BOOKS, DESK ITEMS AND EPHEMERA
The written word is possibly the closest link we have to the people of the past, reading the thoughts, pursuits and even shopping lists is one of the best ways to connect with history. Books and ephemera are wonderful for that reason, as well as the personal items people used every day to write the words and speak their minds.
ORNATE CARVED BONE HANDLED DIP PEN AND LETTER OPENER
This fabulous multi-purpose letter opener unscrews to reveal a dip pen which can again be tucked away when not in use, and has a seal stamp and a tiny stanhope on the end. Great overall condition, it needs a nib there is a small repair where the letter opener has become detached and reattached but it has beautiful filigree carving and is a superb early piece. £42
CLASSIC BONE HANDLED DIP PEN
Titled "The Imperial Holder" this is a great quality pen from the mid-late Victorian period. Made with a quality brass top and nib with a solid bone handle. £26
VINTAGE SOLID BRASS ORNATE ROCOCO STYLE LETTER RACK
For the most sumptuous of desks! Ideal for grand Victorian desk dressing or even a little earlier - and still completely useful for everyday letter storage. Solid and heavy with some oxidisation so could be cleaned or enjoyed with the patina of age. 19cm long x15cm high. £38
LEATHER BOUND 1828 BOOK OF PSALMS
This is beautiful thing. A lovely book of Psalms (approved by the Church of Scotland) published in 1828 during the reign of George IV. At one point it was owned by someone with the initials F.H., who knows who they were? In fantastic order with a lovely patina to the leather and nothing visibly missing. £80
VICTORIAN PAINTED CAST IRON EMBOSSING PRESS STAMP
7" high x 6.2" long x 3.2" wide. £35
VINTAGE / ANTIQUE PAPER KNIFE / LETTER OPENERS
You never know you needed a letter opener until you use one. This is a selection of vintage and antique pieces in wood, bone, ivorine or metal. £10 - £15 each depending.
SELECTION OF VINTAGE DIP PENS
Great for desk dressing or for the budding artist working with ink - the pen of choice until the mid-late 19th century when fountain pens were invented. £6 each
SELECTION OF VINTAGE METAL PROPELLING PENCILS
Propelling pencils could be very ornate, rather ingenious and altogether cleaner than rougher traditional lead pencils. Most of these do not contain lead and are either for decorative use or repair. £8 each
SELECTION OF VINTAGE GEOMETRY TOOLS
These make great detail for desk dressing and with a little cleaning and oiling, should still work! £8 each
VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS AND CABINET CARDS
Probably the best part of antiques collecting - seeing the people who owned the stuff in their natural habitat! I always wish we could know more about them! £3 each
VINTAGE GREETINGS CARDS & POSTCARDS
The original text message. Far more beautiful, original and heartfelt though and some of the early artwork is highly collectable. £3 each
MID-CENTURY LEATHER CASED GEOMETRY SET
This fantastic and complete geometry set could have been made yesterday, but probably dates to late 1960s-70s. It has an insignia on the front which I haven’t identified and all the items are in superb condition in their red plush fitted case. School-days flashbacks anyone? £28