Victorian Stationery Box   A gilt tooled, shark skin bound travelling correspondence box.  The recessed brass carrying handle suggests that this box was made for campaign use.  Originating from a Manchester retailer it well have seen use during the construction of the Ship Canal, or another part of the North West canal system.  Even the construction of the rapidly expanding railway. Upon opening the front falls down and operates a rectractable pen rest and ink well. The fall front then provides a writing slope, the slope lifting open to reveal a compartment for private correspondence.  It is well fitted out with drawers and pigeonholes for stationery.  The drawers are marked for Gold, Silver and Notes.  Beneeth the raised lid is storage facilities for pens and other tools.  Comes complete with a perpetual calendar and a porcelain aide memoire.  Embossed with the makers name of Finnigan, Manchester   £450.00

Victorian Tobacco Jar   The Victorians had a flair for turning every day social items into novelty pieces.  The practice of smoking was elevated to a an event equal to taking a meal.  Special smokers chairs were designed, a smoking jacket and hat was worn, anciliary items such as ash trays, pipe racks and humidors became aesthetic items of furniture.  This majolica style tobacco jar is in the form of a whimpering child sitting on a damaged potty.  Could now be used as a biscuit barrel or a salt box.   £150.00

Edwardian Walnut Purdonium                           A solidly constructed coal box complete with original metal liner, the original coal shovel housed at the rear.  Those which come complete with metal liner and shovel are called Purdoniums,  as this style was patented in the 19th century by a Mr Purdon.  The lift front is fitted with piano hinge and is nicely carved with foliate decoration.  In the days of open fires a supply of coal would be brought into the house to keep the fire going through dark, foul evenings.  These items provided an attractive storage place.  No longer likely to fulfil it's original use, but a very attractive item of nostalgia.  Handy for storing magazines, cans of beer or your slippers.   £150.00

Antique Opium Scales   Every nation has a grim chapter in it's history.  The most notorious period of 18th and 19th century British history is probably the slave trade.  At the other side of the world an equally shameful form of maltreatment was being conducted in the name of commerce.  The trade imbalance with China had been steadily growing with the import of tea, silks, spices and other goods.  As China was an under developed part of the world there was little market for British goods and payment had to be made in silver.  In an effort to correct this imbalance the British government sanctioned the promotion of the opium trade, shipping large quantities of the drug from India into China against the express wishes of the Emperor.    The inevitable conflict became known as The Opium Wars. As a momento we have an original 18th century set of hand made beam scales complete with a set of graduated bronze weights in the form of peacocks.  The set is stored in an ebonised wooden case, carved with the seed heads of the poppy plant.

Copper Tea Urn   A Victorian Tea Urn or Samovar as they are sometimes called.  A large copper vase with a tin lining in which tea could be brewed and served in quantity.  These urns were often used in Victorian chapels to serve tea to the congregation after the service.  The tin lining is still intact and in good order, so this item could be functional as well as decorative.  The urn sits on a square copper plinth on brass ball feet.   The two scroll handles are fitted with a bridging piece of heat resisting bone.  The brass spout is also fitted with a bone donut.  Nicely decorated with delicate repousse.  A good conversation piece.  The copper body has a nice patination so no need for regular cleaning.   Item Sold

Coronation Commemorative Plate   On great State Occasions items to commemorate the event were often handed out to school children.  In 1902 this plate was issued to 80,000 children in Leeds by the then Mayor of Leeds.  The celebrated occasion was the coronation of Edward VII following many years of rule by his mother Queen Victoria.  Although plentiful these items have always been collectable.  This rare plate is more collectable as it bears two dates.  Owing to the sudden postponement of the coronation due to Edward's illness in suffering from tonsilitis, the official date set for the coronation of 26th June 1902 was delayed until August 9th.  The back of this plate bears confirmation of this.    £50.00

Boxed set of Pepperettes   Pepperettes have been in use since Georgian days and usually accompanied silver or glass "salts", providing each guest at the table with his or her own personal supply of seasoning.  This boxed set is from the French firm of Christofle who were founded in Paris in 1830, by the jeweller Charles Christofle.  This world famous company have provided tableware for the Orient Express and many ocean liners.  These glass condiments are impressed with the maker's name, and are fitted with a solid silver top.   £80.00

Nailsea Glass Pipes   Probably made in Stourbridge but regarded as Nailsea glassware, these late Victorian items of art glass were made from glass dumps or clumps of discarded glass.  At the end of the day, having met his daily production quota, the experienced glassbower would produce novelty items.  Not only did they offer an opportunity to demonstrate his skills, but these items and various others in the form of walking canes, rolling pins etc, brought added income from private sales.    70.00 each

"The Rambler" volumes 1 & 2        An item of distinct local interest.  Spring Vale Ramblers of Darwen was founded by JT Fielding.  A liberally illustrated regular edition of their magazine "The Rambler" was sold at 3d.  Not only did it cover walks within the Lancashire area, but also featured nature notes, potted histories and interesting stories of village customs long since vanished.  Volume 1 published 1905 and volume 2 published 1906, are hardback compilations of these gems of yesteryear.

Navajo Squash Blossom Necklace   The American Indians of the south western region are well known for the beauty and variety of their native hand made jewellery.  Prized by the collector and also by the Indian himself, both the Navajo and Pueblo consider jewellery as wealth and any ceremonial occasion was used to display it.  This love of adornment is a trait which reaches far back into their prehistory.  The two materials most highly prized by these early inhabitants were shell and turquoise.  By the mid 1850's a few Navajos had learned from their Mexican neighbours how to work silver. Many early pieces were never hallmarked as they were not intended for the commercial market.  Those who could afford to own and wear his own work were able to show off their wealth to the great envy of their fellow man. This piece is by Lee Edaakie circa 1942.   550.00

Shelley Fine Bone China   Throughout the 20th century the quality of Shelley china made them a well respected manufacturer, and since the closure of their Staffordshire factory in 1966 has become a favourite collectable.  One of the reasons being that fine English Bone China needs Cornish clay, so cannot be copied in foreign parts, protecting Shelley from duplication.  This post war china is from an extensive dinner service and is an excellent Continental Breakfast Set.  The two handled coffee cups are wide enough for the traditional dunking of croissants, and come as part of a trio complimented by a saucer and side plate.   £100.00

Edwardian Family Portrait Photos   This four leaf photo frame contains the portraits of an unknown Edwardian family's children.  The frame folds up into a neat block, mahogany framed and with a shagreen backing.  Quite possibly they were made this way to be packed safely away during travel, and may have been the property of a sea captain or commercial traveller. The portraits are signed and embossed by the photography studio, James Bacon & Sons.  The earliest evidence of this photographer is of his Newcastle studios in 1881, and later in Edinburgh.  These photos are embossed with the mark of James Bacon, Liverpool.  These pictures would not have been cheap in their day, which suggest a wealthy family who prospered from Liverpool's commercial success, at one time being the richest city in Britain.   120.00

King George V Album   Entitled His Majesty The King and published by Associated Newspapers.  Covering 25 years of a glorious reign told in pictured, after an introduction, this book proceeds to document the years between 1910 and 1935 with countless photo images.  Covering the reign of King George V from palace scenes to state occasions, together with images of every major historic event which took place during both peaceful and turbulent years.  Malcolm Campbell's Blue Bird world speed attempts, Test match cricket, launching of the Queen Mary, Amy Johnson, literally hours of contentment in studying each page.                                                        £40.00

Victorian Mahogany Hall Mirror   This antique mirror with it's original 19th century bevel edged glass would have hung in the hallway of a town house.  Contained in a carved mahogany frame and attractively decorated with a Georgian style pediment, a carved apron and turned drop finials it would have been a functional feature making the usual statement of wealth.  Complete with hinged lid box it was a handy storage for a gentleman's or lady's outdoor gloves .  Still very decorative and functional it could provide a handy storage compartment for house keys, car keys etc.          £400.00

Art Deco Metal Purse   A genuine original 1920's brushed steel purse fitted with a mesh handle and piano hinged base.  An essential part of a contemporary modern lady's attire, these items now provide a very collectable market.  This one is attractively decorated with irridescent tropical fish and a moulded gilt metal edge.  The interior is lined with gold satin fabric and two small gussetted pockets.  Complete with matching powder compact and card case, also enamelled with an aquarium scene.               120.00

Bronze Table Cannon   This is an early 19th century bronze cannon mounted on a hardwood carriage.  Total length 45cm. The cannon is etched with George III monogramme and crown, and dated 1812.  Afflicted with porphyria, this deteriorating maddening disease continualy disrupted the reign of George III.  While still living but without any grip on reality, personal rule was given to his son George, the Prince Regent, in 1811.   The War of 1812 was fought between Great Britain and America, and was fuelled by a failed attempt by America to occupy Canada.                         £300.00

Royal Doulton Slop Pale   This is a substantial piece of Edwardian pottery for collectors of blue and white.  Transfer printed in the Oyama pattern which features Chinese dragons, this Royal Doulton pale is fitted with a wicker carrying handle and a dish shaped insert.  It would have been a part of an extensive toilet set which would have included bowl and pitcher, chamber pot, soap dishes, candle sticks and more.  This item would have sat on the lower tier of a wash stand, receiving the waste water from the sink as the plug was removed.  It now serves as a very decorative feature and a splendid conversation piece.    £300.00

Victorian Papier Mache Rack   Victorians were lovers of papier mache and filled their houses with various products, including tables, chairs and chests of drawers.  Smaller items came as mirrors and jewellery caskets etc, all lacquered and elaborately hand painted.  This is a wall hanging newspaper holder.  The master of the house would have his morning paper ironed and placed in this rack, either in the library or breakfast room.                         £80.00

"Greta"  by George Warrilow   An Art Deco china figurine depicting one of Hollywood's most glamorous women.  Manufactured circa 1925, this figurine is similar to the figurine "Sweet Sixteen", which was introduced by Royal Doulton around the same time.  This is a much rarer figure and in my opinion a much finer product.  Sadly these items are rated by collectors according to maker's mark and not the subject or rarity, although this piece should appeal to fans of Greta Garbo.  George Warrilow ceased production in 1940 and became Rosina China, world famous for fine bone china tableware.                       £280.00

Georgian Toilet Box   This oblong ceramic box is approximately 200 years old, and was originally part of an extensive set of toilet ware, including wash bowl, potty and various wash-stand items.  This lidded box was made to safely store a gentleman's cut-throat razors.  Now a rare item as the lid often broke and very collectable,  This would make a perfect gift for someone still skilled in traditional razor shaving.  In attractive blue and white transfer print, it could also serve as a toothbrush holder, or pen holder on an antique library desk.                                                      £130.00

Grand National Glasses   A boxed set of shot glasses in original box.  Each glass is decorated with a life-like impression in colour of a famous Grand National Winner.  Begining with Sundew the winner in 1957 through to Ayala the winner in 1963.  The winner of the 1961 Grand National is missing from this series, as the winner Nicolas Silver, was a grey horse and the printers were unable to replicate his colour.  Eventualy overcoming the problem, later sets were issued without this interuption and Nicolas Silver was included.  This anomaly makes this perfect set of glasses very rare.   £30.00

Oak Supper Tray   This is a piece of Victorian indulgence.  This metamorphic tray comes with a galleried edge and an adjustable reading slope.  The base of the slope is fitted with brass page minders.  The turned tapering legs are collapsible, forming a flat stowable tray when not in use. The master of the house, a well to do batchelor, might be served breakfast in bed to be eaten off this tray, followed by a leisurely read of a popular periodical or novel while his bath was prepared.                                                              £100.00

RETURN TO HOME PAGE

Enter supporting content here