Antique Collection

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,

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 [...]

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 [...]

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.

Various exciting new porcelain-making techniques were introduced and perfected in the 19th century. The development of bone china, which was made from the same ingredients as hard-paste porcelain with large quantities of animal bone added, meant that less expensive porcelain became widely available.

When discussing antique fakes the buyer is frequently curious and will often enquire as to the extent of antique faking in this country. The answer may be surprising. Obviously no exact figures can be given, only estimates. After all, the shady side of this business is very surreptitious.

The antique market changes as fashions come and go. For many years now the business of importing antiques from the UK, selling them from salerooms, shops and private homes has proved very lucrative. But now the pound is emerging as a strong currency.

Human figures which have been cut out for this purpose are usually fitted into oval frames. The oval frame is favoured as this reduces the background area which may bear an intrusive object such as the hand or foot of a second figure. It is not sufficient to examine just the back of the picture [...]

A charming and poignant study of a young girl, by Van Doorn signed and dated 1891, was sold recently in Edinburgh. The restrained use of colour and fine detail of the brushwork, made this a most attractive and desirable painting, except for one thing.
It was a deliberate fraud!

1180—The first records of goldsmiths guild under Henry II having the right to use the mark of the Leopard’s head. 1238 — Henry III — the assay mark was introduced to prevent fraud.
1300-1544 — Edward I — the hallmark with the leopard’s head indicated the standard of purity.