Services: A spotlight on Moe Heidarieh

This week's blog highlights our resident watch repairer, Moe Heidarieh. Moe has been based at Alfies for over 20 years and has established himself as a trusted vintage watch dealer and repairer. His expertise and cheerfulness have won him legions of faithful customers. Not only will you leave with your fully restored watch, you'll also leave with a smile on your face. No job is too big or too small for Moe!

Moe at his stand, G009-011

Moe at work

Vintage watches and pocketwatches

Hamilton watch c1950s, with an engraving on the back that says,
 “presented to James W.Bradfield in appreciation of 30 years service.” 
10k, 22 jewels mechanical winder, made in USA.

Ground Floor | Stand G009 - 011
Tel: 07807 359 931

Chinese New Year: Year Of The Monkey

Celebrate Chinese New Year With Alfies- Year Of The Monkey

Chinese New Year is the most important Chinese festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional luni-solar Chinese calendar. This year it lands on Monday 8th January, the year of the Monkey. It is also known as the Spring Festival, which is the literal translation of the modern Chinese name. Celebrations traditionally start on the evening preceding the first day and continue to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month.

The New Year festival is centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Traditionally, the festival was a time to honour deities as well as ancestors. Regional customs and traditions vary widely, traditionally the evening after Chinese New Year's Day is an occasion for families to gather for the annual reunion dinner. It is also traditional for every family to clean the house, to make way for good luck throughout the year. Windows and doors will be decorated with red colour paper-cuts with popular themes of good fortune, happiness, wealth, and longevity. Other traditional celebrations include firecrackers and giving money in red paper envelopes.

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat- Chinese Festival Of Lights Display

At Alfies we have a wide range of not only beautiful Asian antiques, but a wonderful array of animal themed collectables too, to suit your Chinese zodiac sign.

1860 'The Marmozettes' original print, available from Moe Heidarieh

A beautiful Chinese 1st Republic (1912-1920) double lidded pot for making soup, available from Horner Antiques

An unusual selection of 1920s silver marked monkey brooches, available from Zeeba Jewels

1860-1880 Buddha snuff scoop carved from cow bone, available from Horner Antiques

A wonderful carved wood African Monkey Dance mask, one of a pair, from Cameroun, available from The Moderns

Hand painted Imari vase made in Canton, c1825, available from Horner Antiques

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat, Chinese Festival Of Lights

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat, Chinese Festival Of Lights

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat, Chinese Festival Of Lights

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.

 

Alfies: Curiouser And Curiouser

"Have I gone mad?"

"I'm afraid so, but let me tell you something, the best people usually are."
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland 

Roller-printed cotton chintz - Alice in Wonderland
C F A Voysey, 1920

If you love the fantastic world of Lewis Carroll's Wonderland then a visit to the V&A Museum of Childhood is a must. Delve into a new perspective of Carroll's heroine, Alice, in a beautiful display marking the 150th anniversary of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The exhibition shows how Alice and her Wonderland friends have been embraced and adapted all across the world, and how she has inspired many of the most celebrated designers, stylists and photographers. Follow Alice's evolution through a collection of garments, photographs and rare editions along with a brand new commission by pattern-cutter Josie Smith of Roksanda. The exhibition is on display until Sunday, 1 November.

Alfies is a Wonderland in its own right, here you will find many beautiful curiosities to fall in love with, and be sure to visit our Roof Top Kitchen for your own Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

24 hour large pocket watch in nickle silver, 1910. Offered by Moe Heidarieh.

A fabulous 'Queen of Hearts' early Victorian garnet and gold heart shaped ring. Offered by Gareth Brooks

French 1920s 'Looking Glass' wall mirror. Offered by Nadine Okker

1930s Disney House teapot. Offered by Beth

Dodo, the wonderful mascot for our vintage posters, paintings and prints dealer Dodo

French Art Deco peach and blue glass wall clock mirror. Offered by Nadine Okker

A trio of 1950s 9ct gold crown charms, with enamel and semi precious stones. Offered by Good Time Antiques

Pair of French brass early 20th century griffin candle stick holders. Offered by Louise Verber Antiques

A pair of 1930s French chemist 'Drink Me' bottles. Offered by Travers Antiques