Antique Collection

Compared with ceramics of the same date, much antique glass remains relatively inexpensive. You can still find sets of 19th century glasses for under £100 at antiques shops and general auctions, and incredibly, an antique decanter will often cost less than a modern one. Read the rest of this entry »

Knives, forks and spoons are usually termed “flatware” by silver collectors. Depending on your budget there are many ways of collecting flatware. Complete services, which usually comprise settings for 12, may seem prohibitively expensive, but odd numbers of spoons and forks in the most common patterns, such as Old English, Fiddle, Read the rest of this entry »

Even though we no longer depend on candlelight for illumination, nothing graces a dining table more elegantly than a pair of silver candlesticks. Most candlesticks and candelabra were originally made in pairs or larger sets. Expect to pay more than double for a pair of candlesticks than for two single ones - even if they’re the same design and size! To be a true “pair” candlesticks must be made by the same maker at more or less the same date. Read the rest of this entry »

Whether you prefer the subtle sensuality of the Art Nouveau potters, or the uncluttered modern approach of the Art Deco era, pottery of this period provides something to suit almost every taste. If you’re an inexperienced collector this could be an ideal choice of subject to begin with: most pottery and porcelain is marked; wares by the most famous potters are usually well documented; and many pieces are still refreshingly inexpensive. Read the rest of this entry »

If you want to collect on a modest budget, the vast array of small novel objects made from silver can provide an ideal collecting area. Read the rest of this entry »

The most sought-after antique paperweights are those made by famous French factories such as Baccarat, Clichy and St Louis during the middle years of the 19th century. Patterns were built up from tiny slices of differently coloured rods or canes of glass, set in a mould and covered in clear glass. The size can vary from under 5cm/2in to 10cm/4in or more. Read the rest of this entry »

Not all “bracket” clocks stood on wall brackets. Clocks of this type were also used for tables and mantelpieces. Nowadays the term is used to describe all clocks with short pendulums and spring-driven mechanisms. These clocks are also sometimes called “mantel clocks” or “table clocks“. Read the rest of this entry »

Perhaps because of their homely appearance and reassuring “tick-tock”, longcases, popularly known as “grandfather” clocks, are among the most appealing of all antique clocks. Most longcases were made in England from the late 17th-19th centuries, although lesser numbers were also produced in Europe and America. The standard long- case runs for 8 days and has an anchor escapement. Read the rest of this entry »

Few people today would think of packing a carriage clock when they go on a journey, even though, as one of the earliest types of travelling clock, this is what they were made for. Carriage clocks usually have brass cases and were fitted with handles so they could be more easily carried — hence their name — many also came with a leather travelling case. Read the rest of this entry »

Novelty clocks, which tell the time in a particularly unusual or intriguing way, are among the most fascinating of all clocks. Most of those seen today date from the 19th century when they were produced by French, Swiss and English makers. Read the rest of this entry »