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