Last Minute Gift Ideas

Still searching for the perfect gift? Don't panic! You can rest assured Alfies will have that item you are looking for. With such a diverse range of vintage and antiques, and a price range to suit every budget, you might find yourself buying a little something extra! We handpicked a few special items to inspire you...

Gifts for him

Silver covered watch face, mechanical wind-up, c1920s, offered by Moe Heidarieh

1930s Silver cocktail shaker, offered by Goldsmith & Perris

Silver & red enamelled cufflinks, offered by Gareth Brooks

Rare English light by Walligraph with black shade, c1950s, offered by Steven Lazarus

Gifts for her

Victorian cameo, offered by Naneen Brooks

Edwardian old cut Colombian diamond with natural pearl, offered by Pari's Jewellery

Beaded Victorian bag, offered by Sheila Cameron

Mid century Venetian green glass beaded necklace, offered by Gloria Sinclair

Gift for the home 

1950s Murano glass table lamp by Archimede Seguso (more colours available), offered by Louise Verber Antiques

1970s Spanish 'Boomerang' lamp, offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary

Set of six 1930s silver and enamel spoons by David Anderson, Norway, offered by Zeeba Jewels

A selection of antique and vintage globes, offered by Travers Antiques

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 Christmas Opening Hours

Thursday, 24 December: 10am - 2pm
Friday, 25 December – Friday, 1 January: CLOSED
Saturday, 2 January: 10am - 6pm

Britain enters the Space Age

This week Britain finally entered the Space Age, sending its first astronaut to the International Space Station. The jubilation has been long-awaited, our fixation with all things celestial starting well before the space race, reaching its stylistic peak in the 1950s and ‘60s. With Alfies having opened its doors a few months prior, the first Space Shuttle blasted into the sky in 1976, is now itself an antique. Things have changed enormously since then, but our insatiable appetite for the dark unknown has never been bigger, our quest to boldly browse never stronger.

Real life has been playing catch-up with pop culture for decades, our extraterrestrial dreams dashed by the cruel logistics of reality. Denied our silver jumpsuits and robot dogs roaming around our own little patch of Mars, we'll have to make do with some kitshcy flourishes from Alfies. Have a look at some of the retro-futuristic wares available here in store and try to relive some of the stargazing of the past.

Rare 1970s Italian Lampshade, from Eclectic Antiques and Contemporary

Converted Pifco Warmasphere Mk II Sputnik Table Lamp,
from Eclectic Antiques and Contemporary

Midcentury Italian Chrome Metal Sputnik Chandelier, from Thirteen Interiors

Large 12 light chandelier with chrome frame and opaque white globes
in opaline glass, from Matt Mitchell London

Set of 8 Original Cinema Filmcard from the 1959 Film First Man Into Space.
Offered by Eclectic Antiques and Contemporary.

Radar Men from the Moon, cinefilm. Available from Atomium.

The Twelve Days Of Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching and, as the song goes, there are "12 days of Christmas". Alfies is never short of the perfect gift, and with a wide selection of items to choose from - ranging from fine jewellery to homewares, and books to vintage fashion - all at a varied price, we can assure you that you'll find more than enough gifts for your stocking.

"On The First Day Of Christmas..."

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me; A vibrant 1930s Cartlonware pear sugar shaker, with a 1900 German porcelain partridge.  

On the second; a fabulous 1960s Villeroy & Boch dove plate. 

On the third; a stunning 1930s Japanese gold lacquer cocktail set. 

On the fourth; a striking 1960s Japanese lacquer box with colly bird.

Clockwise from top left: 1930s shaker from Beth; 1960s Villeroy & Boch plate from Robinson Antiques; 1960s Japanese lacquer box from Horner Antiques; 1930s cocktail shaker set from Horner Antiques

"Five Gold Rings..."

Always a firm favourite, on the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: a stunning set of golden family crest signet rings.
On the sixth: a beautiful chrome six headed Luminart floor lamp in the shape of geese/swans.
On the seventh; a wonderful pair of carved wood golden swans.
On the eighth; a 1970s silver plate ballerina brooch.

Clockwise from top left: 5 gold signet rings from Kieron Reilly; Vintage chrome six headed Luminart floor lamp from Eclectic & Contemporary; 1970s silver plate ballerina brooch and 1920s carved wooden swans, set of 3, both from Gloria Sinclair.

The Final Countdown

On the ninth: a 1930s 'Drummer Dyes' poster.
On the tenth: a wonderful antique print 'The Bag Piper'.
On the eleventh: a 1950s gold compact depicting a rock and roll dancing couple, by Stratton.
And on the twelfth day my true love sent to me: a wonderful pair of gentleman's riding boots fit for leaping.

Clockwise from top left: 1930s 'Drummer Dyes' poster from Dodo; Genuine antique 'The Bag Piper' print from Moe Heidarieh; A Pair of 1900s gentleman's riding boots from Tin Tin Collectables; 1950s gold rock and roll compact by Stratton from June Victor.

Check out the Alfies Christmas gift guide in store or online here.

 

Vintage Christmas Party Style

It's Christmas party season! Time to slip into your most ravishing dress and wear your dazzling accessories. Don't worry if your wardrobe lacks such festive glamour, at Alfies our vintage clothing dealers stock beautiful evening wear that would ensure you're the belle of the ball!

Vintage Jean Muir metallic jacket, offered by June Victor 

1980s black lace blouse by Voyage, offered by Carole Collier

1940s crepe dress with contrasting scalloped neck and fluted sleeves, offered by June Victor

1950s Silk chiffon dress, offered by Carole Collier & June Victor

1930s floral white paste clamper bracelet, offered by Carole Collier

1930s Jacob Bengal machine age bracelet, offered by Carole Collier

1920s chrome and green paste drop necklace, offered by June Victor

1970 Bracelet watch, glass stones, deadstock, fully functioning, offered by Carole Collier

1950s black lace shoes, offered by June Victor

1960s metallic silver shoes by Harrods, offered by June Victor

Happy Thanksgiving

The History Of Thanksgiving

In the United States in 1621, in present day Massachusetts, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast prompted by a good harvest that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

Thanksgiving proclamations were made by church leaders in New England until 1682, and then by both state and church leaders until after the American Revolution. During the revolutionary period, political influences affected the issuance of Thanksgiving proclamations. Various proclamations were made by royal governors, John Hancock, General George Washington, and the Continental Congress, each giving thanks to God for events favorable to their causes. As President of the United States, George Washington proclaimed the first nationwide thanksgiving celebration in America marking November 26th 1789, "As a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favours of Almighty God".

In modern day the President of the United States, in addition to issuing a proclamation, will "pardon" a turkey, which spares the bird's life and ensures that it will spend the duration of its life roaming freely on farmland.

On this special day, many will be preparing for a grand feast with loved ones and friends around the Thanksgiving table. At Alfies we offer a superb range of both vintage and antique pieces to make sure you have the best dressed table around, along with the perfect Thanksgiving gifts.

A selection of 1960s solid silver charms, offered by Good Time Antiques

Original hand painted vintage print, offered by Moe Heidarieh

Pair of Mid-Century gilt candle sticks, offered by Louise Verber Antiques

 

1930s French cocktail set, offered by Nadine Okker

A stunning 1930s carving set, offered by Goldsmith & Perris

A beautiful Art Deco silver plate tray, offered by Louise Verber Antiques

1930s Native American advertising poster, offered by Dodo

A fabulous 1960s pineapple ice bucket, offered by Louise Verber Antiques

International Men's Day

International Men's Day is an annual international event celebrated in more than 60 countries, on 19 November. The idea is to promote male role models, increase awareness of men's health issues, improve gender equality and highlight discrimination. Or simply to get people to show some appreciation for the men in their life!

Each year secondary themes are suggested, such as peace in 2002, healing and forgiveness in 2007, "Our children our future" in 2010, and "working together for men and boys" in 2014 - which addressed issues that affect males all over the world.

This year the theme is “Working To Expand Reproductive Options for Men”, designed to encourage cooperation in addressing reproductive issues.

In celebration of International Men's Day, we have put together a few examples of mantiques you will find at Alfies all year round. 

Original 1960s James Bond Aston Martin toy model, offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary

15 Jewels Pocket Watch, record watch, 1924, offered by Moe Heidarieh

A selection of hipflasks, silver plate and leather, 1900s - 1940s, offered by Goldsmith & Perris

Machine age lamp by Marbro, USA, 1950s, offered by Matt Mitchell London

Radar Men From The Moon, CineFilm, offered by Atomium

9ct Gold round cufflinks with white and baby blue edging, offered by Gareth Brooks

Gopnered 1930s leather briefcase, offered by Tin Tin Collectables

1950s search lights on stands, offered by Steven Lazarus

Asian Art in London

Now approaching its end, Asian Art in London runs between the 5th and the 14th November and is a ten day celebration of the world's best Asian art. It brings together over sixty of the top dealers, major auction houses and museums for an annual festival of the finest Asian art.

It's the eighteenth year of the event in London, which highlights a wide range of antique and contemporary art from Asia, and exhibitions, lectures, gallery talks, collectors' talks, auctions, study days and performances will take place throughout the week.

Following the UK-China Summit in London last June, the 2015 UK-China Year of Cultural Exchange showcases the very best of British culture in China and vice versa. This year the Asian Art in London Gala Party celebrates this cultural exchange with support from the Chinese Embassy.

There is an Asian Art in London Award 2015, which shortlists 10 works of art from across the region, showcasing a wide range of materials and techniques. The prize will be judged by a committee including curators from the Ashmolean Museum, the Fitzwilliam Museum, and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

At Alfies we have dealers who stock a fantastic selection of Asian ceramics, sculpture and art.

Here are a selection of Horner Antiques' pieces. Michael of Horner Antiques has collected antiques for many years and has a keen eye for detail in oriental porcelain, glass, ceramics and collectables. He also sells a range of delicate English Sliver.

Japanese gold lacqueur tray and martini glasses

Japanese Cloisonné vase, 1880-1900 with white metal mounts,
with bamboo and bird pattern and enamel roses. 

Japanese Famille Noir ginger jar, c1890. 

Chinese bronze teapot with a dragon spout, Qialong, made about 1850.

Japanese Kutani charger, c1880.

Chinese bronze shishi urn, 1800-1820.

1920s pair of Chinese vases with matching ginger jar.

Michael Horner
Ground Floor, Stand G031

Tel: 07748 653 580

mhornerantiques@gmail.com