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 [...]

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 [...]

The problem of fakes is one that is familiar to every art lover and collector. Fakes, often produced with great skill and refinement, are always hard to detect.
Besides the obvious need for a thorough knowledge of the historical and stylistic background, there are a number of specific practical tips which are indispensable aids to establishing [...]

A layer of dark oxide will form easily on a pewter surface as a result of chemical pollutants in the atmosphere, especially in our cities. Both public and private collectors have sought to prevent such oxidization by covering the freshly cleaned surface with a thin film of transparent lacquer, but they have found that a [...]

The cupboard originated in the middle ages and was an open shelved structure used to display pewter, silver and other untensils. Styles changed and in the 17th century the lower section was enclosed. In Georgian and Victorian times there was a wide variation in designs.

The collectors of early brass objects encounter many problems. They have to wade their way through oceans of reproductions and clever forgeries to find what they are really looking for. Many are seeking specific objects such as antique horse brasses, candlesticks or wall plaques.
Horse brasses were first produced in ancient times in many oriental countries. [...]

Bracket clocks are the spring-driven counterparts to the weight-driven tallcase clocks, like miniaturized versions of the hood and movement, but constructed as fully assembled units. They can be transported whole if kept upright, but the pendulum must be removed if no clip or screw clamp is present to secure it. To do this, wedge the [...]

OIL PAINTINGS MAY BE DECORATIVE OBJECTS TO FILL A SPACE ON A WALL, BUT AS FAR AS CARE IS CONCERNED, THEY ARE COMPOSITE STRUCTURES BUILT UP OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS WHICH MAY REACT WITH ONE ANOTHER.
Oil paints consist of colored pigments ground in oil which acts as a medium allowing the pigment to be applied. The [...]

The oldest silver serving dishes designed for use rather than display are simple, with moulded or gadrooned rims. Display pieces are often silver gilt, with elaborate chased and applied strapwork and lobbing. Most date from the 17th century, although similar ones continued to be made until the early l9th century, mainly for ceremonial services.