Egg-Heads

Collectable Egg Cups

Just rolling on in to the etsy shop are these cute egg cups.

Little red rooster is taking his egg-wagon out for a spin.
Made in Japan, these novelty egg cups are highly sort after by collectors. The more novel - the more collectable.

This cute but sad looking teddy is most likely from Germany with his cross stitched nose and mouth. He looks like a good listener, too. English versions often have colour to the eyes and a full nose. I think the stitched nose is far lovelier. You can find both of these cuties in the Etsy shop now.
just click on the photo, or icons.

Australian PERFECTION

Art Deco Egg Cup PERFECTION by Silverbrite

No longer Available......

I couldn't resist this little purchase ... truthfully, I paid waaaaay too much for them but they made my heart sing. I had not a clue as to their maker by I didn't care - they were Beautiful!

Well, as it turns out, they are made by an Australian company known as Silverbrite which was established in Sydney, Australia in 1925. These gorgeous egg cups are marked "PERFECTION"; 'well, yes, they certainly are' I thought, but no, that was a brand of Silverbrite's production of hollow ware. It is a sweet and simple story of good old fashioned Australian success. You can read more by taking a look and read of the listing I have on Etsy.

A Rare Campaign

Campaign Candlesticks
 A Military Duo

The maker of these gorgeous antiques is unknown but they boast a very Continental flavour.

Most likely French, these candlestick holders/carriers were once a staple homewares in many homes of the world.

A simple design which holds each one candlestick above a shallow saucer which catches the melting wax, protecting your hand, and presents a strong sturdy finger loop and tail for ease of transport.

I do not believe these to be made in India as they do not have the customary screw and nut fixtures on handles or under central join. Instead, they appear to be some kind of rivet or something similar.

As charming now as they were then and fully functional.


 UPDATE....

And after selling these beauties - actually on that very day - I discovered that they are from a much distant past of Campaign Furnishings and are very rare indeed.

In the days of Empires and overseas campaigns, it was required that an officers camp be prepared to move quickly as front lines advanced or retreated. Much of the furnishings were able to be quickly and simply dismantled and packed for moving at a moments notice.

An officers camp site would be rather comparable to Glamping of today, often with numerous item of furniture: clothing trunks which opened as wardrobes, writing desk, folding chairs, collapsible tables and much more. It appears the higher the rank the more established their encampment.

 These candlesticks are no different, as the holder unscrews from its cup to prevent damage during those encampment movements.

I count myself lucky to have held these wonderful pieces of history - even if only for a short time.

Something so unessential has taught me so much about the history of campaign encampments as my feelings of privilege  turn to wonder ..... will I ever see another pair?

BREAKFAST IS SERVED

JAMES KENT LTD

or something sweeter!

In 1891 china wares began marking their china with “ENGLAND” and after 1921 with “Made In...”.

Though many potteries continued with or without these markings for 10s of years prior and after these dates.

James Kent pottery established in 1897 at Longton and was renamed James Kent Ltd in 1913. It  remained so until 1989 at which time it was sold and the name also became the property of the new owners, Fenton.

Old Foley was not produced until circa 1955 and Old Foley Pottery Ltd was used after 1955 through until 1989. The company was sold in 1981, taken over in 1985/6, and in 1987 was bought by County Potteries PLC. In 1989 it was renamed ‘Carlton & Kent’ and went broke.

It was then sold again in 1989 and renamed ‘James Kent 1989 Ltd, then in 2006 the Old Foley Works were demolished and they operated out of the Fole China Works but closed in 2008

RAMBLER ROSE by james Kent Ltd of England. Pattern #5021

Here is the perfect gift for the one who has broken their beloved set and need to replace their breakfast tray.

( If reposting these images please reference this page )

The Full Karrot

Vintage Japanese Cruet Set - with spoon
Oh, So Kitsch!

I found these colourful beauties during a day of leisure (occasionally I get one), and couldn't believe my luck. To find a set in such good condition was wonderful but to also have the original ceramic spoon too was indeed a FIND.

This is a funky little set from the mid-century, 1940s-1950s, and is sure to bring a little sunshine to your morning table. Cruet sets have become a favourite for collectors everywhere and with such diversity in styles and themes is it any wonder.

No longer available

RARE SIGNED FURSTENBERG PORCELAIN WORKS

FURSTENBERG / BENDIGO POTTERY

No longer available .....

This beautiful piece of collectable, fine porcelain from West Germany is a flash back to the retro beat of the 1980s.
Fürstenberg was first established in Germany in 1747 and is still operational today, producing a range of porcelains still popular with collectors worldwide including tableware and figurines. It should be noted that many of their modern productions are made using their old moulds as a means to preserve their heritage

From all my readings I believe, and it has been said by made, that Furstenberg artists were never permitted to identify their works by signing them ... and yet here is one that is!
Hand painted Australiana themed: Eucalyptus tree gum nuts and leaves. On the back a genuine, underglaze back stamp recorded from 1980 and an overglaze artist's signature dated 1981.

A most unusual occurance, yet in 2007 Australia's own Bendigo Pottery co-jointly released a collectors' plate collection featuring Australian Christmas Scenes. This leads me to believe that possibly previous to that collection there may have been yet an earlier collaboration between these to notable porcelain companies.

What ever the history behind this real Australian flora celebration we know that it will be an interesting piece in any collection.

RARE BLOCK ON TEA

JAPANESE EGG SHELL PORCELAIN & WOOD BLOCK PRINT

EDO STYLE IN MID-CENTURY

Kyo-yaki  -  Akae  -  Kakiemon

What the? I hear you say. And that's exactly what I thought when I saw this gorgeous little tea cup and saucer. 

A quick study of the print revealed itself to be genuine wood block print...I know this from my university days as a graphic artist ( which nothing like mod kids would think - we printed on ancient machinery creating wood block, lithograph and etchings ). I didn't think it was possible - yet here it is.

So the charge for more information lead straight to the big www and this is what I found - condensed version of course.

This is a kyo-yaki, or to you and me an 'egg shell' porcelain, as thin as egg shells if you like. An amazing type of porcelain which was first used in Japan during the Edo period of 1603 - 1868, some have been so thin that no light is required to test its transparency. Also during this period was the introduction of printing on porcelain with the aid of a hand carved wood block. I'm not sure how long this style of decoration lasted as many makers would have found it difficult to leave a perfect print due to the enamels (paint) lubrication between both surfaces resulting in slipping during printing. Enamel decoration on porcelain is referred to as 'Akae'. Without a exceedingly steady hand this may have been often. Information regarding this style of printed porcelain is quite limited and rarely mentioned, if ever.

Then there is also a style of Japanese porcelain produced by the Kakiemon family company. Often referred to as 'Kakiemon' itself, it features quite delicate designs with enamel decorations sparsely applied so as to emphasize the beauty of the milky-white porcelain. Another of their features is a fine red lip, which you can see quite easily here.

After what I have just related to you all, you could be forgiven for believing you are looking at an Edo Period porcelain - but alas, you are not. How do I know? Simple. I turned the cup over to find a red romanji (alphabetical writing) mark stating "MADE IN JAPAN" and although this backstamp of red dates from the 1940s and the 1950s there have been numerous exceptions to this date with items as early as the 1920s baring the same mark.

If like myself, you enjoy tea from beautiful cups, then I believe this to be more than worthy. But surely something this wonderful is on someone's wish list for a special occasion, or to add splendour to a collection.

See it now in our Etsy Store

WHO WOULD? WEDGWOOD!

HATHAWAY ROSE    

by Wedgwood

What can I say about this pretty little piece.  Oh, yes - WEDGWOOD.

Well OK, I'll tell you a little more then.

Hathaway Rose has been well known among WW collectors since it was first introduced in 1959. The pattern (no. R4317) is one of WW most popular, continuing its demand until 1987. The backstamp indicates that this particular item was produced from 1974 at which time the circled R (registered) was introduced to WW's mark.

So this particular piece, a rose bud vase, was produced in ENGLAND (which it is no longer) during a 13 year period between 1974 and 1987 and it's still as pretty now as it was then.

More information available in shop listing.

Visit my store on Etsy to see more.

HUMOUR ME

MATCHBOX HOLDER OF AUSSIE HUMOUR

POLICE v CLEANING

You have to see this one!

It has to be one of the funniest things I've found in my rummaging. 

Who would have thought of these hilarious skits from the 1950s?

Both cartoons are soooooo politically incorrect today that you can't help but chuckle to yourself and think, "yeah, that's how it used to be". I love it. Each cartoon is also signed by its respective artist within cartoon. Aussie humour is so collectable right now that this may not last long.

THIS ITEM IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Retro Raving

The Quick & The Dead

Retro and Mid-Century items appear to be hot on the spot, with funky and colourful being the requirement.

If you're not visiting my Etsy shop RESTOREDau then you're missing out.  Unfortunately time does not permit every listing here on my blog before putting up for sale on Etsy.  Fun, funky and fabulous pieces are disappearing quick.  Here is one that I was sad to sell, actually.  But, alas, they have gone as quickly as I could list them.

I guess that just another good reason for me to head out looking for my goodies to share with you all. ;)

SNUFFING WITH ELEGANCE

Vintage Brass Candle Snuffer

No longer available

Since the invention of the candle, man has needed this simple yet useful tool.

Made from brass, this lovely twisted handle candle snuffer displays a beautiful vintage patina which can only be achieved by time. It features a flat-top bell cone snuff, while its' side handle attachment begins with a simple hook, then spirals to complete the handle with yet another hook which is very useful for hanging storage.

There are no markings to indicate marker or year of make. This snuffer may pre-date 1940 but I have listed it at this year due to that lovely patina.

SIZE: L: 26 cm Snuff D: 3.5 cm

An elegant accessory for any candle lover.

No more pinching the flame when you can snuff in style.

THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOST-ESS

RARE ROYAL VINTAGE 5 PIECE HOSTESS SET

No longer available .....

How I delighted in this amazing find. Again, I had no idea what I had. Yes, it was Royal Albert, that was good. Yes, it was a complete set, that was also good. And yes, it was named "American Beauty" as it was clearly marked in the floral backstamp. Many nights ensued trawling the vast 3w's (www.) to uncover some very interesting facts about Royal Albert's mysterious Five Piece Hostess Set (for that it was called). A few select sight knew of its' existence yet no one could actually tell you of what it consisted.

Much more research and sleepless nights revealed that my mystery was solved. I had purchased this gorgeous set as an intact, complete set. What luck! It made my understanding of the Five Piece Hostess Set so much easier.

Each PIECE is not as modern terms dictates (counting cup and saucer as two pieces) but rather reference to how many settings are contained within.  One piece consists of the tea pot, lid and under plate. Another of a cup and saucer. While the creamer and sugar bowl count as individual pieces each. Thus, in total five pieces.

This beautiful 5pc Hostess Set revels in the glory of the rarer than rare 2 cup Mini Tea Pot and the ever unheard of Tea Pot Under Plate (which at first I thought may have been the under plate to the butter keeper but was still the wrong size).

Another delight found within the set are the 'MALVERN' style tea cups. These elegant handled cups are often found with missing handles due to the fact that they rise up above the rim of the cup which causes them to be easily damaged and broken. Yet here they are in perfect condition ... as is every piece in this set.

In the back of my mind I wish that no one will buy my delightful set and I will have to keep it and use it myself, he-he-he. But, alas, I know it will go. And now I must also, to find my treasures out there in the big wide world and bring them to you.

There are more photographs and details about this AMAZING set in my etsy store RESTOREDau.

Visit me there and enjoy a stroll through my store. If you would like more information or are just curious than you can also contact me through the store.

Ever Yours - n - Earl Grey's

Camielle

TAKE ME TO THE STORE, PLEASE!