{"title":"Archive","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"a-late-nineteenth-century-engraved-silver-box-al01","title":"A Late Nineteenth Century Engraved Silver Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn engaging and personal little silver treasure, of rectangular form, engraved all over with vines, leaves and scrolls. At the centre of one side is a cartouche engraved with the monogram \"J E A\". The case has spring-loaded hinges and is opened by a button at the top. Around the button is a metal loop for attaching to a chain, which is hallmarked with a lion, indicating sterling silver. There is no date or maker's mark found on the box. Similar in size to a vesta case, or a matchbox, this little box could have been used as a locket, to hold treasured items such as a lock of hair, a small likeness of someone, or a miniature bible perhaps. Whatever the original function, this little charm would be ideal for anyone who loves beautiful small things.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105022,"sku":"AL01","price":98.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize_63.jpeg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"afghan-ziegler-rug-288cm-x-243cm-afgw14","title":"Afghan Ziegler Rug: 288cm x 243cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe term 'Ziegler' refers to the Anglo-Swiss  company Ziegler \u0026amp; Co. They were producing exclusive Persian carpets in their own workshops in the Sultanabad region of Western Persia between 1875 and 1920.Afghan Zieglers have proved to be one of the most popular hand woven rugs of recent times. They are woven mainly by Afghan weavers and are sold out of markets in Northern Pakistan. This beautiful carpet has a wonderfully quiet and under-stated design that will not over power a room.This is a supremely well-made rug of high quality. The pile is cut low and is crafted to antique designs and using only natural dyes, whilst the hand-spun yarn creates a stunning depth of colour and sophistication.As with all hand-made rugs, each piece brings with it a spectrum of shades of colouring depending upon from which angle one views it from. This central field of this Ziegler has a particularly rich offering of stylized flowers as the beautiful pattern shimmers through a range of golds, drawn perfectly upon a truffle coloured ground. Moving towards the outer part of the rug, the Ziegler boasts a triple border in a light powder gold, which offsets the central field wonderfully well. The outer border reverts back to truffle, giving the piece it's balance. This is a mesmerising piece at the lowest possible price.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105024,"sku":"AFGW14","price":1450.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/super-size-Z1.jpg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"izmir-kilim-rug-173cm-x120cm-izm530","title":"Izmir Kilim Rug: 173cm x120cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Izmir, Turkey\u003cbr\u003e\r\nStyle: Izmir Kilim\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: N\/A\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDated: Mid\/Late 20th C\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHand Knotted 100% Wool Pile\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 173 cms \/ 5.7 feet\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 120 cms \/ 4 feet\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWonderfully highlighted in a flamboyant sunshine yellow ground with combed forest green border and a double tarantula patterned geometrical lozenge to the centre. The bold and bright tones of sky blue, teal, medium blue, red, rose and sand all combine to make a celebration of colour. The main field interspersed with bird and spliced lozenge motifs with the whole being fully reversible if required.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nTurkish Kilim rugs, which are perhaps more like tapestries, are soft and thin and are alternatively used as sofa covers, throws or wall hangings. Kilims woven in Gordes, Kula, Usak, Izmir, Akhisan were known as Manastır Kilims. \u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThese kilims with simple patterns draw the attention with very vivid colors such as red, yellow and blue colors. Geometric medallions, running dog patterns and narrow bands with tiny crosses are typical patterns of these kilims.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105032,"sku":"IZM530","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize277.jpeg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"maimana-kilim-rug-307cm-x-200cm-mai730","title":"Maimana Kilim Rug: 307cm x 200cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Afghanistan\u003cbr\u003e\r\nStyle: Maimana Kilim\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: N\/A\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDated: Mid\/Late 20th C\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHand Knotted 100% Wool Pile\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 307 cms \/ 10 feet\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 200cms \/ 6.5 feet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe whole of a burnt orange ground pierced by an all over geometric design of stiff and angular lozenges dyed in black, navy and saffron. The overall effect of this weaving is of zigzag striping. Although bold, this piece remain tasteful because of the colours it employs and is unusual in that it does not have any white or beige in it at all. Fully reversible if required.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThese tribal kilims are woven by Uzbek weavers in the central Afghan region in and around the city of Maimana. \u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nMaimana, capital of the Faryab province, is a bazaar for kilims from the surrounding areas of northern Afghanistan and bordering Turkestan. Maimana kilims, often large, and particularly hardwearing, were originally woven indoors on large vertical looms. \u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThese pieces are easily recognizable by their simple patterns of diamonds and triangles, in bold reds, oranges, blues and browns, the central designs often being delineated by white borders. The main borders of the kilims themselves are geometrically patterned traditional designs, such as darakht - tree design, or daryaa - river design.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe ancient designs have changed little over the centuries. Made with 100% wool and entirely hand woven, these kilims are exceptional value for money.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105034,"sku":"MAI730","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize279.jpeg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"sirjan-antique-persian-salt-bag-107cm-x-51cm-sirm14","title":"Sirjan Antique Persian Salt-Bag: 107cm x 51cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis type of bag, also known as a torba, is traditionally used  for storing personal possessions, but also sometimes as a cushion stuffed with feathers.They are not normally made for export, but for domestic use; that is the reason they are often carefully and beautifully made, and they can be very decorative. The front face is carpet and the reverse is usually Kilim.This piece has a rather soft finish to its face, which is rather nice. Deep reds are deployed throughout the design and the middle field displays four interlinked medallions set in a muddy green with unusual indigo highlights.  The two keyed inner borders are flanked by an outer border studded with a diamond pattern with cream arrow heads. The opening top of the bag had looped rivets for attaching a strap or for wall hanging on, say, a pole. The reverse shows an aubergine ground set with horizontal bands of slate and red interspersed with four individual cream keys.These bags have a multitude of uses that could include using the piece as a cushion, a rug, a beautiful wall hanging or as a personal storage bag as the maker probably intended. A small price to pay for a very useable and versatile work of art.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105040,"sku":"SIRM14","price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/super-sizeSB3.jpg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"qashgai-antique-persian-salt-bag-41cm-x-39cm-qasw14","title":"Qashgai Antique Persian Salt-Bag: 41cm x 39cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis type of bag, traditionally used  for storing personal possessions or  indeed salt, but also sometimes as a cushion stuffed with feathers. The Qashqai nomadic tribes of the Fars province in southwestern Iran weave these pieces with an assured dexterity and skill.They are not normally made for export, but for domestic use; that is the reason they are often carefully and beautifully made, and they can be very decorative. The front face is carpet and the reverse is usually Kilim.This is a rather delicate and finely woven example.  Star and flower symbolism were obviously important to the craftsman who made this piece as these motifs are seen throughout the field and most significantly in the cream edge border. Greens and pinks have been used as though the ground is the night sky, and the motifs are its stars. The top entrance to the bag has an attractive and finely drawn band border and the piece is finished with two cord hooks to each of the top corners. It should be noted that there are some loose wool to the bottom of the bag but this is easily trimmed.These bags have a multitude of uses that could include using the piece as a cushion, a small rug, a beautiful wall hanging or as a personal storage bag as the maker probably intended. A small price to pay for a very useable and versatile work of art.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105046,"sku":"QASW14","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/super-sizeSB4.jpg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"ziegler-rug-116cm-x-84cm-zies30","title":"Ziegler Rug: 116cm x 84cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Northern Pakistan\u003cbr\u003e\r\nStyle: Afghan Ziegler\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: N\/A\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDated: Late 20th C\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHand Knotted 100% Wool Pile\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 116cms \/ 3.8 feet\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 84cms \/ 2.8 feet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDyed in very palatable soft apple greens, this small, but very well made piece has all the attributes of the larger Ziegler but scaled down to fit. Of excellent proportions, the stylized floral motifs point towards the same area of the piece thus leading the eye to the center. The border mirrors the palette of the main having cream, gold and truffle tones with a rust accent.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe term 'Ziegler' refers to the Anglo-Swiss  company Ziegler \u0026amp; Co. They were producing exclusive Persian carpets in their own workshops in the Sultanabad region of Western Persia between 1875 and 1920.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nAfghan Zieglers have proved to be one of the most popular hand woven rugs of recent times. They are woven mainly by Afghan weavers and are sold out of markets in Northern Pakistan.. The pile is cut low and is crafted to antique designs and using only natural dyes, whilst the hand-spun yarn creates a stunning depth of colour and sophistication.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nAs with all hand-made rugs, each piece brings with it a spectrum of shades of colouring depending upon from which angle one views it from.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105068,"sku":"ZIES30","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize283.jpeg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"torkaman-rug-61cm-x-134cm-tor030","title":"Torkaman Rug: 61cm x 134cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Persia\/Iran\u003cbr\u003e\r\nStyle: Torkaman\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: N\/A\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDated: Early 20th C\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHand Knotted 100% Wool Pile\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 61cms \/ 2 feet\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 134cms \/ 4.4 feet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nOf staunchly traditional design, the palette restricted to hues of reds, creams and sands. Having a deep lustre and soft pile, this piece features a Bokhara type design consisting of four intricately woven busy borders and a narrow central field of forty-two medallions interspersed with rosettes. The main colour is known as Tekke – which essentially means rose or madder red.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nAn accommodating and versatile piece that would perhaps be most suitable for a door way or landing.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nTorkoman rugs are handmade mostly in north-western and eastern Iran, but can sometimes found to be from parts of Turkey, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Syria, and other parts of the Caucasus.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe beauty of these weavings is primarily why many are attracted to Torkaman pieces. The history, beliefs and way of life of the Turkmen people are all of great importance to their art. Turkmen rugs, therefore, with their distinctive palettes, motifs and compositions, are not merely examples of a strange and exotic folk art but represent a highly complex and historical culture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105082,"sku":"TOR030","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize282.jpeg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"torkaman-rug-76cm-x-56cm-torm14","title":"Torkaman Rug: 76cm x 56cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eTorkoman rugs are handmade mostly in north-western and eastern Iran, but can sometimes found to be from parts of Turkey, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Syria, and other parts of the Caucasus.The beauty of these weavings is primarily why many are attracted to Torkaman pieces. The history, beliefs and way of life of the Turkmen people are all of great importance to their art. Turkmen rugs, therefore, with their distinctive palettes, motifs and compositions, are not merely examples of a strange and exotic folk art but represent a highly complex and historical culture.This pretty little piece is well proportioned and has a nice sheen to it's face. The deep blue\/indigo ground is pierced and dominated by an interlinked diamond medallion with an ivory ground. Within the medallion are eight charming stylized figures of birds encased in a \"running dog\" border. Caucasian in design, this piece additionally shows four flower rosettes, one in each corner, and to add more or a provenance the rug has been signed by it's maker. This piece is a good example and has a wonderful symmetry about it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105084,"sku":"TORM14","price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/super-size7656.jpg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"shiraz-rug-155cm-x-118cm-shie14","title":"Shiraz Rug: 155cm x 118cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eShiraz rugs are the work or nomads and are fairly soft. Traditionally these rugs were knotted on a foundation of wool and cattle-hair, with a woolen pile. Qashgai tribes make these lovely rugs and many of them are collected for transport in the town of Shiraz in southern Iran. Shiraz pieces are generally more loosely knotted than, for example, Qashgai rugs. The colours of the ground are red and blue, more rarely cream, and often rather defined. The design usually bears a stepped diamond out-line which encloses a number of stylized, geometrical animal and flower patterns. In rugs from this district the edges are often bound with different colours of worsted, and it is not unusual to find little tassels adorning them.This particular work shows the three traditional interlinked stepped diamond medallions, the middle and largest with a burgundy ground, and the two that flank it bear deep blue grounds. The whole of the filed is beautifully sprinkled with a myriad of motifs including the tree of life, flowers, rosettes, stars and pine and leaf. The piece still manages to be symmetrical and this is testament to the skill of its craftsman. A wonderful piece that will age with beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105116,"sku":"SHIE14","price":275.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/super-size155118.jpg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"a-superb-large-kurde-rug-281cm-x-146cm-kurw14","title":"A Superb Large Kurde Rug: 281cm x 146cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Persia\/Western Iran\/Iraq\/Turkey\u003cbr\u003e Style: Kurde\u003cbr\u003e Provenance: N\/A\u003cbr\u003e Dated: Mid\/Late 20th C\u003cbr\u003e Hand Knotted 100% Wool Pile.\u003cbr\u003e Length: 281cms \/ 9.2 feet\u003cbr\u003e Width: 146cms \/ 4.8 feet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Kurds are an ancient Indo-European language group of Southwest Asia. Kurdistan spans the junction of Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. The \"Kurdish\" language has two main branches Kurdish and Kurmanji.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Some of the most beautiful rugs are woven by Kurds living in western Iran, on the Iraqi border. Kurdish rugs continue to represent what is good in texture and color, and since they are woven principally in the tents, away from town influences, the quality has been fairly well preserved. Another element, which goes far toward maintaining it is that Kurdistan has an unfailing supply of wool, which is, not surpassed anywhere. The greater part of the yarn, moreover, is spun by hand and with infinite care, and the result is apparent in the finished works.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e This particular Kurdish piece is in an unusual size, which may well come in useful for placing in a hall way or landing.  It’s geometric design is traditional as are the colours used; reds, deep blue\/blacks and ivory. This is most certainly a piece that would mature well with its owner. The various guls are all in keeping with tradition and the way the ivory is used sparingly means the piece comes alive in a room. The keyed and stepped borders are in abundance whilst the dye in places has worn more than in others. Most of those who like hand made pieces favour this kind of imperfection; a real rug lovers rug.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105122,"sku":"KURW14","price":545.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/super-size-kurde.jpeg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"shiraz-rug-219cm-x-169cm-shie14","title":"Shiraz Rug: 219cm x 169cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eShiraz rugs are the work or nomads and are fairly soft. Traditionally these rugs were knotted on a foundation of wool and cattle-hair, with a woolen pile. Qashgai tribes make these lovely rugs and many of them are collected for transport in the town of Shiraz in southern Iran. Shiraz pieces are generally more loosely knotted than, for example, Qashgai rugs. The colours of the ground are red and blue, more rarely cream, and often rather defined.  The design usually bears a stepped diamond out-line which encloses a number of stylized, geometrical animal and flower patterns. In rugs from this district the edges are often bound with different colours of worsted, and it is not unusual to find little tassels adorning them.This gorgeous Shiraz is of a good size and is perhaps more intricate than some of its kin. The drawing and execution of this piece is really rather wonderful; I imagine the craftsmen who made this was somewhat of a perfectionist.  The pile is lustrous and soft whilst the shades of colour used are well varied. The main medallion within a medallion has traditional stepped lines and the multiple borders give the piece even more depth. Four rosettes sit in each corner giving light to the busy ground. An extremely well drawn piece that would improve any room lucky enough to bear it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105130,"sku":"SHIE14","price":495.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/super-size169.jpeg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"a-sterling-silver-arts-crafts-style-baby-rattle-as73","title":"A Sterling Silver Arts \u0026 Crafts Style Baby Rattle","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn unusual and highly stylized rattle, the head forming an open swirl, enclosing a stone ball, with a moulded piece of purple glass mounted at the top. The upper section of the stem is of twisted form, below which it runs smoothly down to a moving teething ring. The whole is of sterling silver, the hallmarks deeply impressed along the stem, including the maker's mark FB (unidentified). Beautifully designed and crafted, this rattle would make a magnificent christening gift, or gift for a newborn. The clean and flowing lines are less fussy than earlier silver rattles, which often had complex chasing, bells, and coral adornments.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105136,"sku":"AS73","price":190.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/super-size-rattle.jpeg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"a-192039s3039s-papier-mache-cork-bottle-stopper-of-winston-churchill-a1u20","title":"A 1920's Papier-Mache \u0026 Cork Bottle Stopper of Winston Churchill","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rather cheerful 1930's bottle stopper in the form of Winston Churchill The cork is in tact but due to the delicate painted papier-mache construction the head has several areas of loss. However, these chips undoubtedly give the piece the vintage character it so fully deserves. This particular Winston has unquestionably been at the top and indeed the bottom of a bottle; with his plastic cigar, his jolly face, telling a thousand stories (to those who care to listen).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105140,"sku":"A1U20","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/2008_0630AH.jpg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"an-early-20thc-mounted-taxidermy-head-of-an-indian-blackbuck-an318","title":"An Early 20thC Mounted Taxidermy Head of an Indian Blackbuck","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: India\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Early Twentieth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1930\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 31 inches (with horns)\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 11 inches at head or 19 inches with horns\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDepth: 13.5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAn impressive head of an Indian antelope or Blackbuck, with two beautifully dark, twisting and spiralling black horns, large glass eyes, pricked up ears and dark brown and white fur. This example has a little wear to the ears, and one or two small areas of thinning, but is overall in good, attractive condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Indian Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is an antelope native to India and some parts of Pakistan and Nepal. It is one of the fastest of land mammals, and can reach speeds up to 80 kilometres an hour, a swiftness developed in order to protect it against natural predators such as the Indian cheetah (now extinct).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis beast is important to Indian culture, is the state animal of Andhra Pradesh, and its skin is important to Hinduism – Brahmin boys are traditionally required to wear a strip of hide after performing the rite-of-passage ceremony ‘upanayana’ (literally, the ‘sacred cloth ceremony’). \u003cbr\u003e\r\nIn any event, this is an important and beautiful piece of exotic taxidermy, that would take a proud place in any taxidermy collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105152,"sku":"AN318","price":320.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize.jpeg?v=1571438656"},{"product_id":"a-large-19thc-antique-loggerhead-turtle-shell-al918","title":"A Large 19thC Antique Loggerhead Turtle Shell","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Nineteenth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1880\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 3.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 18.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 17 inches (at widest point)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\nAn impressive carapace, that is, the upper part of the turtle shell, with a small chip to the tail end, but otherwise in quite good, complete condition. The segments of the shell (or scutes), are well defined and the skeletal ribs on the underside are both intriguing and rather eerie looking. There are two small holes present at either end of the shell for hanging purposes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Loggerhead turtle is one of the best-loved of the turtle species, can grow to a length of 45 inches, and are known as ‘Loggerhead’ owing to their unusually large head. They were once hunted extensively for their meat and eggs, their egg shells were used for jewellery and combs, and their fat for cosmetics. They are now internationally protected, but as this example is nineteenth-century, it does not necessitate CITES certification. A glorious throwback to an era of great scientific fascination, that would be an asset to anyone interested in the Weird and the Wonderful.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105158,"sku":"AL918","price":165.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize1.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-decorative-c1900-stone-bust-of-queen-victoria-adu9","title":"A Decorative c.1900 Stone Bust of Queen Victoria","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Late Nineteenth \/ Early Twentieth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1900\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 9.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDepth: 7 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 18 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n \u003cbr\u003e\r\nLater painted in a lurid green, now chipped and distressed, the three quarter bust of Queen Victoria in ceremonial garb, small diamond crown and bejeweled necklace is on a circular plinth base.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThere are several areas of loss but nothing that makes the bust less attractive. The later paint looks around twenty to thirty years old and the sculpture has a pleasing heavy weight to it.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nQueen Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria; 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. Her reign of 63 years and 7 months, which is longer than that of any other British monarch and the longest of any female monarch in history, is known as the Victorian era. It was a period of industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military change within the United Kingdom, and was marked by a great expansion of the British Empire.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThere was a implication from the vendor that this bust came from a showman’s yard, so there is a fairground connection, perhaps Queen Vic sat in his wagon or on one of the stalls.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nVery suggestive, both through the depicted persona of the Queen herself but also the evocative later paintwork this is a superbly decorative piece of sculpture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105190,"sku":"ADU9","price":245.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/main-image520.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"turkomen-rug-210cm-x-135cm-turr14","title":"Turkomen Rug: 210cm x 135cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Persia\/Iran\u003cbr\u003e\r\nStyle: Turkomen\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Ashford Hall, Ashford-in-the-Water, Derbyshire \u003cbr\u003e\r\nDated: Early 20th C\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHand Knotted 100% Wool Pile. \u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 210cms \/ 6.9 feet \u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 135cms \/ 4.4 feet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTurkomen rugs are handmade mostly in north-western and eastern Iran, but can sometimes found to be from parts of Turkey, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Syria, and other parts of the Caucasus.The beauty of these weavings is primarily why many are attracted to Turkomen pieces. The history, beliefs and way of life of the Turkmen people are all of great importance to their art. Turkmen rugs, therefore, with their distinctive palettes, motifs and compositions, are not merely examples of a strange and exotic folk art but represent a highly complex and historical culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe condition is fair, on the one side, there are seven areas of  \"thinning\" and uneven wear.  The longest of these  places of thinning is over 7\"; two others are 3\" in length. The rug is  stable though and not in any need of repair if one likes ones rugs to  have character.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece has a geometrical feel; the field filled with hook lozenges, known as the tarantula pattern, on a rust ground all beset within a diagonal border.  This piece is beautifully worn in and has an aura of it's own with the creams and indigos leaping out, giving the piece a rather hypnotic nuance.This rug has come directly from Ashford Hall, which is situated, in arguably the most picturesque village in Derbyshire, Ashford-in-the-Water. Ashford Hall is an elegant Palladian mansion and the former home of Lord George Cavendish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105228,"sku":"TURR14","price":445.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize3.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-victorian-mahogany-toilet-mirror-avz4","title":"A Victorian Mahogany Toilet Mirror","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod: Victorian \u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: Unknown \u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate: c.1870 \u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidth: 53cms\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight: 58cms.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe rectangular plate held between shaped supports, on a serpentine base and bun feet. There is a small split to the left of the plate, and some veneer missing from the rear edge but aside from this, the mirror is in very good condition. It is quite large for its type, and would sit well in any bathroom or upon a dressing table whether used by gent or lady.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105242,"sku":"AVZ4","price":145.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/super-size-tm.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-country-oak-table-ac227","title":"A Country Oak Table","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Probably Spanish\u003cbr\u003e Provenance: Unknown \u003cbr\u003e Date: Late 19th Century \u003cbr\u003e Width: 82cms\u003cbr\u003e Height: 85cms\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA country oak table, simply and heavily constructed in solid oak, the top in two sections, with a single drawer beneath (the porcelain handle probably later), above tapered legs, spade feet, and rectangular supports. This beautifully made rustic table is ideally suited to those with a country kitchen. It's got a few scuffs, marks, and scratches, but for a table such as this these only add to the charm. Tables of this form have been constructed in Europe since the Middle Ages, and their enduring appeal is owed to their functionality, strength, solid wood construction and unpretentious simplicity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105276,"sku":"AC227","price":385.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/super-size-ct.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-large-attractive-hand-painted-victorian-tea-canister-al96","title":"A Large \u0026 Attractive Hand-Painted Victorian Tea Canister","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English \u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Victorian \u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown \u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1870 \u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 23 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDiameter: 12 inches \u003cbr\u003e\r\nTop Lid Diameter: 6.5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA large and attractive cylindrical canister, with original lid, decorated with charming hand-painted floral groups on a green ground, between three yellow bands.  There are a few old scratches, dints and flakes to the paint, with some loss, but overall a beautifully rustic and well-proportioned example, which would look lovely in a country kitchen. Tea canisters as large and decorative as this are becoming increasingly scarce.  Of course, you don't have to put tea in it, but we would like it if you did!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105308,"sku":"AL96","price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/2008_0819GN.jpg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-victorian-sterling-silver-penknife-hallmarked-hubert-tornhill-london-1890-av227","title":"A Victorian Sterling Silver Penknife, Hallmarked Hubert Tornhill, London, 1890","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Victorian\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: 1890 \u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 0.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nCompact Length: 3 inches \u003cbr\u003e\r\nExtended Length: 4.5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA silver penknife with two blades, a button hook, corkscrew, drill bit and bradawl, in overall good and original condition, with some tarnish that will be easy to bring up. The tools are not hallmarked, and are probably steel.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105362,"sku":"AV227","price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize5.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"two-late-19thc-glass-apothecary-bottles-with-painted-gold-banners-one-for-sodium-sulphate-twok23","title":"Two Late 19thC Glass Apothecary Bottles with Painted Gold Banners, One for Sodium Sulphate","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English \u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Nineteenth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1875\u003cbr\u003e\r\nCircumference: 11 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 9 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBoth of good proportions bearing original, and, highly individual stoppers. Hand-painted in onyx on gold crested banners.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe first would have carried Sodium Sulphate, the very well preserved label clearly reading; SOD: SULPH:. Sodium sulphate is the sodium salt of sulphuric acid. Anhydrous, it is a white crystalline solid of formula Na2SO4 known as the mineral thenardite; the decahydrate Na2SO4·10H2O has been known as Glauber's salt or, historically, sal mirabilis since the 17th century. The hydrate of sodium sulphate is known as Glauber's Salt after the Dutch\/German chemist and apothecary Johann Rudolf Glauber (1604–1670), who discovered it 1625 in Austrian spring water. He named it sal mirabilis (miraculous salt), because of its medicinal properties: the crystals were used as a general-purpose laxative, until more sophisticated alternatives came about in the 1900s. It is still effective for the removal of certain drugs such as acetaminophen from the body, for example, after an overdose.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second, with it's slim frosted top and delicate stopper has too much wear to the label to distinguish the former contents and all that can be made out for certain is - ??N?E?LB?. If ever one wanted to play apothecary hangman, then this is a sterling chance to do it…\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105370,"sku":"TWOK23","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize7.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"three-early-victorian-legal-manuscript-indentures-relating-to-john-smyth-th210","title":"Three Early Victorian Legal Manuscript Indentures, Relating To John Smyth","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English \u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Victorian\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown \u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: 1838-1839 \u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 30 inches \u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 25 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThree framed, attractively calligraphic, indentures; written in black ink on vellum, in a neat secretarial hand, two with wax seals of the witnesses or executers below the text. There is some slight creasing to the vellum in a few small areas but this could easily be flattened out.The first indenture, dated the 30th of July 1838, is a contractual agreement between John Smyth and Messrs Fossey, for Smyth to borrow £2400 (approximately £75,000 today). Smyth was obviously in real need of the sum, as the loan was against Smyth's estates, his land and buildings. Unfortunate John Smyth was clearly not a provident fellow, as the following two documents prove.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second document, dated the 10th of July 1839, is an insolvency petition to the courts for the recovery of the debt, nominating Messrs Fossey to be the executors of John Smyth's insolvent estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe third document, also of the 10th July 1839, is a notice that the insolvency petition has been acknowledged, and that Messrs Fossey are permitted to take poor John Smyth's land and buildings in lieu of the debt. Little else is known of John Smyth and his doomed finances, but ever the champion of the underdog, we hope that he managed to get along without too much further hindrance, and that in the 1840s, things looked up for him. If ever a cautionary tale was needed for borrowing beyond one's means, this must surely be it – and it is all the more pertinent today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105378,"sku":"TH210","price":200.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/main-image_ae1972da-8a30-44d6-96e4-8485e0e1d8f0.jpg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-late-19thc-ivory-folding-rule-alz6","title":"A Late 19thC Ivory Folding Rule","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Late Nineteenth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1890 Compact\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 3 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nExtended Length: 12 inches \u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 0.3 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAn attractive and wonderfully tactile 12 inch folding rule with white metal pin, hinges and mounts, the numerals and imperial graduation marks incised in black on one side, the other side left blank. There is an indistinct maker's name perhaps 'J. Barrie? \u0026amp; sons. Maker's' on one side.Arguably worth more as an artefact now than as a functional tool, this is nonetheless a finely crafted rule; created when tools were built to last, imbued with a quality and durability rarely found in similar items of today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105392,"sku":"ALZ6","price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize9.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"the-reliant39-a-vintage-1960s-tan-leather-flight-bag-the97","title":"The Reliant; a Vintage 1960s Tan Leather Flight Bag","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English \u003cbr\u003e Period: 1960s \u003cbr\u003e Provenance: Unknown \u003cbr\u003e Date: c.1960 \u003cbr\u003e Height: 14 inches (including handles) \u003cbr\u003e Length: 17 inches \u003cbr\u003e Width: 8 inches \u003cbr\u003e Height: 10.5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quality firm leather flight bag, with stiff leather handles, two buckle straps, and a metal catch with original locking key. The bag opens in a doctor's bag fashion to a plain cloth lined interior, and is blindstamped 'The Reliant (with winged logo) Brit Patent 538261' below the catch. There are five metal studs on the underside, and aside from a tiny little snag on one handle, is in good and original condition.This little chap is well poised to reliably (as the name suggests) endure the rigors of frequent first class flying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is attractive enough to spark admiring glances, and with it, if you flash a smile at the nice lady at check-in, you are surely destined for a free upgrade.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105394,"sku":"THE97","price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize10.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-copper-fern-pot-designed-by-christopher-dresser-for-benham-froud-acf6","title":"A Copper Fern Pot Designed by Christopher Dresser for Benham \u0026 Froud","description":"\u003c!--EndFragment--\u003e \u003c!--EndFragment--\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Late Nineteenth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1895\u2028Height: 6.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDiameter: 9.5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA glorious piece of late nineteenth century metalwork is this bulbous fern pot, designed by Christopher Dresser, and made by Benham \u0026amp; Froud. It has a wonderful variegated sprouting rim, punched decoration on the shoulder and a series of bold ovoid medallions on the sides. The underside is clearly stamped with the orb and cross trademark Benham and Froud used from 1855 (when they took over the company from Richard and Edward Kepp), to mark the replacement orb and cross the Kepp brothers made for St Paul's cathedral in 1821. It weighed 7 tonnes and measured 23 feet high.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDresser, always a believer in the triumph of the machine, of replication and  progress, has never been thought a true representative of the arts and crafts movement; however, the following statement shows how like the ideals of the movement his thinking was: 'The man who can form a bowl or vase well is an artist, and so is the man who can make a chair or table... the converse of the facts is also true; for if a man be not an artist he cannot form an elegant bowl, nor make a beautiful chair'.  Our sentiments exactly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105404,"sku":"ACF6","price":255.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize12.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-vintage-advertising-show-card-for-haworths-mineral-waters-ava20","title":"A Vintage Advertising Show Card for Haworths Mineral Waters","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Twentieth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1950\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 10 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 8 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAn original advertising show card, depicting a lady wearing a swimming suit and hat diving through the 'O' of 'Haworths', the caption reading 'as fresh a summertime plunge', and below the image is the strapline 'Maker's in Nelson Since 1897'.The reverse bears a ink stamped mark; 'Modads Ltd, Advertising Contractors. Railway St. Nelson Tel 1739'.A charming advertising card, with the original hinge on the back, with a lovely, innocent and typical vintage design.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105408,"sku":"AVA20","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize13.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"an-art-deco-white-metal-guilloche-enamelled-pencil-holder-cover-and32","title":"An Art Deco White Metal \u0026 Guilloche Enamelled Pencil Holder \u0026 Cover","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Art Deco\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1935\u003cbr\u003e\r\nCompact Length: 3 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nAssembled Length: 5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 0.5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOf ovoid form, with a vibrant all over design in turquoise enamel with white dots, a white metal collar and fitting pencil. There is a loop at one end of the cover, so it can be easily attached to a rope or chain. The pencil is very good and bright condition, with no loss to the enamel, and no dents to the metal.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eGuilloche is French for 'engine-turning', which is the mechanical cutting of lines on metal to create a design. The over-coating of the transparent enamel in these lines creates a brilliant reflective effect when the pencil is moved from side to side. One of the most famous jewellers to employ this technique was Carl Fabergé (1846 1920) who impressed critics with his enamel work when he represented Russia at the Paris World Fair in 1900.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe term Art Deco encompasses the distinctive styles in art, architecture and design from 1925, until the late 1930s, and is typified by bright bold colours (such as turquoise), and stylized designs derived from the onset of industrialism, as well as artistic movements such as modernism, cubism, and futurism. It is one of the best loved, most influential, instantly recognisable, international, and elegant of all artistic periods. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105420,"sku":"AND32","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/super-size.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-20thc-enamelled-street-sign-for-cromer-street-in-the-london-borough-of-camden-west-central-1-a2x20","title":"A 20thC Enamelled Street Sign for Cromer Street, in the London Borough of Camden, West Central 1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Twentieth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1990\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 30 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 16.5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAn original sign, with 'Cromer Street' lettered in black, and 'London Borough of Camden', 'WC1' and the borough logo in orange, on a white ground. In good, fresh condition, with no loss to the enamel on the face, with only some very minor rusting to the border. In addition, there are four fixing holes, one to each corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eCromer Street is located in Kings Cross, London, and joins Grays Inn Road to Judd Street. Until 1818 it was called Lucas Street, and was described by Godfrey and Marcham in their Survey of London (1952) as densely crowded, and occupied by a class of 'small tradesmen and artisan lodgers'. Cromer Street is home to the famous Boot Tavern, which was the headquarters of the anti-catholic Gordon Rioters of 1780, who looted, burned and rebelled against the Government when they made concessions to Roman Catholics in legislation passed in 1768. Cromer Street was also mentioned by Dickens in his novel, Barnaby Rudge. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105424,"sku":"A2X20","price":230.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize14.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-late-19thc-iron-stand-designed-by-christopher-dresser-for-kenrick-sons-at6","title":"A Late 19thC Iron Stand, Designed by Christopher Dresser for Kenrick \u0026 Sons","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Nineteenth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: 1884\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 9 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 4.5 inches (at widest point)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAn ornate iron stand, cast in a stylised leaf shape, with a sophisticated array of intertwining botanical forms, typical of Dresser's style. The founders marks 'A. Kenrick \u0026amp; Sons, No.8, Rd 15023' are found on the underside of the stand.The way in which Dresser here has taken a commonplace everyday object, and beautifully designed it to create a work of art, encapsulates his attitude towards function and design.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDresser saw that, with increased mechanisation and mass production, British designers had to make strong design statements that unified beauty and utility, if they were to stay ahead of the competition. Thus we see here an apparently ordinary object, but undoubtedly a beautiful one.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105458,"sku":"AT6","price":220.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize15.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"an-original-vintage-fairground-advertising-sign-for-39the-ragtime-box-ball-game39-ant22","title":"An Original Vintage Fairground Advertising Sign for 'The Ragtime Box Ball Game'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod: Early Twentieth Century\u003cbr\u003e Provenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e Date: c.1920 \u003cbr\u003e Height: 24 inches\u003cbr\u003e Width: 19.5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimply, yet strikingly printed in green on white paper, laid on board. The sign is lettered in a typical ornate style, with some areas of browning, but nonetheless is overall in good and attractive condition.We are not quite sure what the 'Ragtime Box Ball Game' was, but presumably it involved rolling balls towards holes to obtain a high score. The prizes are denominated on the sign, and range from 2p for a score of 8 or 9, to a watch if you scored 15 points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fantastic, and rare, piece of early fairground memorabilia. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105468,"sku":"ANT22","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize16.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"two-late-19thc-green-glass-apothecary-bottles-twof23","title":"Two Late 19thC Green Glass Apothecary Bottles","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Twentieth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1890\u003cbr\u003e\r\nCircumference: 10 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 8 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBoth of fluted design, with what would have been an inset label of black lettering on a red ground with gilt border; however the labels have sadly all but perished leaving blank insets. One of the bottles does have remnants of a label but is now reduced to a mysterious whisper of what the vessel might have once contained.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThus, to identify the contents one has to follow ones nose. We are still deliberating.The rest of the wholes are sound and of good size whilst bearing original cut stoppers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105480,"sku":"TWOF23","price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize17.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-vintage-american-39mouthy-marvin39-talking-gumball-machine-av322","title":"A Vintage American 'Mouthy Marvin' Talking Gumball Machine","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: American\u003cbr\u003e Period: Twentieth Century\u003cbr\u003e Provenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e Date: c.1973\u003cbr\u003e Width: 17 inches (at base)\u003cbr\u003e Height: 46 inches (with antennae)\u003cbr\u003e Depth: 15 inches (at base)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA loudly painted, robot inspired, talking bubblegum vending machine, manufactured by Northwestern co. of Morris, Illinois. in 1973. Northwestern was founded when Emersen Bolen invented the match vending machine in 1909, and went on to become enormously successful, inventing several iconic machines, including 'Mouthy Marvin', the first talking vending machine. He has four phrases: 'Does your mother know you're talking to a robot? I won't tell', 'Earthling I think I am lost, Take me to your leader', 'Say, don't I know you from someplace, how about Mars?', and 'Boy those big balls of gum sure stick in my throat', which he says each time he dispenses some bubblegum, after the quarter is inserted. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile we have no reason to believe the machine doesn't work, it remains untested, and batteries for it are readily available. There are a few chips to the paint on the base, and the antennae needs to be screwed down tightly; otherwise in good original condition.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtraordinarily kitsch, Mouthy Marvin exemplifies early seventies American design, and excitement about machines and the future. The space race and advances in technology in the late sixties had triggered the American public's fascination with robots, the future, extra terrestrials, etc.; and, to coincide with the buzz, Northwestern invented Mouthy Marvin. Charmingly naïve, and of it's time, you could almost imagine Michael J. Fox swooping past on a hoverboard, slapping him to get the bubblegum out, then giving a flippant response to Mouthy Marvin's mouthy comment! We'll leave it to your imagination…\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105482,"sku":"AV322","price":575.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/DSCF2013.jpg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"two-late-19thc-etched-glass-apothecary-bottles-for-nitric-sulphuric-acid-twou23","title":"Two Late 19thC Etched Glass Apothecary Bottles for Nitric \u0026 Sulphuric Acid","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Nineteenth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1895\u003cbr\u003e\r\nCircumference: 10 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 7.5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eElegantly crafted and wonderfully well preserved is this pair of etched apothecary bottles one marked for ACID. NIT. D, the other for ACID. SULPH. D. Having prominent hand etched lettering in gilt with double borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe first vessel would have bore nitrous acid: formerly referred to nitric acid, though medieval alchemists called it aqua fortis (strong water). Used as a reactor or test substance and as a very useful remedy in fevers, Nitric acid is, however, more often used as a caustic owing to its great affinity for water. It is employed to destroy warts, condylomata, or unhealthy phagedenic sores. In base form, this would have even given the chemist the ability to dissolve gold \u0026amp; platinum, or instantly age maple or pinewood.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second carried sulphuric acid, which may have been applied to check slight bleeding, as that of leech-bites, or piles. More importantly, Sulfuric acid was known to medieval European alchemists as oil of vitriol, spirit of vitriol, or simply vitriol, among other names. The word vitriol derives from the Latin vitreus, 'glass', referring to the glassy appearance of the hydrated sulfate salts, which also carried the name vitriol name for a grade of sulfuric acid. Vitriol was widely considered the most important alchemical substance, intended to be used as a philosopher's stone. The importance of vitriol to alchemy is highlighted in the alchemical motto, Visita Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem which is a backronym meaning ('Visit the interior of the earth and rectifying (i.e. purifying) you will find the hidden\/secret stone'), found in L'Azoth des Philosophes by the 15th Century alchemist Basilius Valentinus.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBoth with their original stoppers, one would be hard pressed to find more attractive examples.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105484,"sku":"TWOU23","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize18.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"three-late-19thc-clear-glass-apothecary-bottles-thrp23","title":"Three Late 19thC Clear Glass Apothecary Bottles","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Nineteenth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1890\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe First: \u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 9.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nCircumference: 14 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe Second:\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight 9 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nCircumference: 11.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe Third: \u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 8.5 \u003cbr\u003e\r\nCircumference: 11 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThree colourless glass apothecary bottles, with original fitted glass stoppers. One of the bottles is cracked, the other two are without any fault, save perhaps for some old light scratches. Larger apothecary bottles such as these would have stored a multitude of various medical powders or liquids; and it is from these storage bottles that medicines would have been mixed, and then filled into other smaller bottles given to patients.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105486,"sku":"THRP23","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize19.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"two-late-19thc-glass-apothecary-bottles-with-painted-gold-banners-for-chalk-and-muskroot-twod23","title":"Two Late 19thC Glass Apothecary Bottles with Painted Gold Banners for Chalk and Muskroot","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Nineteenth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1875\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe Larger:\u003cbr\u003e\r\nCircumference: 12 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 9 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe Smaller:\u003cbr\u003e\r\nCircumference: 10 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 7.5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBeautiful examples in fine order, having working square cut stoppers. Original labels read CRETAE. PPT: and TR: SUMBUL: hand-painted in black over gold banners. There is some wear to the paint, though structurally the pieces are sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe larger would have bore Chalk (Creta preparata) which is a purified Calcium carbonate by elutriation. There are two types being prepared chalk and precipitated chalk. The collected chalk would have been subjected to grinding in mills, elutriated and the coming liquid is allowed to settle. The sediment is then formed,  and dried (known as whiting). The whiting is further purified by elutriation and dried. The product is small cones of highly purified chalk used for pharmaceutical purpose. Chemists of old would have used this substance for and Antacid, a dusting powder, in tooth and face preparations, the treatment of enteritis and diarrhea or as an absorbent for toxin from the stomach.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe smaller would have contained Sumbul, which is also known as muskroot. This was used widely as a fragrance or incense until its medicinal properties were made known. It consists of the root of Ferula sumbul, a tall umbelliferous plant found in the north of Bokhara in present day Uzbekistan, its range apparently extending beyond the Amur. It was first brought to Russia in 1535 as a substitute for musk; and in 1867 was introduced into the British pharmacopoeia. Sumbul is supposed to have a quieting influence on the nervous system and is used in the treatment of various hysterical conditions. By many it is believed to have an especial relation to the pelvic organs and it is widely employed in dysmenorrhea and allied disorders. It has also been used as a stimulant to mucous membranes not only in chronic dysenteries and diarrheas, but in chronic bronchitis, especially with asthmatic tendency, and even in pneumonia.. Mix Sumbul in an aromatic wine and it is said to make an impressionable woman feel \"perfectly lovely'.Painted labels such as these were eventually phased out and replaced with labels under glass (LUG) later in the century so as to stop the abrasion of the labels themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105514,"sku":"TWOD23","price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize20.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"three-late-19thc-cobalt-glass-apothecary-bottles-one-for-mawson-swan-newcastle-thri23","title":"Three Late 19thC Cobalt Glass Apothecary Bottles one for Mawson \u0026 Swan, Newcastle","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Nineteenth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1885\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe Largest: \u003cbr\u003e\r\nCircumference: 6.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 6 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe Two Smaller: \u003cbr\u003e\r\nCircumference: 6 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe first, and largest, in a lighter attractive ice blue cobalt hue, with original frosted square-cut glass stopper. To find any blue glass bottle embossed with a product or owners name is unusual and in this case the neck bears the embossed text of MAWSON \u0026amp; SWAN NEWCASTLE.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJoseph Swan was a chemist, physicist, and inventor, who is most famous for his important role in the development of electric lighting. In 1860 Swan developed a carbon-filament incandescent lamp (some twenty years before Edison!!) and in 1878, produced an all-glass hermetically sealed bulb. He also invented a dry photographic process. This invention lead to a huge improvement in photography and progress toward the development of modern photographic film. A particularly inquisitive child interested in creative endeavors, he began an apprenticeship with a pharmacist when he was 13. He served six years as an apprentice to a Sunderland firm of druggists, Hudson and Osbaldiston. However, both partners died, and Swan joined John Mawson, who had founded a pharmaceutical business in Newcastle upon Tyne in the year that Swan was born. This company existed as Mawson Swan and Morgan until recently.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe smaller bottles are of a rich deep cobalt colour with one bearing a wider neck and protruding lip whilst the other is more orthodox in its design. Both bear their original stoppers and are in superb condition. Cobalt bottles, if not used in apothecary, would have most likely contained poison, snuff or magnesia.All three bottles would make charming and welcome additions to those looking for a rather lurid and unusual decorative effect or alternatively for the serious collector.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105518,"sku":"THRI23","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize22.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"three-late-19thc-glass-apothecary-bottles-with-assorted-labels-to-include-one-for-perfume-thr623","title":"Three Late 19thC Glass Apothecary Bottles with Assorted labels, to include one for Perfume","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Nineteenth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1895\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe Larger: \u003cbr\u003e\r\nCircumference: 10 inches \u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 7 inches \u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe Smaller: \u003cbr\u003e\r\nCircumference: 6.5 inches \u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe first, and largest, in colourless form with original square-cut glass stopper. Larger apothecary bottles such as this would have stored a multitude of various medical powders or liquids; and it is from these storage bottles that medicines would have been mixed, and then filled into other smaller bottles given to patients.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second bearing a label for Phosphoric Acid; ACID. PHOSPHORIC. DIL. P.B. The label goes on to read; 'Dose Five to twenty minims. Price of package 6ilbs 4ozs nett weight'.Phosphorus is the first element to be discovered having an historical register. In 1669, a German merchant called Henning Brand obtained elementary phosphorus through the distillation of urine, writing a letter to Leibniz reporting its discovery. It is quite probable that, in the 12th century, Arabian alchemists have obtained the element using this process. However, the credit is given to Brand. The name of phosphorus has a Greek origin meaning \"it possesses brilliance\" due to its property of shining in the darkness when exposed to the air. Phosphoric acid is now used in dentistry and orthodontics as an etching solution, to clean and roughen the surfaces of teeth where dental appliances or fillings will be placed. Phosphoric acid is also an ingredient in over-the-counter anti-nausea medications that also contain high levels of sugar (glucose and fructose). This bottle has both an elegant long neck and equally striking stopper.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe third vessel, with its unusual flat-topped stopper would have carried an essential oil or perfume, with the label reading; 'Dulciflor brand, perfumery products Floral Cachoo Ottos, synthetic essential oils. Stevenson \u0026amp; Howell Ltd. Southwark Street London SE' REVERSE: 'No. 88447'.  Stevenson and Howell Ltd. were manufacturers of essences and essential oils for flavouring acrated drinks and food, and for perfumes.All three bottles would make charming and welcome additions to those looking for unusual decorative effect or of course to the serious apothecary collector.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105530,"sku":"THR623","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize21.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-late-17thc-north-italian-walnut-marquetry-inlaid-cassone-alq4","title":"A Late 17thC North Italian Walnut \u0026 Marquetry Inlaid Cassone","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Italian\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Late Seventeenth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown \u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1670\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 26 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 64 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDepth: 21 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe hinged rectangular pine top with moulded edge above a marquetry inlaid panelled lower case, the two front central panels composed of a divided roundel with a sun and three flower motifs, within a stylised floral border, spaced by conforming raised panels, on a plinth base above later carved supports.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eCassoni were often made to commemorate a marriage, and in them would have been stored clothing, linen, textiles and other articles given as dowry.  Many are embellished with inlay, as in this example; others were finely painted with mythological or figural subjects. Important cassoni were often made in pairs and bore the arms and other heraldic devices of the respective noble families, and the finest cassoni were of carved and polished wood and painted with mannerist designs. The front panels of this example are decorated with heraldic elements: the circular roundel is divided by a straight diagonal bar (a heraldic ordinary known as a 'bend'), either side of which are three inlaid flower motifs and a bursting sun. These emblems would have represented the arms of a family for which this cassone was made, though our researches into identifying the arms have proved inconclusive.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe chest has a good rich colour and patina, is largely original, and has the original heavy working lock with a recent custom-made key.  As one would expect, there are a few minor old scuffs and marks, and there is a chance the pine top could possibly be later, but the whole is solid, of quality construction, with a beautiful finish. For the price, you would be hard pressed to find a more attractive and original example.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105574,"sku":"ALQ4","price":1450.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize24.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-victorian-fairground-hand-painted-showcard-39latest-novelties-to-be-obtained-here39-avn22","title":"A Victorian Fairground Hand-Painted Showcard; 'Latest Novelties to be Obtained Here'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English \u003cbr\u003e Period: Nineteenth Century \u003cbr\u003e Provenance: Unknown \u003cbr\u003e Date: c.1890 \u003cbr\u003e Height: 20 inches \u003cbr\u003e Width: 16 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rare and eye-catching piece of fairground memorabilia, the text printed in green within a stylised scrollwork cartouche, with hand-painted purple and mauve floral groups at the sides and corners. The use of bright flowers in the design, and the flourishes on the text are very late Victorian in style, and combine to create a lovely and striking example of period design. Two of the corners are peeling but this is on the reverse and could easily be remedied or if framing then there would be no need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 'Latest Novelties' referred to in the sign could have been small magic tricks, stereoscope cards, postcards; or any of the various embellishments produced to persuade the growing Victorian middles classes to part with their coins, whilst they enjoy all the fun of the fair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor hundreds of years the fairground was the domain of the actor and the jester, the magician and the minstrel, the puppeteer and the fire eater, the juggler and the tumbler. It was a place alive with \"monsters\" and it was a place where learned pigs mixed with giants and dwarfs and where most people saw \"exotic\" animals for the first time. Once upon a time it was even home to \"a surprising large fish, affirmed to have had in her belly, when found, one thousand seven hundred mackerel.\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105586,"sku":"AVN22","price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize25.jpeg?v=1571438657"},{"product_id":"a-rare-framed-vintage-world-war-ii-poster-for-the-cambridge-39evacuated-mother39s-club39-arb10","title":"A Rare Framed Vintage World War II poster for the Cambridge 'Evacuated Mother's Club'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e Period: Second World War\u003cbr\u003e Provenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e Date: c.1940\u003cbr\u003e Height: 23 inches\u003cbr\u003e Width: 18 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rare, and rather poignant piece of wartime ephemera is this original vintage poster, the full text of which reads 'Evacuated Mothers' Club For All, Do Come, A Happy Welcome, At Victoria Road Congregational Church Hall, Every Day from 2.30-5pm, except Sat-Sun'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe poster is printed in green on white paper, with some light overall age toning, and presented in a period solid maple frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wartime evacuation was the largest and most concentrated mass movement of people Britain had ever seen. In just four days at the beginning of September 1939, almost three million people were moved from towns and cities in danger from enemy bombers to safety in the countryside. While for many children the relocation was a joyous adventure, with many finding fun and new friendships, other children were cruelly treated and unhappy. The children were essentially told that they were going on a holiday, and on the day of departure the railway stations were packed, the children numbered, the suitcases loaded, and the mothers sobbed – some were never to see their children again. With their children absent, the mothers founded support groups, and met regularly to share stories, wartime information and advice. This poster advertises a meeting for one of those very groups.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105602,"sku":"ARB10","price":140.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize26.jpeg?v=1571438658"},{"product_id":"an-early-20thc-painted-pine-lepidopterist39s-chest-anr18","title":"An Early 20thC Painted Pine Lepidopterist's Chest","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e Period: Early Twentieth Century \u003cbr\u003e Provenance: Unknown \u003cbr\u003e Date: c.1900, the specimens collected c.1910-1980 \u003cbr\u003e H: 11.8 inches \u003cbr\u003e W: 13 inches \u003cbr\u003e D: 7.8 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA painted pine chest of four drawers, having knob handles and a skirt base; each drawer white  lined with a sliding glass lid, in which are stored a total of 71 actual specimens of moths and butterflies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples include various whites, including the Orange Tip, Brimstone, Bath White, and Cabbage White; numerous tortoiseshells and admirals, including the Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Painted Lady, and the Map Butterfly. Also contained in this treasure trove of butterflies and moths are several fritillaries, coppers, and of course, the Death's Head Hawkmoth, made famous when it featured on the Silence of the Lambs film poster.Not only does this chest contain a wonderful array of impressive and colourful specimens, some of them have a tiny accompanying label, detailing the date and place the specimen was found.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection was compiled over several generations and by various people, the earliest label is dated 1916, the latest 1986, and some of the labels bear the name of the finder. Places the butterflies were found include Dorset, Sussex, Hampshire, St Albans, and as far as Britanny and Scotland.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105604,"sku":"ANR18","price":290.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize27.jpeg?v=1571438658"},{"product_id":"an-arts-and-crafts-coloured-glass-ebonised-fire-screen-anm6","title":"An Arts and Crafts Coloured Glass \u0026 Ebonised Fire Screen","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Arts and Crafts\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1895\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 29 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 18 inches (Or 22 inches with feet)\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDepth: 1 inch (Or 4.5 inches with feet)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eComposed of an ebonised wooden frame with a stylised bead and reel moulded edge, with original metal handle at the top centre, resting on square geometric feet. The screen is divided into four geometrically designed leaded glass panels; each panel with hand-blown azure-blue glass corners in a floral motif, and a central border of cranberry glass, flanked by two orange glass sections, interspersed with colourless glass squares.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA colourful and authentic piece of period design, that really comes to life in front of a roaring fire, when the dancing flames beautifully illuminate the stained glass, causing the colours to move and flicker on nearby walls.The usefulness of a fire screen is threefold, they are used decoratively to hide an empty grate, they prevent flying sparks or embers jumping from the fireplace and entering the room, and they shield people from intense heat from the fire.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eExamples such as this, with a wide screen resting on two feet, are known as cheval screens; other types are pole screens, which are smaller, adjustable, and are placed next to chairs to shield people from the fire. Stained glass examples are amongst the most decorative, other materials used in the nineteenth century are copper and brass; earlier examples were simpler and were often made of wood, sometimes decorated with needlework.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105614,"sku":"ANM6","price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/main-image_8b0b31bf-f580-4a90-9ed7-8cbb2c1c5469.jpg?v=1571438658"},{"product_id":"a-late-19thc-ebony-bone-inlaid-quillwork-box-all6","title":"A Late 19thC Ebony \u0026 Bone Inlaid Quillwork Box","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\/English Colonial \u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Late Nineteenth Century \u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown \u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1880 \u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 2 inches \u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 5 inches \u003cbr\u003e\r\nDepth: 3.5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA pretty little rectangular box, the lid and sides inset with cut-down porcupine quill, within an ebony frame. The lid has two rows of quill, and slides off to reveal a plain hardwood interior. The box is further decorated with inlaid dots of animal bone, giving an attractive contrasting appearance. There are only two small areas of loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe use of porcupine quill to decorate boxes for export was common in India in the nineteenth-century, and was also a craft expertly employed by Native Americans centuries before.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105630,"sku":"ALL6","price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize29.jpeg?v=1571438658"},{"product_id":"antique-dhurrie-rug-198cm-x-137cm-antl14","title":"Antique Dhurrie Rug: 198cm x 137cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Rajasthan, India\u003cbr\u003e\r\nStyle: Antique Dhurrie\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: N\/A\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDated: Mid\/Late 20th C\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHand Knotted 100% Wool Pile.\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 198 cms \/ 6.5 feet\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 137cms \/ 4.5 feet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOf bold geometric design having a four colour palette that uses navy blue, saffron, sand and madder red to create a distinct fusion of patterns and shapes. The central field and outer border both of navy ink blue to which gives the piece its poise. This flat woven piece is naturally thin and Kelim like, yet extremely hard wearing and would make a definitive statement in the right setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDhurries are easily portable, being light weight and foldable. They come in variety of color combinations and patterns catering to the needs of any taste or occasion. Additionally Dhurrries have a low maintenance cost as they do not get infected by insects responsible for destroying carpets.Dhurries have a long and varied history in India. Their function has ranged from humble dowery bedrugs, woven by young country women, to the great palace carpets executed by master weavers. Weaving workshops were frequently established in the prisons of India and Afghanistan.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105634,"sku":"ANTL14","price":145.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize30.jpeg?v=1571438658"},{"product_id":"a-touching-rms-titanic-memorial-card-in-sacred-memory-of-the-titanic-at110","title":"A Touching RMS Titanic Memorial Card: In Sacred Memory of \"The Titanic\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Early Twentieth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: 1912\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 3.1 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 9.1 inches (when open, or 4.55 closed)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPrinted and published by the East London Printing Co., 7, Houndsditch, London E.C, the memorial card, with double ruled border in ebony and steel blue, opening to depict picture and script: ' In Sacred memory of \" The Titanic\" which collided with an iceberg off cape race, on April 15th 1912. The most appalling disaster in maritime history with a loss of over 1000 lives.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe card is in very good condition, preserved in a sleeve (not shown), with only mild faintness to some lettering, there are no nicks or tears. When closed, the front of the card reads, “Thy Will be done” on a placard amongst flowers and crucifix though most poignantly, verso, there is a beautifully written poem that reads:\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\nShe struck where the white and fleecy waves,\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLooked soft as carded wool,\u003cbr\u003e\r\nBut the cruel rocks, ‘they gored her side,\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLike the horns of an angry bull.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHer rattling shrouds, all sheathed in ice,\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWith the masts went by the board,\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLike a vessel of glass, she stove and sank,\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHo! Ho! The breakers roared.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nOwned by the White Star Line, RMS Titanic was the largest passenger steamship in the world when she set off on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City, U.S.A., on 10 April 1912. Four days into the crossing, at 23:40 on 14 April 1912, she struck an iceberg and sank at 2:20 the following morning, resulting in the deaths of 1,517 people in one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nIn many locations there are memorials to the dead of Titanic. In Southampton, a memorial to the engineers of Titanic may be found in Andrews Park on Above Bar Street and opposite the main memorial is a memorial to Wallace Hartley and the other musicians who played on the ship. A memorial to the ship's five postal workers, which says \"Steadfast in Peril\" is held by Southampton Heritage Services whilst a memorial to the liner is located on the grounds of City Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland not to mention several memorials in the United States.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nJust a year away, on 15 April 2012, the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic is planned to be commemorated around the world. By that date, the Titanic Quarter in Belfast is due to have been completed and the area will be regenerated, and a signature memorial project unveiled, to celebrate Titanic and her links with Belfast, the city that had built the ship.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nIn addition, the cruise ship Balmoral, has been chartered to follow the original route of Titanic, intending to stop over the point on the seabed where she rests on 15 April 2012. Interest in RMS Titanic has always been strong but with the arrival of the one hundredth anniversary merely a year away, this interest promises to continue to rise.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith the added presence of the moving poetry this is a truly heart wrenching piece of Titanic ephemera, that is both a joy and a sorrow to behold.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105646,"sku":"AT110","price":280.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize292.jpeg?v=1571438658"},{"product_id":"supreme-kazak-rug-257cm-x-187cm-supj30","title":"Supreme Kazak Rug: 257cm x 187cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Kabul\u003cbr\u003e\r\nStyle: Kazak (Supreme quality)\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: N\/A\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDated: Mid to Late 20th C\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHand Knotted 100% Wool Pile\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 257cms \/ 8.4 feet\u003cbr\u003e\r\nWidth: 187cms \/ 6.1 feet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHaving eight guls in the central field, the Kazak has a lovely patina to the surface, and the dye is somewhat attractively less concentrated than in other Kazak pieces. This design is a Shah Abbas pattern, which essentially means the medallions drawn on the piece are palmettes. These are surrounded by Mir-i-bota, here, a laurel like leaf design which is a variation from the standard pine or leaf pattern. A beautiful piece, and one which shows off not just the technical drawing ability of its maker but the eye for variation in dye and colour also.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe Caucasus, a harsh mountainous area which separates Europe from Asia, has been weaving rugs since the 16th Century, reaching its historical peak in the 19th Century.\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nKazaks often display two or three geometrical medallions, (this piece has eight), sometimes with characteristic S-shaped patterns. The foundation is usually wool, and the fairly deep pile is always wool, with the Ghiordes knot. The principal colour is red, though bold, warm shades of green and yellow are used as well. \u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nKazak rugs have always been popular in Europe, largely because of their robust quality. The Afghan reproductions follow the traditional techniques and aspects of the Antique Kazaks. \u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\nAs with all hand-made rugs, each piece brings with it a spectrum of shades of colouring depending upon from which angle one views it from.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105648,"sku":"SUPJ30","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize288.jpeg?v=1571438658"},{"product_id":"an-18thc-country-oak-bibledeeds-box-an34","title":"An 18thC Country Oak Bible\/Deeds Box","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: English\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPeriod: Eighteenth Century\u003cbr\u003e\r\nProvenance: Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDate: c.1750\u003cbr\u003e\r\nHeight: 13 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nLength: 29 inches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nDepth: 20 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAn honest and rustic antique oak box, with a sloping lid, that has a lip on the front edge on which books and documents can be rested. The lid is attached to the box with brass hinges, and opens to an interior of five pigeon holes. The front has its original iron locking plate, and the wood has a good colour and patina, and the usual scuffs, marks and scratches to be expected from a box of this date. There is a crack to the base of the box but this is in no way terminal.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBible boxes have been used for centuries to house bibles, and other precious family documents, some good early examples bore carved initials of the owner or the name of the family, others bore carved date inscriptions, and some had carved linen-fold or other decoration. This example is simpler, but nonetheless charming, and will have certainly stored some worthy treasures over the centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105660,"sku":"AN34","price":235.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize35.jpeg?v=1571438658"},{"product_id":"khal-mohammadi-rug-121cm-x-78cm-khan14","title":"Khal Mohammadi Rug: 121cm x 78cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Afghanistan \u003cbr\u003e Style: Khal Mohammadi \u003cbr\u003e Provenance: N\/A \u003cbr\u003e Dated: Late 20th C \u003cbr\u003e Hand Knotted 100% Wool Pile. \u003cbr\u003e Length: 121cms \/ 3.9 feet \u003cbr\u003e Width: 78cms \/ 2.5 feet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf an unusual design, in that this Khal Mohammadi is overtly floral rather than the more ordinary use of repeated guls. Perfectly balanced between floral, geometrical and traditional, this piece uses a four-colour palette in tremendously effective form. The border being made up of floral rosettes of an eight petal design with the central field being a well thought out pattern comprising of two central tarantulas beset with floral rosettes and branches. In this example, although the colours are typical of a Khal Mohammadi piece, the design is more atypical and out of character in a somewhat refreshing fashion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps one of the only rugs not named after the territory they belong to Khal Mohammadi rugs are actually named after the legendary figure that created the distinctive design. Khal Mohammad, created the design while living in Afghanistan. Today most Khal Mohammadi rugs are woven in or around the town of Kunduz in the north of Afghanistan.Of Turkman heritage these pieces are similar to Turkmans in that the designs fit in easily both with contemporary or period living spaces.Having warm and deep lustes the colours of these pieces are dark, usually deep reds with dark blue or black used for the accents or details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe colour and dyes themselves are what give the rug its name, it was Khal Mohammadi who developed the red tones found in these adaptable rugs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Handmade Rugs \u0026 Textiles","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":281105676,"sku":"KHAN14","price":175.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0216\/6074\/products\/supersize36.jpeg?v=1571438658"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.doeandhope.com\/collections\/archive.oembed?page=45","provider":"Doe \u0026 Hope","version":"1.0","type":"link"}