too big and the shape resembled more that of a toothbrush than a miniature hair brush so further research was needed. A little bit of exploration and digging into miniature brushes led me to discover that it is in fact a moustache and eyebrow grooming brush! A distinguished Edwardian gentleman would have used this brush every morning to ensure his moustache and eyebrows were in tip-top condition - who’d have thought it?

Good shot!

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 14:37:55 GMT

Those of you who have popped in to the shop might have met Ginny my cocker spaniel. She is not often in the shop because, as all spaniel owners will know, she’d rather be out running around than sat quietly in the shop! She is a working dog and during the shoot season I enjoy taking her beating and picking up. As we enter October, that signals the start of the Pheasant season and shoots will begin taking place up and down the country so it was quite exciting to be able to buy two very fitting shooting related antiques recently.

The first is a leather cartridge case with its original fitted interior and a retailer’s label for “Ebrall Bros Gun Manufacturers Shrewsbury”. The second item is a ‘Leg O Mutton’ leather gun case - so called because of its distinctive shape. Both of these items date from around the late 1800s to early 1900s but are still perfectly functional and usable items as well as being very decorative. The leather has worn beautifully and has that perfect patina that we look for on antiques with a depth of colour that just can’t be reproduced!

Automobilia

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 14:37:54 GMT

On a visit to a property in the South Hams to appraise a collection of antique furniture I admired a Morris Minor Traveller parked on the driveway, only to be informed that it too had to be sold. I couldn’t resist it so I made an offer and it was accepted!

Just like anything else I buy it had to spend some time in the workshop. It needed some repairs to the iconic wooden frame, a new exhaust and a good clean and now it’s looking great and driving great! However this particular purchase won’t be sold just yet. I’m really enjoying using it and it’s a nice change from driving those narrow Dartmoor lanes in our van! I plan to use it for some of the smaller local deliveries so if you see us out and about do say hello!

The car was made in 1971, so it is not quite an antique by definition, but one thing the Morris does have in spades is character and personality! It always draws a crowd when it's parked up and I’ve heard stories of people growing up with one or even learning to drive in one! It’s reminded me that ‘antiques’ don’t have to be over 100 years old to be special, it’s this connection they give us with the past that we all love

Automobilia in itself is a popular area of collecting and refers to anything relating to motor vehicles or the car industry and can date from the early 20th century right up to the 1970s. Automobilia can include a wide range of items, such as classic hood ornaments, vintage advertisements, enamel signs, car parts, badges, promotional materials, gas pumps, old petrol cans and ephemera.

It’s an area of antiques that is growing in popularity and can appeal to a wide range of collectors of all ages from those restoring priceless classic cars searching for that perfect part to complete their restoration down to enthusiasts just decorating their garage.

Automobilia is quite easy to find and doesn’t have to be expensive. I’ve bought lots of examples over the years but one of my favourite pieces was this brass car lamp dating from the early 1900s. It was so well made with a copper name plate for “Howes & Burley” and a hinged front lens to give access to the paraffin burner inside.

Cars in the early 20th Century and, prior to this, carriages would have had paraffin lamps just like this one mounted to the front to light the way. I often think some of the technology on the Morris is old fashioned but at least I can be thankful that it has electric headlights!

By Candle Light

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 14:39:13 GMT

I recently bought this beautiful Georgian table which is a good reminder of how different life was in the 18th Century. This table has an unusual feature in its pull out candle stand which is a small pull out shelf at the front of the table which would have supported a candle.

We can often forget that candle light would have once been the main source of light in a home. Candles were valuable commodities and were often kept in their own candle boxes. In some households they would have even been kept under lock and key. Have you ever noticed the small box within a larger blanket chest, usually to the one side? These sections were specifically for candles and the chest would have been locked to keep them safe.

New Old Stock

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 14:36:10 GMT

There’s a phrase that we use in the antiques trade “new old stock” to refer to something that is old but has never been used. We don’t just mean something that has been looked after, this is used when an item is completely original and untouched in its original packaging, hence the term “new old stock”.

It could be something that was bought and never used or often stock that has been discontinued and left in the store room of a shop, warehouse or even shed. Whatever it is, we don’t come across it very often, so I was thrilled to pick up this remarkable old lock in its original box, complete with fitting instructions, templates and its original screws - having never been out of the box.

The instructions are dated 1939 so presumably it was issued just as WW2 began and the door it was to be fitted to no longer needed a lock or perhaps the man who was to fit it went off to war and maybe never returned. Whatever happened to change its course, it has sat in its box for 85 years until the day that I took it out - quite amazing when you think about it.

It’s not just any lock either, it’s a toilet door lock and comes with its handle, bolt and original signs which read ‘Please bolt the door’ and ‘Pennies only. To gain admission drop a penny in the lock and slide the knob’. This is of course where the phrase ‘to spend a penny’ comes from. This lock and ones just like it would have been fitted to a public toilet and those wanting to use it would have had to pay a penny to enter. Even after 85 years it could still be fitted to a door and only needs an old penny to be fully functioning - what an amazing time capsule after all these years. I’d love to have it fitted to my toilet door at home!

How did the Georgians keep their drinks cool?

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 14:34:25 GMT

Antiques can have a special way of taking us back in time and reminding us of a bygone era and that is particularly true of this fabulous Georgian Cellarette. It dates from around 1780 and the simplest way of describing it is as a Georgian refrigerator! When we fancy a nice chilled bottle of wine we can simply get one from the fridge but in 1780 no electricity meant no fridges.

This Cellarette is beautifully made from mahogany and has a lead lining with sections for each bottle. The Georgians would have filled it with ice and this lead lining would have kept the contents insulated and chilled as well as protecting the mahogany outer. The wheels on the base allowed it to be easily moved from one room to another making it convenient to serve drinks to guests - the Georgians really did think of everything!

Of course not only were there no refrigerators but of course no freezers either so where did the ice come from in the first place? Ice itself was an important commodity in those days and reserved only for the upper classes because it was difficult to keep it frozen.

First they had to harvest the ice which was typically taken from lakes, rivers and ponds during the winter when natural bodies of water froze over. Workers would cut large blocks of ice, sometimes several feet thick and transport them to ice houses.

Ice Houses can be found in the grounds of large estates and were usually constructed underground or partially underground to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. They were heavily insulated with materials like straw, sawdust or wood shavings to prevent the ice from melting. The walls were thick and the doors were tightly sealed to limit any heat from entering. The insulation and cool air inside these structures helped keep ice frozen for several months, sometimes lasting well into the summer!

Nanking Cargo

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:55:57 GMT

If I were to tell you that this little tea bowl and saucer was recovered from the bottom of the ocean, completely undamaged, after lying on a sunken wreck for over 200 years you’d probably say it was impossible or I’d made it up but in fact it is completely true.

This bowl and saucer is part of the famous Nanking Cargo which refers to a valuable shipment of Chinese porcelain, tea, gold and other goods from the 18th century that was discovered on the wreck of the Dutch East India Company ship Geldermalsen. The ship, which was en route from China to the Netherlands, sank in the South China Sea in 1752 after striking a reef. The Nanking Cargo remained underwater for over two centuries until it was salvaged in 1985 by Captain Michael Hatcher, a professional treasure hunter.

The porcelain that the ship was carrying had been made in Jingdezhen in China but was destined for export to the European market. What made the discovery of the Nanking Cargo so special was just how well preserved it was. Of course, being a cargo ship, the goods would have been well packaged in crates with protective wrapping to survive the journey but certainly not packaged to withstand hitting a reef and sinking to the bottom of the ocean. Remarkably though, nearly all of the porcelain cargo was intact and thousands of pieces were able to be safely salvaged.

The collection was sold off by auction over 5 days at Christies in 1986. Each piece was lotted and numbered and the sale drew over 20,000 people with both collectors and museums keen to acquire a piece of this precious cargo. To this day, many of the pieces retain their original Christies auction sticker and this helps to certify their provenance from other similar Chinese porcelain of the period.

Chinoiserie Delights

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:55:57 GMT

Chinoiserie comes from the French word "chinois," meaning “Chinese.” A chinoiserie design often includes depictions of Chinese landscapes, pagodas, dragons, birds, flowers and figures dressed in traditional Chinese clothing. It is typically produced in lacquer ware, usually on a black background but red, green and blue are also sometimes seen. The designs are all hand painted and usually feature gold or gilded highlights, used to add a sense of opulence.

We see Chinoiserie designs on smaller items such as boxes and lamps all the way up to larger items of furniture such as wardrobes and clocks and such was the fashion that even whole room suites could be bought! This sewing cabinet dates from the late 1800s and is black lacquer with a silk fitted interior.

As trade with China and other East Asian countries increased in the 18th and 19th centuries, so it became popular to replicate their culture and designs in Europe. In fact this newly discovered fascination influenced European architecture and interior design with many palaces and country estates featuring rooms or entire wings decorated in this Oriental style. Elements like pagoda-style roofs, trelliswork and oriental-themed rooms became popular in the grand homes of the aristocracy. The Royal Pavilion in Brighton, built for King George IV, is an iconic example of chinoiserie in architecture and features extensive chinoiserie decoration inside and out.

Exotic Zanzibar

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:55:56 GMT

I love to mix and match different styles and antiques needn’t be boring or constrain you to one particular design. Antiques provide an opportunity to imagine your home in a completely unique way using one off items and they don't come much more striking than a Zanzibar chest, so called because they originated from the island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa.

Zanzibar chests are typically made from hardwoods like teak, mahogany or camphor but the most distinctive feature is the elaborate decoration. They are embellished with brass or copper fittings such as corner brackets, straps, pierced sheets and studs which not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also reinforce the structure of the chest. Some are also ornately carved with these geometric patterns and designs covering every side of the chest.

Zanzibar was a key trading hub in the Indian Ocean for centuries, linking Africa, the Middle East, India and beyond. The designs on these chests reflect this cultural melting pot with influences from Arab, Indian and African cultures.

Historically they were used by wealthy traders and families to store valuables, clothing and important documents and they come in all shapes and sizes. The chests were both functional items and symbols of status, often passed down through generations and some would have even been used as dowry chests for weddings.

Nowadays they really pack a punch when it comes to adding some character to a space. Every one is unique and their size means they make excellent coffee tables, end of bed storage or even toy trunks.

Willow Pattern

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:11:29 GMT

I’m always changing things around in the shop and as well as decorating our window display I take great pleasure in dressing any Welsh Dressers that we might have. I use anything that we’ve got in the shop, from arrays of copper to glassware, kitchenalia and vintage French plates. I particularly like using traditional Blue and White china and this one here is currently done with a mixture of Willow pattern and Asiatic Pheasant.

This particular dresser dates from around 1800 and originates from North Wales. The plates are slightly later, mainly ranging from around 1840 - 1880. Willow Pattern is one of the most common designs we see on Blue and White china and true Willow pattern will feature a Pagoda, a bridge with three figures, a weeping willow tree and doves.

According to the legend, the pattern supposedly tells the story of a wealthy man's daughter who falls in love with a commoner. Her father forbids the match and imprisons her but the lovers escape, only to be pursued. Eventually, they transform into doves symbolising their eternal love.

The Willow pattern design was first introduced to England in around 1780 by Thomas Minton. It became widely popular through the work of potteries such as Spode, Wedgwood and Johnson Brothers and the Industrial Revolution enabled production on a large scale. We commonly see plates of varying sizes but also platters, serving dishes, tureens, jugs and other items of tableware. It wouldn’t have been uncommon to have had an entire dinner service in a pattern like this.

Tribal Masks

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:11:27 GMT

This year's theme for Ashburton Carnival was the Jungle and all of the shopkeepers in town were asked to create Jungle themed windows to celebrate carnival week. It was tricky to work out exactly what to include but, in the end, along with lots of greenery and the odd toy snake, we featured some beautiful Tribal masks and figures.

African masks and other pieces of Tribal art are popular decorative items and have long been brought back to the UK as souvenirs of ones travels. There are two distinct markets for Tribal pieces. First there is the decorative market in which more modern pieces sit and those items which have been produced for the purpose of being sold. Then there is the collectors market for the original pieces. These are the genuine items which were made to be used by the tribes in their villages in day to day life. Whether it’s everyday cooking utensils, tools, weapons, stools or jewellery, some of these pieces can date back many hundreds of years and are very desirable and collectable items.

Whether an item is an original piece or a tourist piece there are still many hours of work that go into creating these beautiful objects and they are very striking interior pieces. Even the more modern items will usually still be made using traditional techniques and it can sometimes be hard to tell a real genuine piece from a more modern one. The main thing to look out for is signs of use. Remember that the genuine pieces will have been used so check for signs of wear - knocks, marks, small damages and perhaps losses to the paint. They will feel like they’ve had a life.

Tribal masks were traditionally used in rituals, dances or religious ceremonies. They are more often than not made from wood with hand carved details but can also be adorned with shells, feathers, leaves and paint. They were made to represent spirits, ancestors, deities and animals and some can be quite terrifying or even comical in their appearance!

Industrial Decor

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 20:16:24 GMT

It would have been unheard of 20 years ago to put a rusty oil stained stool fresh from the factory floor into an antique shop but nowadays the trend for Industrial decor is very popular. I’ve never been afraid to mix old and new and I think the right industrial pieces can sit very nicely alongside more traditional antiques.

Despite their utilitarian purpose, many industrial antiques show high levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail. They are always very well made and good quality too, designed to withstand daily use and made to last. They were looked after and serviced as vital parts of the business; testament to the fact that so many pieces still survive today and can continue to be used and enjoyed!

Industrial lighting in particular is always very popular and these 3 large pendant lights by Thorlux date from the 1940s and would have originally hung in a factory. Thorlux specialised in robust, functional lighting solutions for factories, workshops and other industrial environments. Their lights were hand made in Birmingham and finished in a durable vitreous enamel coating made to withstand the harsh environments.

Lights such as this are commonly used in retail or hospitality settings now but it isn’t unusual to see them used in the home as well.

Tunbridge Ware

Wed, 29 May 2024 14:09:47 GMT

It’s often said that the best things come in small packages and a craftsman doesn’t always need a big piece of furniture to show off his skills. In fact sometimes, the smaller and more intricate a piece is, the more impressive it can be and that’s certainly the case with Tunbridge Ware.

It gets its name from the town of Tunbridge Wells where this particular style of craft became popular. During the Victorian era in particular, there were lots of visitors to the Spa town, drawn by the natural springs that were said to offer pure air and healthy waters - even Queen Victoria herself made a visit!

Local craftsmen were quick to capitalise on the influx of wealthy visitors and produced souvenirs for them to purchase and take home. This helped Tunbridge Ware really take off and it grew in popularity as it spread across the country.

Tunbridge Ware is characterised by incredibly detailed mosaic patterns made using inlay, marquetry and parquetry techniques to create intricate designs. Patterns often include geometric shapes, floral motifs and sometimes images of local landmarks, animals or famous personalities. The designs are made primarily from native woods such as sycamore, beech, holly and walnut as well as exotic woods like ebony which provide the darker shades.

The mosaic designs were achieved by cutting very thin strips of wood which were then glued together to form a block in the shape of the desired pattern. The block was sliced into thin veneers that were then applied to the surface of the item being decorated. Intricate patterns were planned out on paper and colour coded before the process even began to ensure each strip was in the correct place.

One small box such as this one could take weeks of careful planning, preparation and hard work to achieve the highly skilled finish. Due to the immense amount of work involved, these mosaic designs are usually only seen on small items and this particular piece opens up into a letter rack and dates from around 1860.

The Grand Tour

Wed, 29 May 2024 14:09:46 GMT

I bought a lovely desk thermometer recently. It’s an unusual piece and something that I would describe as being ‘Grand Tour’ style. ’Grand Tour’ is a term used to refer to items that were essentially brought back as souvenirs from journeys in the 18th and 19th Century. It was very popular throughout this time for mainly young, aristocratic men to take an extended journey through Europe, referred to as the ‘Grand Tour’. It was seen almost as a rite of passage so that they could experience first hand the art, history and culture of European countries and broaden their horizons culturally and intellectually.

During these journeys, which could last for months or even years, they would visit important historical sites, study art and architecture, learn languages, and immerse themselves in the classical heritage of Europe. What they saw influenced everything from architecture to furniture design and fashion of the time.

Just as we often do nowadays when we go on holiday, it was common for travellers to bring back items with them to show off to friends back in England and display at home as a reminder of their journey. These items collected on the Grand Tour are always of the highest quality and usually of a classical design, drawing influence from the Ancient Roman and Greek history found in many European cities. Pieces are often made from serpentine, marble, alabaster or bronze and sometimes depict famous landmarks. You can see this classical influence particularly in the columns either side of the thermometer.

Hat Pins

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:14:54 GMT

I’m always on the lookout for different and unusual items to buy and this lovely collection of hat pins caught my eye recently. These bygone items were essential elements of women's fashion during the Victorian and Edwardian era when they were used to secure hats in place. Hat pins varied in length with some being relatively short and practical for securing smaller hats, while others were much longer and designed to pierce through thick hairstyles and secure larger hats.

Nowadays they rarely get used but nonetheless there is still a good collectors market for hat pins and they appeal to enthusiasts of vintage fashion and accessories as well as collectors of silver. Hat pins were made from various materials including silver but also brass and gold and even precious gemstones like pearls or diamonds were used.

As well as having a practical use, hat pins were also a fashion statement and a way for women to express their personal style. The shaft of the pin was typically made of metal while the decorative head could feature intricate designs or embellishments including intricate filigree work, enamel detailing or motifs inspired by nature such as flowers, birds, or insects. Others might have been adorned with miniature portraits, cameos, or symbolic motifs.

Any fashionable lady of the time would have amassed quite a collection of hat pins to match various different hats and outfits and so would have required a special stand on which to display and store them. These stands were mostly made from silver with a pin-cushion style base and arms to support the hat pins.

Medals

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 13:34:57 GMT

Antiques have a unique way of evoking memories and none more tangible in my opinion than medals. I bought this set of medals recently that particularly touched me. They weren’t the most special set in terms of the actual medals but they did come in their original box with the medals in their original wrappers and the ribbons unworn. This was nice to find but what was particularly special was the letter that came with them. It read as follows : “The Under-Secretary of State for Air presents his compliments and by Command of the Air Council has the honour to transmit the enclosed awards granted for service in the war 1939-1945. The Council share your sorrow that Flying Officer Easson in respect of whose service these awards are granted did not live to receive them”.

It really struck me that the brave airman who earned these medals never got to wear them and his family, for one reason or another, never took them out of the box. Perhaps the medals were too painful a reminder of what they had lost. Their father, son or husband never returned from War, the only thing to come home were his medals.

Whilst I can understand how painful this must have been, it seems a shame that this brave man’s medals were not on display and so I hope I will now able to sell them to someone who will appreciate them and his memory will live on and his story will continue to be told for generations to come.

Sunday service!

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 13:34:56 GMT

When people come in to the shop, I’m often asked ‘where does it all come from?’. There’s no simple answer or magic formula and we work very hard to source fresh and interesting stock from all over the country. There’s a common misconception that most of our stock probably comes from auctions but in truth hardly any of it does. Most of the pieces are sourced privately and I’m very privileged to be invited to some fabulous houses, estates, businesses and, this week, even a church!

Historic buildings such as churches can be great places to buy stock. Although places such as this will want to keep a lot of their historic items there also comes a time when items are no longer functional and need to be sold so that newer pieces can be bought and important funds can be raised for the upkeep of the building.

I never quite know what I’m going to find but I’m nearly always guaranteed of some chapel chairs or pews. They are a simple design instantly recognisable and always very well made and sturdy. Of course they were made in large numbers so I can usually buy them in bulk and this makes them great for restaurants and cafes as well as for homes.

I was also able to buy some more interesting and unusual pieces such as this collection pot. It is made of oak and probably dates from the late Victorian era and even comes with its original key. It would have been passed down the rows at the end of the service and the felt lining would have muffled the noise of any coins dropping (or not dropping!) inside. Nowadays it is really just a decorative or novelty item but it is so tactile and full of history. I’d love to put it by my front door and see people’s reactions when they come in. Or maybe I should save it for a quiet day in the shop!

Anglepoise Lamps

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 13:26:44 GMT

The official definition of a proper antique is something that is over 100 years old and the vast majority of what we sell is indeed that age or older. However I don’t stick to any particular rules - if I like something I buy it and sometimes good design shines through.

The Anglepoise lamp is one of the most recognisable designs of the 20th century and the unique ‘4 spring’ design has remained largely unchanged since it was first invented in the 1930s. It was a car suspension engineer who first thought of putting the springs into a lamp and this meant that the lamp could be easily repositioned without having to be clamped or moved. The idea quickly took off and the Anglepoise lamp was used everywhere from factories to hospitals and even in military navigation rooms during wartime.

I have bought and sold many Anglepoise lamps over the years and most tend to be cream or black in colour so I was pleased to be able to pick up this more unusual red coloured one recently. This particular model dates from the 1950s and even has its original bakelite bulb holder which is rare to see. Old light bulbs got very hot when used and often this would eventually cause damage to the bulb holders. We were able to re-wire the lamp with modern cable whilst keeping the original bulb holder. Modern bulbs emit far less heat now so there’s no reason why this lamp shouldn’t continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

The great thing with these timeless design icons is that they can be mixed so effortlessly with any interior, modern or classic, and they never seem to look out of place.

Glassware

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:24:31 GMT

I'm often shocked just how affordable antique glassware can be. In particular decanters - a good Victorian decanter can sometimes be worth as little as £10 to £20 which seems crazy when they are just as good as modern ones, if not better. These antique decanters have been beautifully hand made by skilled craftsmen who have meticulously cut and polished the glass. Even those with a silver collar can be worth as little as £50.

Why is this? Trends and fashions in society change and people just don’t use them as often now as they used to. I personally think they’re great - there is such pleasure in decanting a bottle of wine or spirits into a decanter, which could be over two hundred years old and wondering who may have used it in the past. They also serve a practical purpose, designed to promote the proper aeration and ageing of the alcohol.

Of course, as with any market, there is a higher end too and early 17th and 18th century examples or those with unusual etchings or rare shapes and colours can be very sought after and fetch many hundreds of pounds but the lower end of the market really leaves no excuse for us all not to own a decanter or two!

Antique glasses themselves can be very good value as well. We frequently sell Victorian rummers for as little as £20 or £30. The name ‘Rummer’ covers a broad range of drinking glasses from across many centuries but all of which are generally characterised by a large bowl, short stem and wide foot. Again, price varies depending on age and style but some of these basic hand blown examples can be very affordable. These older glasses are such good quality with a reassuring weight that always makes the drink inside taste better - whether that’s water or wine!

It can be difficult to tell the age of glass sometimes and distinguish new from old. One key thing to look out for is wear and this can often be hard to spot because the only real place a glass gets worn is on the bottom where it has been placed down and moved around. Most old glassware will have a degree of age-related wear such a scratches and rubbing where the bottom of the glass has touched different surfaces and this is a good indicator that a piece is genuinely old.

Gurgle Jugs

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 18:36:32 GMT

I recently bought a large collection of Dartmouth Pottery “Gurgle Jugs” and was fascinated to find out some of the history behind these iconic pieces. We’ve probably all seen them - the distinctive fish shape jugs with a wide open mouth and tail for a handle. I bet many of us have heard them too. They get their name because their design means that they make a “glug glug’ sound when pouring.

Dartmouth Pottery began producing them in the 1940s right up until the factory closed in 2002. I’ve bought and sold a number of them over the years and knew they came from Dartmouth but I’ve now learnt that they have a much longer history than this. They were first produced in Staffordshire in the 1870s and various makers and manufacturers handled the production over the years, staying true to the original design. After WWII there were restrictions imposed on many of the large ceramic factories due to shortages in materials but Dartmouth Pottery, being newly established and quite a small factory, were able to take over the production without these restrictions.

The other good thing about buying a collection is that they usually contain some rarities. Some of the most common Gurgle jugs are green in colour but this collection has some rare colours that I have never seen before - bright yellow, baby pink and powder blue were all produced in small numbers and are hard to come by. The collection also contains some limited edition jugs made in collaboration with Plymouth Gin and Scotch Whisky as well as some made to commemorate the Silver Jubilee and the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.

However the very pinnacle of the collection was something very rare indeed - a pair of Gurgle jugs commissioned by Dartmouth Naval College to be made in honour of a visit by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1958. It is believed that only 8 pairs were made - one to be presented to the Queen, another to be kept in the naval college, a couple for other high ranking individuals and of course a few spare in case of any damages or malfunctions during production. Once these jugs were made the moulds were destroyed so no more could be produced.

Sadly Queen Elizabeth never actually made the visit after being taken ill but the jugs were still sent on to the palace for her. They are in a traditional green colour and one has Queen Elizabeth’s royal monogram and the other has Prince Philip’s. They are dated 1958 and marked BRNC for Britannia Royal Naval College.

Who knows how many of the original 8 pairs have survived these last 65 years and it is truly wonderful to be able to buy such a rare item with great local history too. From a small factory in Dartmouth these fish have really stood the test of time and are still immensely popular today for serving water, wine or even just as a decorative vase.

Apothecary

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 19:21:50 GMT

I’m pleased to say that modern medicine has come on leaps and bounds in the past couple of hundred years but old medical antiques can give us a real glimpse into a time when science and medicine were not so advanced.

If you had to call a Doctor out in the 1820s he’d have turned up at your door carrying a medicine chest or ‘Apothecary’s cabinet’ just like this one. In it were a range of tinctures, herbs and chemicals from iodine to morphine and everything in between. It also contained items like scales, measuring beakers and a pestle and mortar so, once diagnosed, the Doctor could make up a suitable remedy for you there and then. The back of this particular cabinet has a secret sliding compartment which could only be unlocked from the inside and this contained the more dangerous and poisonous medicines such as the acids and arsenic.

It is beautifully made from solid mahogany and cabinets such as this are hard to come by now, especially ones with their original contents. They are prized among collectors for their rarity and historical significance and can fetch upwards of a thousand pounds depending on condition and size. However even the smaller items such as individual bottles, jars and equipment can still be very collectable and are enjoyed for their decorative and historic appeal.

Arts and Crafts

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:33:29 GMT

The Arts and Crafts movement was a reaction, almost a protest, against the industrialisation and mass production seen during the Victorian era. It promoted traditional craftsmanship and the use of high-quality materials. It emphasised the value of handmade objects and sought to revive traditional techniques and aesthetics. Arts and Crafts showcased simplicity, honesty, and functionality, with an emphasis on solid construction and natural materials.

One of the most well known Arts and Crafts manufacturers, Shapland and Petter, were actually based very locally in Barnstaple and I often see their pieces crop up. Newlyn Copper is another well known Arts and Crafts associate, named after the town in West Cornwall where it was made. The quality and attractiveness of the designs has made items by these makers very sought after and there are collectors all over the country for these local items.

I come across a wide range of Newlyn Copper items including trays, bowls, mirrors and plates. This copper charger was made by John Pearson of the Newlyn School. The copper has been decorated in a repoussé style which refers to the method of shaping the metal by hammering from reverse to push through a design onto the front.

In the late 1800s the income from the fishing industry in Cornwall was unreliable and due to bad weather and seasonable fluctuations there were large periods when the fishermen were unable to work. The local craftsmen in Newlyn set about training the unemployed fisherman to produce items from copper. This new skill not only gave them an income but was also said to have kept them out of trouble! You’ll often see Newlyn pieces with a nautical theme featuring fish or boats which reflected the history and roots of the fishing town and the people who made them.

Moorcroft Pottery

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:33:28 GMT

In a welcome break from buying my usual large and heavy pieces of furniture I’ve bought some nice pieces of ceramics recently including some Moorcroft Pottery.

Moorcroft is a renowned British pottery company and a name that a lot of people will be familiar with. The company was founded in 1897 in Staffordshire by William Moorcroft and generations later they are still producing top quality handcrafted pottery.

William Moorcroft's love for nature and his fascination with the Art Nouveau movement greatly influenced the early designs and the company have stayed true to these roots to the present day. William Moorcroft drew inspiration from the English countryside and Moorcroft Pottery is known for its nature inspired motifs incorporating flowers, leaves and other botanical elements.

One of the defining features of Moorcroft Pottery is its vibrant and intricate tube-lining technique. This technique involves applying thin lines of clay onto the surface of the pottery, creating raised outlines. These outlines are then filled with coloured glazes, resulting in a distinctive and eye-catching almost three dimensional effect.

You can see this raised detail on this bowl which is decorated in the ‘Orchid’ pattern and dates from around 1940. The dark blue is also a preferred colour which we see used a lot on Moorcroft pieces.

It’s fairly easy to identify Moorcroft Pottery as it will always be stamped. This stamp can also help to date a piece as it changed over the years, gaining a Royal Warrant in 1928 and moving to the signature for Walter Moorcroft, William’s son, in the 1940s. Sometimes pieces can be signed by the artist too and numbered if it's a limited edition. More modern pieces are also stamped with symbols for the exact year of manufacture

There’s a strong following of Moorcroft collectors worldwide and older pieces as well as some of the more modern limited edition pieces can be just as sought after. As with any ceramics, condition is key, and any damage will drastically reduce the value of a piece.

One thing to watch out for with Moorcroft in particular is seconds. Every piece made in the Moorcroft factory is checked for quality and graded. Any pieces which are not found to be top quality - say for example the colours might have run or faded or there may be some firing flaws - are graded as ‘seconds’ and sold at a reduced price. It can sometimes be hard to spot a second but they are always marked in some way so it’s worth checking as these are of course worth less than first quality pieces.

Rocking Horses

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:33:27 GMT

We’ve had a busy couple of weeks in the shop with the summer holidays in full swing. There are lots of visitors in Ashburton and one thing in particular in the shop window has been catching the eye of passers by - both young and old!

This very special rocking horse was made in the 1930s by Lines Brothers and has been in the same family since new! He’s a traditional hand-made wooden rocking horse who has been hand painted and finished with leather tack and saddle. Given that he’s nearly 100 years old he’s got lots of character and there’s something about that time worn look loved for generations that you just can’t beat.

Some rocking horses have makers’ stamps or labels but more often than not it is the style that helps to identify them, such as with this horse. Lines Brothers, along with F H Ayres and Collins & Sons were some of the most well known and respected makers, each with their own style of carving & painting.

There are records of wooden toy animals dating back thousands of years, starting with simple hobby horses. One of the earliest known ridden toy horses belonged to King Charles I who was born in 1600. However it was during the Victorian era that rocking horses really became popular, largely due to Queen Victoria’s love of horses. Her favourite dapple grey horse inspired a new style of painting and this dappled design is still one of the most popular today. During this time, wooden toy making evolved from a cottage industry into factory production and the designs were refined to make them safer for children.

Art Nouveau

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 11:59:23 GMT

Styles and fashions are always changing. I see trends come and go and then often come around again! One particular style that I’ve noticed a resurgence in popularity lately is the Art Nouveau period.

Art Nouveau emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century and literally translates as "New Art”. The style was characterised by intricate flowing lines, organic forms and a focus on decorative elements which often incorporated motifs inspired by nature, such as flowers, plants, and insects. We often see the Art Nouveau influence reflected in furniture and jewellery but it was in fact seen right across architecture, interior design and art.

You can see the obvious Art Nouveau influence in this Silver frame through the flowing lines and the wheat sheafs. It was made in Birmingham and dates from 1903, right at the height of the Art Nouveau period.

Mad as a Hatter!

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:12:40 GMT

I was recently asked to find a Top Hat for a customer to wear at Royal Ascot. They specifically wanted an authentic Victorian hat made from brushed silk and of course it had to be the right size. I do come across Top Hats from time to time and they were a very popular fashion choice for men in the Victorian Era. They were considered a symbol of wealth and status with the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Fred Astaire and even Winston Churchill continuing the trend.

Condition, of course, was an important factor when selecting the Top Hat as many hats can be quite scruffy but the biggest problem was finding the right size. Generally speaking, people were smaller 100 years ago and so were their heads. Most old hats tend to be quite small so finding a size that can be worn today can be difficult. Eventually I did manage to find a suitable hat (in time for Ascot, too) and one that came with its original leather travelling box. Some modern Top Hats can cost thousands of pounds so antique ones can provide an affordable and more environmentally friendly way to indulge in this luxurious fashion.

The design of Top Hats and the way they are manufactured hasn’t actually changed much over the years. Top Hats were and still are made by highly skilled craftsmen and each takes many hours to make. Traditionally they were crafted using a process called "blocking". The hat maker would start by soaking a piece of material to make it pliable and then stretch it over a wooden block that was shaped like the desired hat. The block would be heated to help shape the material and left to dry for several days. Once the material was completely dry, the hat would be removed from the block and finished with a lining, ribbon, and other decorative elements.

Whilst many traditional methods are still used in hat making one thing that certainly has changed is the use of mercury. In the 18th and 19th centuries, mercury was used in the production of felt which was commonly used in hats. Exposure to this chemical and its vapours over a long period of time would often result in mercury poisoning. Symptoms included slurred speech, tremors and hallucinations. At the time, the link between the illness and mercury was not fully understood but people had realised that an awful lot of hat makers were becoming ill and this is where the phrase “Mad as a Hatter” originates from!

Portrait Miniatures

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 13:38:37 GMT

I come across all sorts of items in this job and if you’ve ever visited the shop you’ll know a lot of them are large and heavy! Although sometimes it is the very smallest of objects that can be some of the most interesting and they don’t come much smaller than Portrait Miniatures.

These small, exquisitely detailed portraits were popular from the 16th to the early 20th Century. They were typically set in ornate frames or lockets and, despite only being a few inches in size, they were highly prized for their ability to capture the likeness of the subject with incredible detail and precision.

They were particularly popular in the 18th and 19th Centuries, when they were used to commemorate loved ones or important events such as weddings or births. They were often given as gifts and many were commissioned by wealthy families as a way to preserve their family history.

This particular miniature is of a Naval gentleman and you can see from his dress that he is a wealthy and important man. His clothes also help to date the portrait to the last half of the 18th century. His face is barely bigger than a postage stamp but the intricacy and detail the painter has managed to capture is incredible.

Garden Antiques

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 13:38:36 GMT

It feels like summer has finally arrived and the warmer weather is here to stay. I love this time of year and being able to enjoy the outdoors on the longer light evenings. We’ve had a lot of requests for garden furniture recently and we’ve been stocking up on outdoor accessories.

If you saw any of the coverage of the recent RHS Chelsea Flower Show, or were lucky enough to visit, it was great to see how many of the displays incorporated vintage, reclaimed or antique pieces into their designs. There were lots of old pots and planters as well as sculptures and water features. There was also the use of old wood to add texture and mirrors to make a space look bigger and brighter.

Antiques are a great way to add some character and interest to a garden and Chelsea showed us that you don’t need a huge space in which to do it. There are a whole host of different ideas that make interesting planters - everything from old farm troughs to antique copper pots and galvanised tubs. Statues, architectural items and garden furniture are another great way to introduce antique features. Even if you just have a small balcony, a folding bistro set is a great way to enjoy a bit of Alfresco dining if you’re tight on outside space.

But what is it that makes vintage and antique garden pieces a better alternative to modern? Of course, as with anything secondhand, it’s always a much better alternative environmentally to buy something antique over modern but in my opinion, it’s the patina and time weathered look of old garden pieces that make them special. They never look out of place or too intrusive, an old statue or bench covered in moss and lichen almost disappears into it’s setting and instantly looks like it’s lived in the garden for years.

This patina cannot be matched by modern reproductions. I’ve even heard of people trying to put yogurt on new pieces to encourage and speed up the natural process of lichen growth but it’s never the same! I particularly like copper when it’s been left outside to naturally weather. It oxidises slowly over time to a wonderful bluey-green colour which we call ‘verdigris’.

Satinwood

Sat, 06 May 2023 15:37:16 GMT

I’ve often talked about my love of old woods, especially native English woods such as oak and elm. They just take on the most incredible patina - the sort of wood that you can’t walk past without touching! However this week I’ve been buying some more exotic pieces and I was reminded of the beauty of Satinwood. Satinwood is much more pale than mahogany but with a lovely warmth, similar in colour to pine but with the beautiful grain and sheen of a much higher quality timber.

It began to be used in the 18th century when it was imported from the West Indies by top cabinet makers such as Gillows and Hepplewhite who used it in decorative veneer patterns. It was also used in the late 19th century on Victorian furniture when Satin Birch became more widely available.

This Satinwood cupboard shows off the beautiful grain across the doors. You can see the surface almost shimmer and it's easy to see why it is called Satinwood. It dates from around 1880 and a small cupboard like this is something we’d commonly see made from mahogany but very rarely in Satinwood.

Dartmoor Artists

Sat, 06 May 2023 15:37:15 GMT

It is clear to see why, for centuries, artists have travelled from far and wide to paint the beauty of the Dartmoor landscape. We've had many examples over the years and each picture is unique - a different landscape, a different time of year and a different perspective.

This watercolour of Postbridge is probably one of my favourites. It was painted by Douglas Pinder in around 1910-1920. It beautifully captures the light, the vibrant colours of the gorse and the movement of the water.

One of the most famous names associated with Dartmoor paintings is ‘Widgery’. In fact there are two Widgerys - a father and son. William Widgery (1826-1893) was born in North Molton and was largely self taught as an artist and painted in his spare time but nonetheless his paintings are still very sought after. His son, Frederick John Widgery (1861–1942) inherited his father’s flair for art and took up painting professionally, studying at Exeter School of Art. He lived most of his life in Devon and was captivated with the Cornwall and Devon landscape, painting many coastal and moorland scenes.

We have had many examples of their work over the years, both original and prints. Of course the originals are worth a lot more than the prints but this is not to say that prints aren’t still desirable. The frame is always important and a good quality original frame will always add value.

Say cheese!

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 20:19:04 GMT

Without a doubt my favourite buy this week was a Georgian cheese coaster. It’s an unusual item that at first glance isn’t obvious what it might be used for but as the name suggests it is in fact for holding cheese. It dates from around 1800 and would have been used in a grand country house for displaying a large wheel of cheese such as Stilton or Parmesan on a table or sideboard.

Of course cheese in those times was a very valuable and prized item. Importing it was costly and it took many years to mature, making it a valuable and sought after possession for the wealthy. If you were lucky enough to be able to afford a wheel of cheese you would have used a cheese coaster to show it off to guests for maximum effect.

In fact cheese was such a valuable commodity that Samuel Pepys described in his diary how, when he heard the Great Fire of London was approaching his house in 1666, he dug a hole in the garden and buried his wheel of Parmesan in it to protect it from the fire!

This cheese coaster is made of fine mahogany so not many survived in good order and they can be very collectable now. I have not often heard of one being used for its original purpose but they make a great alternative for a fruit bowl or for arranging displays of dried flowers as a table centrepiece. I’ve even seen one used as a very posh loo roll holder!

Antique Tools

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 20:19:03 GMT

As the weather warms up and the evenings get lighter it’s a sure sign that Spring is on the way. Perhaps you are thinking of having a Spring Clean, or maybe you’ve already started? It feels great to get organised and get rid of those things that you no longer want or use but be very careful what you throw out. Sometimes the most unassuming objects can be valuable and it can take a trained eye to spot them. From picking through cupboards of glassware to find that one Georgian glass, to sorting through boxes of costume jewellery to find that one precious piece; more often than not there’s something worth saving.

There’s even a growing market for old tools so don’t clear out the shed in a hurry! Saws, hand drills, planes, or any other old tools - they’re popular with people who will continue to use them and value the craftsmanship but also for their decorative value as well. Brands like Stanley can be especially popular with collectors. Old toolboxes can also be desirable, especially brass bound examples.

Carpets

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 10:56:34 GMT

One thing I’ve always enjoyed buying are antique rugs and carpets. As a general rule a carpet refers to a large room sized covering whereas a rug is a smaller piece. It can be a very specialised area of antiques with some rugs or even small fragments fetching millions. People spend their whole lives collecting them, studying and learning about different regions, weaves, techniques and designs. I find them fascinating and, whilst I can appreciate the immense work and many hundreds of hours that have gone into some of them, I mainly enjoy buying them for their decorative value.

Antique rugs and carpets can completely transform a space by adding colour, texture and character and are certainly something that can be mixed and matched into any interior - old or new.

When setting out to buy an antique carpet it can be difficult to know what to look for. They don’t come with hallmarks or makers’ stamps. In fact they very rarely have any information about their origin on them so I’d always recommend going to a reputable dealer who you can buy from with confidence. I’d also recommend going and seeing the carpet in person. Colours can look completely different online. It’s nice to touch them and see how the colours look in different lights - smell them! The more old carpets and rugs you handle the more you’ll start to recognise certain patterns and get a feel for them.

You’ll hear a lot of rugs referred to as ‘Persian’ because most antique rugs and carpets were made in the Oriental world which extended from North Africa and Turkey through modern day Iran, Central Asia, Pakistan, India and China. The ancient Persian Empire covered much of this land so that’s why the term is used when describing these pieces in general terms.

However they can be described much more specifically. Designs are particular not only to the country or region they were made but sometimes even down to a specific village. Particularly in remote mountainous areas each town or village would have made its own rugs and they are each very distinct. Turkoman, Kashan and Heriz are some of the names we come across and all refer to different regions where the carpets were originally made.

You will generally see two main types of rugs - hand made and machine made. This is important to look out for because it is a good indicator of age. The first thing I do when buying a rug is to look at the back of it. This is where you can see how a piece has really been made - the materials used, the quality and style of knotting. Machine made pieces will look uniform with no mistakes. Even the finest quality hand made carpets will have some irregularities in them and some element of hand finishing and this is best spotted from the back. A good quality rug will usually have a tight weave, bold colours and intricate designs.

Rescuing Old Boxes

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 10:56:29 GMT

Restoration is a really important part of the business and we have our own workshops to ensure every piece we buy is carefully checked, cleaned, polished and any necessary repairs are carried out before it comes into the shop. Sometimes pieces are completely restored and sometimes a simple clean and wax polish is all that’s needed.

We try to keep our restorations as sympathetic as possible but sometimes we have to completely rethink a piece in order to give it a new lease of life.

We come across lots of old boxes - sewing boxes, writing boxes and cutlery boxes that have had such a hard life that they need repurposing to make them usable and useful again! It’s a great form of recycling and means that a piece is able to carry on being used.

This box was once an old tea caddy which had lost the lids to its compartments and the lining had worn. However the outside was so pretty with silver and mother of pearl inlay that we decided it would make a good jewellery box. We fitted an old piece of mirror glass under the lid and carefully relined it with silk and marbled paper. We made a fitted mahogany tray for it and now it’s ready to house someone’s treasured jewellery collection.

Valentines

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 12:55:42 GMT

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner its the perfect time to share this beautiful Sailor’s Valentine with you. I bought it earlier this year and it originally dates to the late 1800s. It is made entirely from small seashells framed within an octagonal wooden case. These were traditionally made or bought by sailors when overseas and taken back home for their loved ones and it is this sentiment that earned them the name ‘Valentine’. This one has a message “think of me” written in the shells - how romantic!

Historians have traced the vast majority of these back to the Caribbean island of Barbados which was an important and busy seaport during the 1800s. The women on the island made them to sell to sailors and old pieces of Barbados newspaper can sometimes be found inside the backing material.

Militaria

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:19:38 GMT

One thing I always ask about when we visit a house is militaria and we can nearly always rely on seeing some in most households. It is something I personally find fascinating and we also have experts who can research it for us.

The First and Second World Wars saw millions of men and women called up from Britain and overseas as well as all of the volunteers, air raid wardens and nurses who stayed at home. I can’t imagine that there’s a family today who can say they weren’t somehow involved.

We are privileged to see and hear these stories of bravery and courage from the families who proudly show me the medals of their relatives. Often these precious items are not for sale but sometimes, for one reason or another, a family will want to part with militaria and it is always a privilege to be able to buy it.

If you’ve got military items relating to family members I always recommend you keep as much paperwork, documents, letters and photos relating to the service man or woman with the medals or items. It might seem like nothing but even menial correspondence helps to build a picture of what life was like for the soldier. If there isn’t any paperwork it’s worth taking the time to write down what you know about the person they belonged to - where they served, what they did during the war and keep them with the items. Provenance really helps to add value.

Patina

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 13:19:25 GMT

Patina is something that we talk about a lot when it comes to antiques but it can hard to put into words. You know when the patina of a piece is just right because you want to touch it - I’m talking about ancient English oak that has been used and polished for hundreds of years that has given the wood such a depth of colour and shine.

Imagine an old farmhouse table with a thick scrubbed top that has been in a kitchen for years and one end has been used to prepare food and all the chopping has worn marks into the surface. Some may say this is damaged or imperfect but to me this shows its history and gives it character.

Sometimes patina might also be used to describe layers of original paint or stain that have built up and perfectly worn away where an item has been touched or used such as the seat of a chair or at the end of the arms.

Patina is the one thing that cannot be replicated or reproduced. It develops over years of use (and sometimes abuse!) and it takes time to build up. A good patina can add a lot of value and desirability to a piece. We have to be very careful when restoring items in our workshop that we preserve the patina. Bad or hasty restoration or over cleaning can strip away this history and actually end up devaluing a piece!

This Victorian chest of drawers is another example of a fabulous patina which is provided by the beautiful flame mahogany drawer fronts. ‘Flame’ describes the particular grain of this cut of mahogany and this striking flame-like figuring is produced by cutting the wood where a branch meets the trunk. There are only a small amount of large branches on any tree trunk so this cut was rare and sought after by the best cabinet makers. It also has a deep rich colour that you only find on old mahogany.

During the mid 1800s when this chest of drawers was made, most exotic timbers such as mahogany were imported by sea directly from places like Cuba, Africa and the West Indies. It was brought into ports such as Liverpool and from there the finest cabinet makers of the time would have the first pick of the timbers. They were able to choose the richest, best coloured and thickest timber to use in their furniture making. The rest of the timber would then go down to the London workshops with the poorer quality filtering out to regional craftsmen. So the rich colour and beautiful grain on this chest of drawers not only makes it looks good but it is also a sign of top quality cabinet making.

We think the chest of drawers are most likely Scottish because of the scale and the architectural columns flanking the drawers. As well as the beautiful flame mahogany drawers fronts it also has an unusual drawer configuration. The three deep drawers would have originally been used to store hats - imagine that! It even has a concealed drawer in the plinth base as well.

Kitchenalia

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 13:19:24 GMT

One area of antiques that always proves popular is Kitchenalia. It is something we always stock and it appeals to a wide range of customers. The word Kitchenalia is used to encompass a large array of items that would have originally been used in the kitchen. This ranges from simple utilitarian items such as utensils to storage jars, advertising tins and signage. One thing that every home had was a kitchen so you get a great variety from very simple country pieces to up-market equipment from below stairs in the finest county houses.

It is such a popular area to collect because there is this wide variety and it is so readily available. It is very affordable too with prices starting at just a couple of pounds so with even a very small budget you can really add some character and unique charm to any kitchen, new or old.

The brilliant thing is these items are often still very practical and can be used today just as well as when they were first made - giving you an object to use as well as admire! The design and style is often so much nicer than their modern equivalents too!

The old toleware spice tins are a popular item with most dating from the Victorian period. Toleware refers to metal objects, typically tin or thin steel, that are lacquered and painted. Initially this was done to prevent them rusting but it was usually also combined with gilded or painted decoration.

Spices were a precious and often expensive commodity and so these tins were used to keep them fresh and many also had locks to keep them safe. The tins were divided into sections for each spice and the best ones have their own individual pots inside. Many came with their own built in grater for grating spices such as nutmeg so look out for this if you’re buying one as they are often missing.

Witch Balls

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 13:19:23 GMT

With Halloween just around the corner it’s also a nice time to mention one of my favourite antiques, aptly called a ‘Witch Ball’. A witch ball is a large hollow sphere of glass, often silvered or green or red with a lustrous mirrored surface and they usually have a metal hanging loop on the top.

As with so many other antiques, there’s a romantic (if not always strictly factual) story to how they got their name. It is said they were hung in cottage windows in 17th and 18th century England to ward away evil spirits, witches and bad fortune. It was believed that the witches would see their reflection in these balls and be scared away.

I’ve also heard the theory that the name may have derived from ‘Watch Ball’ as their mirrored convex shape creates a reflection of the whole room or the view out of the window - very useful for watching who is coming up the garden path.

Whichever story is right they are truly stunning items and very popular now with collectors and as decorative objects. Not only are they good for keeping the witches away at Halloween but you’ve then got a fantastic Christmas decoration too!

Original 18th century examples are extremely rare to find and I have never seen one. Most on the market are later Victorian ones which are still just as lovely and very popular. As with all items there are modern reproductions to watch out for and once you’ve handled an original example you should get a feel for it. I’ve found that the main difference is the older witch balls will be much heavier. Originals would have all been handblown too so expect an uneven surface with tarnishing, wear, dimples and imperfections in the glass, the same as you might see on an old mirror.

Antiques are full of surprises!

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:24:26 GMT

Antiques contain the history and secrets from all the past lives they’ve lived but sometimes they can hide even more than that! It is quite common for antiques to be built with hidden compartments - secret cupboards, drawers or sections for stashing valuables in. If you had light fingered servants it was important to keep your sovereigns well hidden or maybe tuck away your secret love letters out of sight from prying eyes!

I bought a wall cupboard this week that contained two hidden compartments that I didn’t know were there until I cleaned it. The cupboard was fitted inside with open pigeon holes and in the bottom two were hidden boxes which you could pull out by reaching inside for a piece of string. They were finished without any stains or wax to look just like the inside of the others and made to fit perfectly into the gap. Sadly they were empty when I found them but one can only wonder what was once kept in them!

I will also commonly come across hidden sections in a bureau or writing desk - sometimes disguised behind decorative moulding or false drawers. Writing slopes are another item that often hides secret drawers below the inkwells. These tend to be sprung loaded and are revealed when you push or pull the right piece of wood.

Of course if every secret drawer was made in the same way it would have been simple for people to figure out where they were and they wouldn’t have been so secret! I must have seen dozens of different ways of concealing or opening them and still to this day I find new ones and I am always amazed by the ingenious ways they came up with!

Barometers

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 18:50:06 GMT

The great British summer has well and truly arrived - it seems like one minute we’re braced for a heat wave and the next minute we’re wrapped up for wind and rain! The weather is certainly changeable and if you want to be one step ahead of the game it’s worth investing in a barometer. For years I’ve had a barometer in the hallway that I tap on the way out of the door and it reliably tells me what weather to expect.

Technically speaking a barometer doesn’t forecast weather, it simply measures air pressure which in turn can be used to predict the weather. If the pressure is high and rising the chances are it’ll be a fine and clear day but if the pressure is falling its more likely to be wet, windy and dull.

Barometers have been used for weather forecasting and scientific research for hundreds of years and antique barometers are popular items which prove to be both useful and very decorative. We most commonly see wall hanging barometers and the height of production was during the 19th century. They were made in wooden cases ranging from oak to mahogany and even rosewood. The best ones might have decorative inlay or carvings and can be very fine quality.

The very first barometer was invented by Torricellian, a student of Gallileo, in 1643 using a tube of mercury which moves as air pressure pushes down on it. They are useful and very accurate but the mercury was difficult to transport and eventually aneroid barometers were developed. Instead of using mercury these barometers use sealed air tight vacuum capsules that contract as the air pressure rises or falls. These are the main two types of barometer and both are normally connected to a pointer on a dial which makes reading the pressure simple.

It’s usually easy to tell the two types apart because Torricellian barometers need to incorporate a long tube of mercury so they will be tall and have a long neck. Aneroid barometers tend to be round and more compact.

Before we could access the weather forecast at the click of a button it was important for people to be able to predict the weather when they were travelling or out and about. The development of the aneroid mechanism meant that barometers could become much smaller and pocket barometers became very popular. Many Victorian gentlemen would have carried one with them alongside their pocket watch in a brass or silver case.

If you’re considering a barometer it’s important to give a little bit of thought to where you hang it. Avoid a location that is exposed to direct sunlight as the temperature changes can affect the readings. Hang the barometer away from drafty locations, like a door or window as air pressure can be too variable in these places.

Gramophones

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 18:50:05 GMT

I’ve recently seen a growing market for vintage record players and gramophones. 10 to 15 years ago they were being thrown away and there was relatively little value or interest in vintage records but now the collectors market for Vinyl is growing and with it so is the market for record players.

Particularly popular are the portable HMV record players and they always sell well whenever we get one. As soon as people hear that crackle they’re transported right back to the first time they ever heard one.

These compact record players take up relatively little space and can even be used outdoors. Originally dating from the 1920s-1940s they are most commonly seen in black but also come in red, green and blue. When they were first made the coloured varieties were more expensive to purchase so there are less about, making them harder to come by and more desirable. Replacement parts for these old record players are relatively easy to come by and you can still purchase brand new needles to keep them sounding fresh.

They have a screw in winding handle, a tray for holding needles and the best record players have an automatic stop / start. There is no volume control on these old record players and tthe only way to soften the sound is by blocking the outlet from where it comes. Have you ever heard the expression “put a sock in it”? This is exactly where it comes from!

Sovereigns

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 18:50:04 GMT

The sovereign was first minted in 1489 and is one of the oldest coins still in production today. In 1817 the half sovereign was introduced and due to its popularity the Royal Mint added a new Quarter Sovereign in 2009.

When it comes to coins such as sovereigns, as well as the intrinsic value of the gold, there can be some rare ones to look out for which collectors will pay a lot of money for.

Sovereigns were originally minted in London but during the late 1800s and early 1900s thousands were produced overseas as far afield as Australia and South Africa with mints in cities like Bombay, Ottawa, Perth and Pretoria. Coins from some of these mints were not made for long so can be rare and collectable because not many were produced.

There are other sovereigns which were made in very small numbers such as the King George III 1819 Sovereign. Only ten known examples exist and they can fetch hundreds of thousands of pounds so it’s always worth getting any coins checked! Other rarities include striking errors that appeal to collectors.

Black Forest Bears

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Tue, 31 May 2022 16:00:07 GMT

I was lucky enough to buy a lovely Black Forest Bear this week. He has already been much admired in the shop and if I had a pound for every time someone has given him a pat on the head I wouldn’t need to sell him at all!

This particular bear takes the form of an umbrella stand and the bear is standing upright holding his paws out to support the ring for the umbrellas. He would have originated from the town of Brienz in Switzerland. It is a common misconception that they were made in the Black Forest region of southwestern Germany as it has now been discovered that they have a Swiss origin instead.

Black Forest carvings traditionally depict animals such as bears or stags set amongst trees, leaves and foliage. Bears were a particular favourite! The items made range from small trinkets such as inkwells and nutcrackers to much larger pieces like this umbrella stand and even benches and chairs.

The carvings are often humorous and whimsical in nature but the quality is second to none. What started as a small cottage industry in the early 19th Century quickly grew in popularity to become a major employer, creating a whole skilled community and an industry in its own right. During the mid and late 19th Century the carvings were exhibited at prestigious shows including the London Great Exhibition of 1851 and they were collected as a symbol of wealth and status. Pieces can be found in Royal Palaces all around the world!

The skilled Black Forest craftsmen were renowned for their lifelike and realistic carvings and every piece is unique with each animal taking on a personality of their own. I was drawn to this particular bear because of his lovely expression. His mouth is so lifelike with carved teeth, a painted tongue and glass eyes but despite the teeth he has a very gentle look.

Platinum Jubilee 2022

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Tue, 31 May 2022 16:00:06 GMT

Preparations are well under way to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Ashburton. The bunting has been put up in the high street and we’ve been hard at work on a Jubilee themed window for the shop.

Taking centre stage will be a very special chair that was present at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 (the official Coronation was held a year after she became Queen to allow for the appropriate length of time to pass after a Monarch dies before holding such celebrations).

In total 2000 chairs and 5700 stools were produced for those present at the Coronation at Westminster Abbey. The more esteemed guests were given chairs to sit on at the front of the Abbey and the stools were used further back. A small handful of British companies were recruited to make the chairs and stools and each was crafted from limed oak and upholstered in blue velvet with a gold trim - over 4000 yards of velvet were used to make them all! Each piece was stamped on the frame “ER Coronation” and each chair was numbered according to the seating plan, this one is number 52, and the chairs were also emblazoned with the Royal Cypher on the back.

After the ceremony, those who occupied the chairs and stools had the option to purchase them, which many did. Otherwise, the Ministry of Works, who were responsible for commissioning the furnishings for the Coronation, put them up for general sale to recoup some of the costs of staging the event.

There is a strong collectors market for Royal Memorabilia, which always gathers extra interest during important events such as Jubilees, weddings and other milestones. These particular chairs and stools, being so limited in number and steeped in so much history, are very collectable and sought after. Many have stayed with the same families who originally bought them and they don’t often come to the market for sale.

Apprentice Furniture

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Thu, 05 May 2022 12:34:38 GMT

Much like today, skilled Victorian craftsmen would take on apprentices and if you were learning to be a cabinet maker part of your training would have been to make scale replicas to practice your skills. They are incredibly detailed and were used to showcase the whole range of skills needed including fitting hinges and locks, inlaying, decoration and polishing. Apart from their obvious size difference it is sometimes hard to tell them apart from the real thing and the rarity of the apprentice pieces can sometimes make them even more valuable than the full size equivalent!

Sometimes these miniature pieces would be used by salesmen to show potential customers what they could order, even being taken door-to-door with them before the days of photographs!

Over the years I’ve seen a whole range of apprentice made items including chairs, tables, chests of drawers and cupboards and they tend to date from the 1800s. They make great decorative items and there is quite a collectors market although these pieces are not to be confused with dolls house furniture which is a much smaller scale.

Advertising

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Thu, 05 May 2022 12:34:37 GMT

Now technically speaking, the dictionary definition of an antique is an object that is over 100 years old but I don’t always stick to just buying antiques - sometimes more modern items can still be just as valuable or collectable. I’m often drawn to the unusual or quirky and this week a couple of old shop display items caught my eye. They only date from the mid 20th Century but they are great fun and there’s quite a good collectors market for old advertising pieces. Things like props and signs are always popular and the more colourful and interesting the better.

The first item was a papier-mâché bunch of bananas advertising “West India Bananas” that would have been in a greengrocers window to draw in customers. They are remarkably life like and are brightly painted with eye catching gold lettering which would make a great statement piece in a kitchen.

From the same shop I was also able to buy a display cereal bowl which has been really cleverly modelled to look like the milk carton is suspended above the bowl pouring in the milk. Both pieces are fun and quirky and make great talking points that would look fantastic in any interior; modern or antique.

In the Workshop

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 15:48:52 GMT

Behind the scenes...

We pride ourselves in the quality of the items we sell and this means that every single piece is carefully checked to ensure that it is ready for sale. In our large workshop we undertake everything from simple cleaning and waxing to turning, polishing, carving and repairing so you can buy with confidence.

Vive la France!

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 15:30:22 GMT

In years gone by I would regularly hop on the ferry to France to search for stock - attending Vide Greniers, Brocantes and visiting local dealers. It was a nice way to buy lots of interesting and different items and enjoy some French culture at the same time.

However, due partly to Covid restrictions, I have not been able to go recently. Instead I’ve been picking up stock from French dealers who have been able to come over to the UK.

As well as the trials and tribulations of Covid, Brexit has also had a real impact on how we import antiques from the Continent. I’ve heard stories from other antique dealers about long waits at customs, reams of paperwork and complications with import tax and VAT. As well as adding complexity to the process, this has ultimately added to the cost of the items by the time they are brought into the UK.

Nonetheless the demand for French Antiques has remained high and they are still very popular. French kitchenalia, particularly enamel ware, is very desirable - items such as storage jars, jugs and bowls are both practical and decorative and look just as good in a modern setting as they do in an old country kitchen.

Vintage glassware is also popular and retro branded items such as Ricard or Pernod glasses and carafes offer a great alternative for serving after dinner drinks.

French mirrors are also popular and they have a very distinctive style. One of the most common are Louis Philip mirrors which were originally made during the reign of King Louis Philippe from 1830 to 1848. These mirrors tend to be arched in shape with a wooden and gesso frame. Gesso is a thick chalky paint mixture which dries hard like plaster and can then be painted or gilded. Most French mirrors are gilded and those with original bright gilding are most desirable.

There are some shared influences between English and French antiques but I find the styles from similar periods in time are usually quite distinct. I tend to think that French pieces are more elaborate and ornate than English, particularly when it comes to furniture.

Take the late 1700s for example; England was heading towards the end of the Georgian era under the reign of King George III. Across the channel in France Louis XVI was on the throne. Georgian furniture tends to be quite simple with clean lines, even proportions and not over embellished. In the same period the French furniture was often elaborately carved and decorated with ormolu mounts or inlaid with marquetry panels and sometimes even painted or gilded.

Barn Rescue!

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:17:54 GMT

Nearly everything you see in the shop and online has been through our workshop, even just for a quick clean and polish. Some pieces need more extensive restoration and one memorable project that particularly stands out is a rare 17th century oak Court Cupboard which I unearthed from a barn in North Devon. It had been stored in the barn for many years and when I first saw the piece it was covered in an old sheet with just the feet sticking out from underneath, barely visible amongst the straw on the floor. It took some time to get it out of the barn and only once it was outside could I have a proper look at it. It was in terrible condition but I knew it was something special. It took many hours in the workshop to gently clean it and slowly feed and polish the wood. It needed treating for woodworm and also needed a few repairs but it turned out really well. I think I particular like this piece not only because it was such a lovely item but because of the transformation. Seeing the end result was fantastic and it didn’t take long for it to find a new home.

If you’re not familiar with a Court Cupboard, they are rare and early pieces of English furniture, the earliest examples date from the Tudor times. They get their name due to their small or ‘short’ size and in Norman the word ‘court’ means short. They were used for storing plates, drinking vessels and other household items, sort of like an early form of sideboard. They were most commonly made of solid English oak and had a primitive construction typical of the period using wooden pegs, clout nails and blacksmith made straps. They were only seen in very wealthy households, as these magnificent pieces would have been very expensive to build. As such the craftsman would often carve the owner’s initials in the piece and a date when it was constructed. The example I had was dated 1670 - it’s incredible to think it has survived all that time and even more satisfying to know that our restoration will ensure it goes on and hopefully survives another 300 years!

A Souvenir from Pitcairn Island

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:17:53 GMT

Undoubtedly one of the biggest appeals of antiques is the history that each item holds - who may have owned it, where it’s travelled and what it’s seen and it doesn’t get much better than Pitcairn Island Fish.

As the name suggests these fish originated from the Pitcairn Islands - a remote archipelago in the South Pacific that is famous for being home to the survivors of the ‘Mutiny on The Bounty’. In 1790, nine of the mutineers from HMS Bounty settled on the islands and the majority of the inhabitants today are descended from those original mutineers.

The inhabitants would carve items from wood to sell and trade with passing ships. The most common of these items is the flying fish although cups, pipe racks and other trinkets were also traded.

These carved fish are primitive and naive and were all hand made using whatever tools and materials were available on the islands. Despite this, there is a certain appeal to them and the best examples are signed with the name of the maker. They are quite collectable not only for their historical value but also their decorative appeal.

Welsh Furniture

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:17:52 GMT

I’ve always enjoyed buying stock in Wales and can usually find some interesting items. Different regions of the country can have antiques very specific to that area, shaped by local traditions, history and available materials. There are some similarities between Welsh items and Westcountry items given the history of mining and the rural farming communities that both areas share.

One of the most well known pieces of Welsh furniture is of course the popular and aptly named Welsh dresser. The term nowadays is used broadly to describe a wide variety of kitchen dressers but it came about due to a distinct style of dresser being produced in Wales during the 17th and 18th Century.

Dressers or similar items were common all over Europe and had developed from storage cupboards and hanging shelves. They were generally considered a ‘below stairs’ item but in Welsh farmhouses they took pride of place in the main room and the owners wanted to use them to show off their collections of pewter ware, china plates and ornaments. So they were made with cupboards below and large open shelved racks for display, combining both practical and decorative functions.

Despite their popularity, the increase in demand was not fulfilled by urban workshops like in England. The manufacture remained in the towns and villages and their construction stayed true to the original for hundreds of years with traditional methods being passed down through generations. The furniture makers would have primarily been local carpenters who were neighbours if not relatives of their customers!

Another piece of furniture that I will often see in Wales is a Cricket Table - a simple primitive table whose main characteristics are a round top on three angled legs, sometimes with a shelf below. These aren’t exclusively Welsh but were made in rural areas and were given three legs to be more stable on the uneven flagstone floors of a cottage or tavern. Three legs will always find a stable point whereas four legs will rock on an uneven floor.

How the cricket table got its name is one of the great mysteries of the antiques world and something that gets a different answer from nearly every person I ask. It is not thought to have a lot to do with the game of Cricket - although some speculate that the three legs take their name from the three stumps of the wickets. A more believable tale in my opinion is that the name developed from the old Welsh three legged stool which was called a ‘Crackett’ in the 16th and 17th century. These small three legged stools were similar in design apart from their size and this name could have developed over the years to cricket.

As well as the characteristic design of Welsh pieces they can all be distinguished by the timbers used. Oak is probably the most commonly used wood for Welsh furniture and I have always found that true native Welsh oak has a far more reddish-brown tone/hue than English oak which tends to be more dark brown in colour. Sycamore, Pine and Elm, although to a less extent, were also used.

Vesta Cases

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:17:51 GMT

I’ve met some fascinating people over the years and I’ve been privileged to see some wonderful collections. I’ve found that people collect the most weird and wonderful things and I am always surprised and thrilled by the enthusiasm and passion of a die-hard collector. They will go to the ends of the earth to find that rare item which makes their collection the best.

One of my favourite collections goes back a couple of years ago to a lady who bought Vesta cases. She had amassed more than 100 and there were some very rare examples that I had never seen before.

Vesta cases were made to hold matches and keep them dry and actually get their name from the Roman goddess of fire. They rose to popularity during the 1800s when friction matches were quite hazardous and could catch fire without warning so vesta cases became a basic necessity.

As with many items, your vesta case would reflect your status and you would buy the best you could afford. The simplest form was made of brass, progressing up to silver and as they became more elaborate they would be adorned with paintings or enamel panels that would reflect the character of the owner. You can even find them in different novelty shapes such as dogs or pigs!

They make great collectables because of the huge scope in terms of variety and price levels. The most basic can be bought for £20-30 with a decent silver example being picked up for around £100 moving up to 4 figures for the vary rare or desirable

Staffordshire Pottery

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 16:51:46 GMT

Staffordshire Potteries refers to the industrial area that now makes up Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire. This area became the centre of ceramic production in the 17th century due to the local availability of clay, salt and coal.

The term Staffordshire pottery is used nowadays to refer to a range of different types of pottery from the Staffordshire region. The first thing I think of when I hear of Staffordshire Pottery is the iconic fireside dogs. You’ll most commonly see them modelled as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, popularised by Queen Victoria’s faithful companion Dash. They were always made as facing pairs and were usually seated although some were standing. They were designed to be placed either side of a fireplace or mantlepiece. As the years went on other dogs, still often with Royal connections, were made including Greyhounds, Poodles and Pugs.

They were produced in large quantities and although they’re not hugely valuable now, they are still popular due to our love of dogs and for their irresistible vintage appeal.

If you want to collect Staffordshire pottery there are a few things to look out for. You need to be mindful of fakes or reproductions. Such a popular style was reproduced and it can be hard to spot. Genuine Victorian examples were press moulded with more defined detail and a very small firing hole in the base. Later versions were slip-cast so there will be a larger hole in the base. Originals were always hand painted so there are likely to be small differences between a pair, this is natural and not something to worry about.

There is no ‘Staffordshire’ stamp to look for unlike other pieces such as Moorcroft or Worcester so don’t expect to see any sort of mark on them.

Enamel Signs

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 16:51:45 GMT

Before the digital age, enamel signs played an important part in advertising and they were commonplace outside shops, at roadsides and railways. They were designed to grab a passer-by’s attention and are often bright and colourful with catchy slogans. The signs were made by enamelling coloured glass onto flat steel and were popular because they were far more durable than their printed or painted equivalents.

In the UK, production centred around the industrial hub in the Midlands and the first patent for enamel signs was registered in Birmingham in 1859 and there were a number of dedicated factories in Birmingham by the end of the 1800s.

Their heyday really came in the late Victorian era and into the early 20th Century and production all but ceased during the Second World War because steel was in short supply and it was needed for the war effort - some signs were even melted down as scrap to make planes and ammunitions. Even after the war, production never returned to what it was and plastic soon came onto the market and neon signs were introduced from America.

However there is still a strong collectors’ market for enamel signs today and they are increasingly popular with people looking for something unusual to decorate their home with as well as interior designers. You’ll find enamel signs advertising everything from toothpaste to cigarettes to sausages - the more unusual the better as far as collecting is concerned! The most desirable signs are ones with pictures and many different colours - not only do they look better but they were much more complex to make and are therefore rarer. Do watch out for modern copies that imitate genuine signs as they can be hard to spot.

English Country Furniture

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 16:51:44 GMT

I have a real passion for old English country furniture and it pains me to hear people say that nobody wants brown furniture anymore. We must stop this taboo associated with ‘brown furniture’ - it is simply not true that nobody wants it and you cannot tarnish 500 plus years of beautiful furniture making with the same brush!

When I say English country furniture I’m talking about pieces that weren’t always made in the top London workshops but in more rural areas. Typically made as one off pieces or in small batches by families of craftsmen using traditional tools and techniques passed down through the generations. They were not as fine as some pieces being produced by cabinet makers at the time and they were simpler and less fussy in design but they certainly didn’t lack quality. These pieces were fit for purpose and used in daily life.

What makes these pieces particularly beautiful in my opinion is that they were made from native woods like Oak, Yew, Walnut, Ash and one of my personal favourites English Elm. Elm has an attractive swirling grain and the most wonderful warm colour that gets better and better with age. Elm is hard and durable and was often used to make the seats of chairs because this grain pattern made it less susceptible to splitting.

Sadly Dutch Elm Disease wiped out nearly all of our native trees during the 1960s and 70s. Therefore most elm nowadays is imported and we don’t see a lot of furniture made from English Elm but I think this makes the older pieces even more special.

English oak is another wood that gets better with age and can darken to an almost black colour or can take on a lovely reddish hue, depending on the type of tree and how it has been treated. Different cuts of oak can even give way to a completely different colour or grain pattern and cutting vertically or horizontally along the wood can bring out an almost striped tiger pattern.

Some of my favourite pieces of English Country furniture come from the 17th and 18th Century and oak was probably one of the most common woods being used during this time. Typical pieces being made in this era were large tables, cupboards and storage chests also known as coffers.

You may have heard the expression “the coffers are empty" and this has been coined because traditionally coffers were used to store valuables in and almost all had locks for security. Most members of a household would have had their own coffer for their personal belongings and you’ll sometimes see initials or names on them to identify their owners. It was also customary for coffers to be given to commemorate a marriage and again you might find the initials of the couple and often the date which is such a lovely connection to the past owners of these pieces.

Snuff Boxes

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 16:51:42 GMT

As an antique dealer I come across all sorts of items but sometimes the very smallest of objects can turn out to be some of the most interesting. It also makes a nice change to buy something that doesn’t require three people to lift it! Take for example the Snuff Box - this simple everyday object that has all but disappeared today would have been carried in the pockets of nearly every gentleman 200 years ago and it gives us a real insight into their day to day lives.

For those who aren’t familiar with it, Snuff was essentially ground up dry tobacco which was inhaled through the nose rather than smoked. It originated in America and spread throughout Europe in the 1600s through to the 1800s. At the peak of its popularity, there were dedicated snuff mills making special blends that took many months to mature with individual scents and mixes.

It was common practice to take snuff and people of all social classes took it, including men and women. Snuff boxes were very important to keep the snuff dry and these small pocket sized boxes were intended to contain a day or two’s supply. They were considered an almost essential personal possession and depending on what you could afford they could be exquisite items made from gold and silver down to the cheapest made from no more than potato pulp or papier-mache!

They came in various shapes and sizes, the most common being rectangular or oval but some were more ornate and came shaped as shells, figures or animals. The most important thing was that they were airtight. Many boxes were personalised with initials or a name or were embellished with engraved or painted decoration, bespoke to the owner.

As you can imagine they are quite common items and I have come across dozens in the past few years but there is still a very strong collectors market for snuff boxes. The market is very accessible to collectors with prices for a plain wooden example starting at just £30-50, moving up to a few hundred pounds for a nice silver example and into the thousands for rarer examples.

Oil Lamps

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 16:51:42 GMT

At this time of year I find the evenings can be very long, especially now the clocks have gone back. I like to have a candle or two lit around the house - I find them much gentler than an electric light and there’s something pleasant about the warm flickering glow of a flame.

We can often forget that candle light would have once been the main source of light in a home. In fact candles were valuable commodities, often being kept in their own candle boxes. In some households they would have even been kept under lock and key. Have you ever noticed the small box within a larger blanket chest, usually to the one side? These sections were specifically for candles and the chest would have been locked to keep them safe.

Alongside candles you would have also had Oil Lamps, most commonly burning paraffin. These became popular during the Victorian era but in fact the earliest forms of oil lamps have been around for thousands of years, dating back to the small clay vessels used for burning oil during Roman times.

I have always liked oil lamps and whilst nowadays we don’t rely on them for light they are still popular decorative items. They come in all different shapes and size, most commonly seen as table top designs but there are also floorstanding oil lamps and wall mounted ones too.

Generally speaking, the basic oil lamp consists of 4 parts. Firstly, the base. This could be plain or very decorative and could be made out of anything from cast iron to brass or even solid silver. Then you’ve got the font which would have held the oil. These were most commonly brass or glass but could be decorated, coloured or sometimes made from ceramic. Oil lamps were so popular that Doulton even turned their hand to making some of the more elaborate fonts. The third and most important part is the burner. This contains the wick. Finally the lamps would be finished with a glass chimney to create a clean burn and sometimes an additional decorative glass shade which could be engraved, etched or coloured.

One of the most famous manufacturer’s of Oil Lamps is Hinks. They are a good name to look our for, synonymous with quality, and have a strong collector’s market. They had bases in London and Birmingham and customers included railway companies which used oil lamps to light their stations, trains and signals. Hinks’ lamps were always state-of-the-art and they patented the duplex burner and the extinguisher lever in 1865, making oil lamps more efficient and safer.

Antiques are Green

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 16:51:25 GMT

I have always championed antiques as being a very sustainable way to shop and their eco-friendly credentials are often overlooked. In fact there are numerous ways that buying antiques can be better for the planet.

For a start, antiques combat consumerism by helping us to buy less. Antiques are made to last - if an item has been around for 100 years there’s a good chance it’ll survive another 100! By thinking carefully about what we buy we can make sure we waste less and this is not only better for the planet but far better for your pocket in the long run too.

By buying antique, vintage or second-hand you are not only reducing the waste in landfill but buying something with a much smaller carbon footprint than many modern items. Take the humble Windsor Chair for example - it would have been hand made 200 years ago by a local craftsman with local timber, cut and gathered by hand. Then turned on a foot-treadle lathe and delivered by horse and cart. It doesn’t get much better than that! Compared to how things are produced nowadays it’s clear to see the benefit. Not forgetting of course that you won’t find any plastic in antiques either!

Antiques are a good reminder of how important it is to care for things and not throw things away. In a society where you can press a button and order nearly anything you want it can be easier to replace than repair which is incredibly damaging for the planet. Of course this wasn’t the case 100 years ago and antiques can often tell a story of ‘make do and mend’.

A chest of drawers may have had 2 or 3 sets of handles in its life time and it is rare to find a Georgian chest of drawers with the original brass handles. More often than not, 50 years later the Victorians would have changed them to wooden knobs because that was more fashionable at the time. Sometimes the Edwardians would come along in another 50 years and change them again!

We see dressers with the plate racks cut down when they’ve been moved to a house with lower ceilings and we see ceramic plates with stapled repairs to cracks. Belongings were valued and as fashions changed they worked with what they had, rather than throw it away and buy another. A lesson we can all surely learn from.

Campaign Furniture

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:55:05 GMT

Undoubtedly one of the biggest appeals of antiques when owning them, buying them or collecting them is the history that each piece holds. Who may have owned it before, where it’s travelled and what it’s seen. A particular area of antiques where this is very prominent is when it comes to Campaign items.

The term is used to refer to the objects that an officer or dignitary would have taken with him when posted to far flung lands. Often these items were pieces of furniture - foldable beds, desks, chests of drawers and wash stands made to bring a touch of home to his tent or accommodation while travelling - but the term also expands past furniture into everyday objects such as mirrors, writing boxes, coat hooks, candlesticks and cutlery.

Most pieces date from the 19th and 20th century when the rise and expansion of the British Empire led to increased demand.

It can sometimes be hard to spot campaign pieces if you don’t know what to look for. Their primary role was to be easily transportable so look out for carrying handles or items that fold, split or break down. They would often have needed to have flat sides to fit into packing cases so handles were recessed or knobs were threaded to easily unscrew.

Campaign pieces refer to journeys across both land and sea and Naval or maritime pieces are just as interesting. They had a different set of challenges to overcome and items were designed to endure rough seas. There is often evidence of a piece being screwed or fixed down or built on a gimbal to allow it to move with the rolling seas. Raised galleries prevented anything rolling off of surfaces and rounded corners prevented injury during rough conditions!

Although made to be moved, there was no expense spared and campaign pieces were often excellent quality. They were further enhanced with brass corner pieces or brass strapping to provide extra protection against knocks and bumps while travelling and that’s why many items returned home with their owners after the campaign and are still being used today.

Scent Bottles

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:55:04 GMT

I’ve always liked antique scent bottles. They make great gifts and have a fascinating history. The earliest scent bottles date back to the ancient Roman times and they are used right up to the modern day. There are not many items with such a rich history. Nowadays, perfume is seen as a luxury but back in the Georgian and Victorian era it was more of a necessity. For something we consider so delicate and feminine now, scent bottles and the perfume within were originally used to mask the stench of the owner! Hot running water was not readily available and sewage ran through the streets so the only way to ensure you were smelling fragrant was to douse yourself in perfume. Scent Bottles allowed this perfume to be carried with you and applied frequently!

They come in all shapes, sizes and styles and are most commonly made of glass. Some of the best ones have silver or even gold tops. A good maker to look out for is Sampson & Mordan who produced many top quality examples during the Victorian era.

Just my cup of tea!

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:55:02 GMT

Most of us probably drink tea everyday and don’t give much thought to it but in times gone by drinking tea was a real ritual and there was a whole host of items that accompanied tea drinking to ensure that it was done properly. Many of these items are quite collectable nowadays.

The first thing they made sure to do was to store the tea properly and for this they used Tea Caddies. The caddies were usually lined with a tin lead alloy called ‘tea pewter’ to keep the tea leaves fresh.

Often Tea Caddy boxes were beautiful elaborate items, made to be shown off on a sideboard and brought out in front of guests. They were made of the finest woods with intricate inlaid decoration made by the same cabinet makers who would have made the furniture of the time. Good quality Tea Caddies can be quite sought after among collectors and some actually continue to be used for their original purpose.

The boxes would often come with a glass bowl, sometimes confused for holding sugar but in most cases it was actually a mixing bowl which allowed different types of tea to be mixed together to achieve the perfect blend. Specially shaped caddy spoons were used to mix the tea with short handles and wide shovel-like spoons.

Once the tea was prepared it would be served on a Tea Table, a small table whose top folded out but could then be tucked away when not in use.

Clarice Cliff

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:55:02 GMT

I’ve always admired Clarice Cliff and how hard she worked. She came from a working class family of 7 children and started to work in the local potteries in Staffordshire at the age of 13. She rose through the ranks, not afraid to move factories to better her career prospects.

She was initially tasked with painting and modelling reasonably plain and conservative pieces but her talents were soon spotted and she was allowed to practice her freehand designs on ‘defective’ pieces from the factory. This is where she developed the ‘Bizarre’ range that she is most famous for, using bold triangles and bright colours to cover up the defects. Much to the surprise of the factory owners, these designs were an instant hit and she went on to develop more.

She began with just one girl working with her on this new range but popularity soared and by 1929, Clarice Cliff's team of decorators had grown to around 70 young artists who hand painted her designs under her directions to keep up with demand.

In the 1930s, when the Art Deco period was at it’s height, her range expanded to incorporate new patterns and innovative shapes across ranges of tea sets, plates, bowls, vases and other decorative items.

Her work was so popular it was sold throughout North America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and many top London stores stocked it including Harrods and Selfridges.

When World War II broke out only plain white pottery, named utility ware, was permitted under wartime regulations so she was not able to continue her work, although she did assist with the management of the pottery.

The taste for more conservative wares remained after the war and she played a lesser role and never fully returned to making pieces as bold as in the 1930s.

There is still a very strong collectors market all over the world for Clarice Cliff. There have been books written documenting her work, there are regular exhibitions and even a Collectors’ Club. There remains a universal appeal, just like when she was making them - rare pieces can fetch a tidy sum but you can still pick up a beautiful piece for under £100.

Maximalism and Antique Mirrors

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:54:59 GMT

We’ve had a busy couple of weeks in the shop and I’ve been clocking up the miles with visits to antique fairs in the Midlands and deliveries in London and Milton Keynes. One of the deliveries was to an Interior Design company who are refitting a hotel. They are using antiques to bring some character to the old building and add some quirky finishing touches. In fact the mirror that we delivered once belonged to Neville Chamberlain and hung in 10 Downing Street - how about that for a talking point?

Of course you don’t need to be an interior designer to use antiques. Whether you live in a small modern new build or an ancient rambling farmhouse don’t be afraid to introduce some vintage or antique pieces to create an interesting interior.

The brilliant thing about shopping for antiques is that you never know what you’ll find and they give you the opportunity to own something completely unique that nobody else has. When it comes to what to buy just make sure you buy something that you love. You don’t have to stick to any rules and don’t be afraid to mix and match styles and eras, just have fun with it.

We have a mix of styles in the shop, from 17th century period oak to Georgian, regency mahogany to country pine and into art deco and more modern artwork and they all sit really well together and compliment one other.

In fact, ‘Maximalism’ is something that has been heavily featured in Interior Design trends this year. As the name might suggest it is the polar opposite to the white walls and pared back interiors of minimalism. Maximalism is all about creating an opulent interior - think eclectic furniture, prized collections and precious photographs on display layered with different textures. It embraces the idea of excess and promotes bold colour palettes and one of a kind possessions. Its ornate nature is reminiscent to English stately home interiors but the bold colours update it to a more modern style.

Using antique mirrors is a great way to explore this new trend. There’s just something about them that is so much more intriguing than new mirrors. It doesn’t matter if they aren’t perfect and you’ll often find the mirror itself has worn over time. Very old mirrors used mercury to create a reflective surface and this can fade and wear. After mercury stopped being used the mirrors were silvered and this too can gently wear, creating a lovely texture to the surface.

Windsor Chairs

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:54:58 GMT

Whether you love antiques or not, you can’t help but admire the craftsmanship and excellent design that can be found with antiques. A good example of this and an absolute favourite of mine is the Windsor Chair. They are a classic piece of English country furniture and a timeless design that doesn’t seem to ever go out of fashion. They work well in a variety of interior schemes and instantly bring so much character to a setting - not to mention being extremely comfortable while doing so!

A Windsor Chair is essentially characterised by having a thick, one-piece seat which has legs mortised from below and spindles slotted in from above that form the back rest. The seats are commonly made from Elm due to it’s lovely grain and the rest of the chair is made from a variety of other native woods such as ash, beech, fruitwood, walnut and yew.

The earliest mention of a Windsor Chair dates back to the 1700s and it’s believed that many of these early chairs were originally used as outdoor or garden chairs and were painted green to protect them from the elements. Chairs in this original paint are rare to find and highly sought after.

The height of production came during the 19th Century and testament to their good design and popularity, Windsor Chairs are still being made today. They were given the name Windsors because they were first made in the Thames Valley and around Windsor itself. They were soon being made all over the country and regional craftsmen would put their own spin on the classic design - perhaps a different variation of turning in the spindles, a different carved back splat or a different leg. West Country Windsor chairs are unique in their three-part arm bow and Lincolnshire chairs have very distinctive leg turnings.

You may hear the expression ‘Crinoline Stretcher’ when referring to Windsor Chairs and there’s an interesting theory as to how they got their name. The stretcher on a chair is the part that connects the legs and gives the chair a lot of its strength and stability. Stretchers are typically H shaped, joining the side legs and then across the middle or they are crinoline shaped with two spokes coming in from the back legs and one curving steam bent piece of wood joining the front legs. It was fashionable in the 19th century for ladies to wear crinoline petticoats below their dresses to hold the hem out and give a larger silhouette. Therefore curved stretchers allowed for these large dresses to be tucked underneath the chairs when a lady was seated and the name crinoline stretchers was adopted!

Despite their immense popularity, Windsor chairs can be relatively accessible for any budget. There are huge numbers available and prices vary from a few thousand for a very early chair to a few hundred for a fairly average 19th century one.

The magic of Writing Slopes

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:54:56 GMT

It’s not often that I send or receive letters and very rarely are they hand written. There’s still a certain excitement and nostalgia to receiving a hand written letter and I’m often reminded in my job of how seriously the art of letter writing was taken in years gone by.

Letter writing wasn’t just a past time, it was a necessity and there were a whole range of items that were used - from pen and ink stands, to stationery racks to the full writing slope boxes. Nowadays these items can be very collectable - not only do they make lovely decorative items but people do enjoy using them to reconnect with the lost art of letter writing.

It was the Georgian and Victorian era that saw some of the best writing accoutrements made. Top quality cabinet makers of the day were also turning their hand to these smaller boxes and the quality of some writing slopes is just fantastic. They’ll often be made from fine mahogany, rosewood or walnut and decorated with intricate brass or mother of pearl inlay.

Traditionally a writing slope is a rectangular box that folds out to form a ‘slope’ with a smooth leather or velvet writing surface. They will come complete with inkwells and a pen tray and often have an assortment of drawers and areas for paper. They come in all different forms and were made for different purposes. There are delicate boxes for ladies to use at home when penning letters to family and friends and then there are large brass strapped boxes with carrying handles that would have been used by military officers reporting back from overseas.

This writing slope even comes with a set of brass candlesticks that screw into the box to allows the writer to pen his letters by candle light. They really are such super items.

Metamorphic Furniture

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:54:55 GMT

Good design is something we often talk about when referring to antiques but nowhere is this more evident than when it comes to Metamorphic furniture. This is used to describe a piece of furniture that transforms from one object into another and these items not only look lovely but are also extremely useful too. Why have two pieces of furniture when one piece can do two jobs?

The Victorians were undoubtedly brilliant inventors and the industrial revolution powered the country forward. While Brunel was busy building his railways and Alexander Graham Bell was inventing the telephone, Victorian furniture makers were working on some very clever objects.

Perhaps these pieces of furniture sound whimsical or novel but they were certainly fit for purpose and used in day to day life.

One of the most commonly seen examples are metamorphic library steps. These can take the form of tables, desks or chairs that transform into a set of steps and were used for reaching high shelves of books without the need to have a separate ladder.

The first examples of these steps were seen around the mid 1700s and tables, chairs and stools containing Library Steps were patented in Great Britain in 1774.

The chairs are one of the more common forms and became increasingly popular in the Victorian era. On the surface they look like a fairly normal chair, often made from oak or mahogany, but in one simple movement the back of the chair folds over the seat to transform them into a set of steps!

Another example of metamorphic furniture is the Monks’ Bench which sees a seat or bench transform into a table. There was often storage incorporated into the base as well. This was very useful in homes that had rooms used for multiple functions because it allowed a large dining table to fold up out of the way. The name is believed to come from their origins in the 15th Century when monks would use items like this in their small living quarters.

It’s not always immediately obvious that a piece of furniture might have two uses so look out for hinges, catches or handles in unusual places that might give away some sort of moving part.

Teddy Bears

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:54:55 GMT

If you’ve ever visited the shop in Ashburton you may have noticed a teddy bear in the window keeping an eye on the comings and goings on the high street. He often changes his position to get the best vantage point! In fact he’s the only thing in the shop that is not for sale because he belonged to my father when he was a young boy and has been passed down to me to look after.

He's looking a little scruffy lately, his fur is wearing thin in places and he’s got scars from numerous life saving surgeries but he’s full of charm. I’ve always had a soft spot for old teddies and it would seem a lot of other people do too, judging by how many times i’ve been asked if he’s for sale! It seems no matter how scruffy or beaten up they are they have a wonderful way of evoking childhood memories.

Every old teddy bear was handmade with hand stitched details that give each bear their own expression and personality. Teddy bears come in all shapes, sizes and colours and early teddies were made to look like real bears with smaller eyes and long pointed noses.

One of my favourite features on an antique bear is it’s ‘growler’. Not all bears had one but if they did you might be able to feel a hard lump inside the chest of the bear. These voice boxes were usually made from simple paper bellows blowing across a reed that make a wonderful growling noise when the bear was tipped.

It’s a little known fact that teddy bears got their name from the former US President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. While on a hunting trip in 1902 he refused to shoot a bear that had been tied to a tree and the story caught the attention of toy maker Morris Mitchtom who produced a toy bear and named it “Teddy’s Bear” after the President.

At the same time on the other side of the Atlantic, Steiff were also producing bears in Germany and as their popularity grew all over the world the name ‘teddy bear’ stuck.

Renowned for the quality of their bears, Steiff remain to this day one of the most well known and sought after makers of teddy bears and other stuffed animals. The company was founded in 1880 and their toys can often be distinguished by their trademark ear button tag which was introduced in 1904 to stop counterfeits from being passed off as authentic Steiff toys.

The market for collecting teddy bears is very strong and collectors will pay good money for early bears in good condition. It is not uncommon for a rare Steiff bear to make a five figure sum, with a few having even sold for over £100,000!

Grandfather Clocks

183:855842033 (Lydia Wood) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:54:53 GMT

Over the past few years I have been pleased to see the growing popularity of Grandfather Clocks after a long time of falling prices. I have always found the gentle tick-tock very soothing and we nearly always have one in the shop. This resurgence comes as people have once again began to appreciate the wonder of such an historic but simple mechanism - regarded for many hundreds of years as one of the most accurate timekeepers in the world.

Grandfather Clocks are also commonly referred to as ‘Longcase Clocks’. The earliest records of these clocks dates back to the late 1600s and they were called Longcase Clocks due to the long cases - previously, clocks has been wall mounted with the pendulum and weights hanging down. The term ‘grandfather’ became associated with them much later on and was actually made popular by the song “My Grandfather’s Clock” in 1876!

Longcase Clocks come in all styles and shapes - from early flat top cottage clocks with oak cases and brass faces to the later Georgian and Victorian mahogany cases with ornate finials and painted dials. They suit any setting and can look just as good in a period or modern home, instantly injecting a bit of character.

Most clocks are signed and if you want an idea of the age just look out for the maker’s name on the face and this can be traced back to when it was made.

Longcase clocks generally fall into 2 main categories - 30 hour or 8 day. 30 hour clocks need winding every day and were generally cheaper to buy whereas an 8-Day clock will run for a whole week before needing winding. You can usually tell the difference because an 8-Day clock will have winding holes in the face whereas a 30-hour is wound by pulling the chain in the case.

There are lots of common misconceptions about grandfather clocks and many people are unnecessarily wary of them - worried that they are hard to use and easily break and are hard to put right when they do. In fact the mechanics of a clock are fairly straightforward and if properly looked after and regularly serviced, just like a car, will run for many years.

I commonly hear people say “I could never have a grandfather clock, the chiming would keep me awake all night!” If that’s been putting you off getting one you need not worry as there’s a simple solution. If you look closely on the face of a grandfather clock you’ll see there are 2 holes for winding - 1 for the time keeping and 1 for the chime. If you don’t want your clock to chime there is no need to wind this part and they can be run silently. It is also common to place a piece of material such as the end of an old glove over the striker so as when it hits the bell it takes the sharpness out of the chime and softens it.

Having said all of that, most customers who buy a clock from us, sceptical of the chimes, come back and say they absolutely love them and are so used to the chimes they don’t even notice them now!

Antique Silver - determining the date

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 21:52:36 GMT

I buy and sell a lot of antique silver and I am often asked how to accurately date it. The first thing to look for is the hallmark. Most silver pieces will have a hallmark, although marks will be different for continental pieces. Look for the Lion Passant - this is the British sterling silver mark which tells you the piece has been tested for purity and is .925 sterling silver.

Generally speaking hallmarks have 4 parts, the Lion Passant, the town mark where it was assayed, the date letter for the year it was made and finally the maker’s mark.

Some of the biggest silver assaying offices are in London and Birmingham, London marked by a Leopard’s Head and Birmingham by an Anchor. People often wonder why Birmingham, a completely land-locked city is represented by an anchor and it’s quite an interesting story. In 1773, before the inauguration of the Birmingham and Sheffield Assay Offices, a meeting was held in London at a public house called The Crown and Anchor Tavern. The choice of symbol was supposedly made on the toss of a coin which resulted in Birmingham using the Anchor and Sheffield using the Crown. We can be sure a few pints of Ale were also involved in the decision making process!

Some smaller towns also assayed silver for a short time. One particular mark to look out for locally is the Exeter town mark - a castle with three turrets. The assay office officially opened in 1701 and closed down in 1883 and some pieces can be quite rare because it operated for such a short time.

Once you’ve determined the town that the piece was assayed in, the corresponding date letter will tell you the year in which it was made.

Antique Microscopes

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 21:52:36 GMT

From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated with science and the natural world. This has developed into a passion for antique scientific instruments and this is actually one of my favourite areas of antiques - not only do you get the history of the piece but the quality of the workmanship that went into making some of the instruments is superb.

I particularly enjoy buying old microscopes. As with most collectables, rarity, rather than just age, determines the value. Whilst early and rare models can fetch tens of thousands of pounds, you can pick up a good quality Victorian microscope for as little as £100. These beautiful brass objects make great decorative items.

The best thing about them is that they often still work! Microscope slides are quite easy to come by and there is nothing better than looking through the lens of an old microscope - just think of all the people that have used it and what they’ve looked at!

Most microscopes will be marked with a maker’s name - a good one to look out for is Carl Zeiss, a German maker who revolutionised the quality of the lenses in the 1800s and made some fantastic instruments. In addition to the maker’s name, you will often see Serial Numbers stamped on them too which can help to determine the age.

The earliest known examples date from the 1500s. They were nicknamed “flea glasses” because they were first used to study insects. Whilst cutting edge for their time, they were fairly simple items but as scie nce progressed, so did the microscope and more advanced and powerful models became available by the 1800s.

Over the centuries microscopes have played a vital part in many major scientific discoveries. Before the development of microscopes people believed that diseases were caused by evil spirits or poisonous gases but this new technology enabled scientists to observe bacteria which helped to develop proper treatments.

A look at French Polishing

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 21:52:35 GMT

A lot happens behind the scenes before an item reaches the shop. Every piece we buy is meticulously checked, cleaned, polished and any necessary repairs are carried out.

A lot of this is done “in house” but there are certain jobs that we send out to specialist restorers. One of these jobs is French Polishing. This is a very skilled process which has to be done carefully by hand and is very time consuming. French Polishing has been around for hundreds of years and has changed very little in that time. It got it’s name because it was being used extensively in France during the Victorian era and so we often referred to it as “French Polish”. It is not strictly a polish, but many thin layers of Shellac which are built up during the process of French Polishing.

In my opinion, the finish of modern varnishes and lacquers is nowhere near as good as a traditional French Polish but sadly, like many traditional crafts, the art is dying out as the need for it diminishes and less people are willing to take the time to learn how to do it.

Of course, you don’t need to be an expert polisher to have beautiful looking furniture. Once a piece has been French Polished it can last a long time if treated well and you can keep your antique furniture looking beautiful at home by just using a good furniture wax.