We enjoy searching worldwide for the finest quality objets d’art and paintings. In the third of our three part Holiday Gift Guide we have gathered a selection of unique and interesting gifts to suit every person on your list. We have something for the cheese lover, those who yearn to travel or anyone who enjoys history or one of a kind objects. Each piece is unique and we explain what makes it special and rare. Enjoy!

For the Wine Lover

Wine has long been a part of special occasions, and is indispensable in celebrations and in situations when a pledge or oath is offered. Originally wine bottles and wine glasses (which began very small in size) were kept away from the table, brought by a footman who would also refill the glass after the contents were consumed. Not until the late 18th century did the wine bottle, and subsequently the glass, move to the table.

The wine glass grew in size, becoming an adornment for the table and conveying status. The glass wine glass as we know it with the bowl with stem and base, originated in Venice circa 1400. Venetians learned how to purify their alkaline source to make ‘cristallo’, a clear glass which was much in demand. These first examples were very fragile, which the English solved when they moved toward sea-coal (instead of oak) to fuel their fires which produced a stronger glass and bottle. Interestingly the stronger bottle played a crucial role in the birth of champagne. The English were also to add lead oxide and flint to make glass stronger still. Today there is an organization (ISO) which regulates international specifications for wine-tasting glasses.

Wine glasses have been made from clay, copper, pewter, timber, horn, leather, silver and glass. The shape began as a goblet or tumbler, growing taller with the addition of the stem, and becoming more sophisticated with twists and knops and decoration. The stem, while making the glass more sophisticated, also kept the warmth of the hand away and therefore the temperature of the wine at its optimum temperature. By the seventeenth century it was believed that precious metals promoted better health. The demand for silver goblets increased, but remained exclusively to the wealthy until the price of silver became more affordable. This example from 1862 has a gilt interior and is a fine example of Victorian workmanship.

Georgian glasses were a fraction of the size they are today - there are several reasons for this including the tax on wine which continued until the mid 19th century. Originally the measure was defined as ⅛ of a pint, or 2 ounces (2 ½ ounces in the Imperial System). Prior to 1800 it was 1 ½ fluid ounces. With the industrial revolution glasses could be mass produced and more standard in size and shape. In the 18th century, glass blowers would add spiral patterns in the stem in the form of bubbles (airtwist) or white or coloured threads (opaque twist).

Sterling silver goblet with gilt interior, London 1862, maker George Fox. Size: 6 ½ h in

Claret has a French origin meaning clear, or bright, as the colour of French Bordeaux wine, and the term “Claret Jug” emerged in Europe in the 19th century. Silversmiths began using hinged lids to replace glass stoppers and silver handles were added, and claret jugs became a method for artists to display their talents. Britain produced some of the most diverse and artistic designs, the majority of the silver mounts hallmarked in the northern factories in Birmingham and Sheffield. Claret jugs evolved with the fashions, the wealthy demanded fanciful models inspired by the fashions of the day; from geometric Grecian patterns to classical scenes, and following Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs with the mounts chased in symmetry to the glass. By the turn of the 20th century production diminished, ceasing completely circa 1920. This is a rare Birmingham cut glass example from 1902, the spout and hinged lid with foliate decoration.

Edwardian sterling silver claret jug, Birmingham 1902, maker WD. Size: 11 ¼ in h

For the Person who has Everything: Historical/Unique Objects

The most interesting part of our job is researching and writing about the unique objects we collect. Acquiring a quality antique brings a piece of history into your home, each one with a rich and unique story to unfold. As conversation pieces or just for display these objects have an interesting narrative to tell.

This Khodynka Cup of Sorrows, also known as the Coronation Cup, the Sorrow Cup, or the Blood Cup, is among many that were distributed along with food presents and commemorative scarves to celebrate the coronation of Nicholas II, as had been the long-standing tradition. On the morning of 18 May 1896, over half a million revelers gathered on the ragged Khodynka Field in Moscow in anticipation of the presents and especially the commemorative cups (enameled tableware was still a great novelty at the time). That was far more than the field could safely accommodate, especially considering the many trenches and pits that dotted the plain in front of the Tsar's podium, because the entire area was normally used as a military training ground. A rumor swept through the crowd that the cups contained a gold coin. In the confusion and stampede that ensued, over a thousand people were trampled to death in what has become known as the Khodynka Tragedy. This event was taken as an omen of things to come for the rest of Nicholas' reign. The coronation cup became known in Russia as the Cup of Sorrows and the Tsar himself got the nickname of "Bloody Nicholas" - despite his best efforts to compensate the families of the victims. It was the Tsarina who named it the "cup of sorrows." The cup bears the cyphers of Nicholas and Alexandra surrounded by a geometric pattern with the Romanov eagle on the opposite side.

Russian enameled cup from "Day of Sorrows", 1896. Size: 4 h x 3 ¾ w x 3 ¾ d in

This is an extremely rare and important piece of early British Columbia history as it is the scale which apparently weighed every ounce of gold that came out of Barkerville. The set of Gold Standard scales was made by Howard and Davis, Boston for the Hudson’s Bay Post and came from the museum at Barkerville. They are inscribed on the steel crossbar "Gold Standard Balance, Manufactured by Howard and Davis, Boston, Mass. Successors to B. Dearborn/Full Jeweled". Benjamin Dearborn (1754–1838) was a printer and mechanical inventor in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Boston, Massachusetts in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His inventions include the gold standard balance, spring scale, grist mill, candlestick, ballot box, perspective drawing machine, letter-press, musical board for the instruction of the blind, thermoscope, vibrating steelyard balance, and perpendicular lift.

Chinese bronze "Hai Ma P'u T'ao" round mirror, surface slightly convex and silvered, Tang period. Size: 4" in diameter.

This wooden cup is in the shape of a large Quaich, Scotland’s cup of friendship. Used through the centuries to offer a welcoming drink at clan gatherings and other special occasions, early quaichs were carved from a single piece of wood or made by ‘feathering’ wood together. The quaich usually has two or three short projecting handles called ‘lugs’ and the best examples are adorned with silver. Introduced in the Scottish Highlands as early as the 16th century, this is a fine example dating from 1680. While quaichs were most commonly used for whisky and brandy, this example was probably used for drinking ale. Pronounced like ‘qwaygh’, the word is probably only properly spoken by a true Scotsman.

Scottish wooden quaich cup with silver mounts and two handles, circa 1680. Size: 2 ½ h x 3 ½ w in

For the Traveler

While we cannot travel easily, we can still dream, plan and reminisce of trips past and future. If you know a travel lover, we hope to inspire you with these gift ideas from around the world.

Ross optics was a company founded in 1830 by Andrew Ross (1798-1859) as a maker of Mathematical and Philosophical Instruments. He became famous as a maker of microscopes and by the 1840’s he was producing the latest technology, camera lenses, signed A. Ross. The company was one of the foremost lens manufacturers of the 19th century. After Andrew Ross’ death the company was run by his son Thomas who changed the name to Ross & Co. When Thomas Ross died in 1870 his widow remarried, and her new husband John Stewart took control. In 1897 Ross Ltd. was formed to raise capital to expand into binocular production. That same year they produced the first British prismatic binoculars. By the end of the century Ross was also producing Zeiss and Goerz lenses under licence, for sale in the United Kingdom and its Colonies. Prior to World War One Ross and Zeiss worked in partnership together but after the outbreak of war the British Government put Ross in command of the newly opened Zeiss binocular and optical factory in London. Ross was one of the key suppliers of binoculars to the British military during World War I, producing at least 20,000 units for the war effort.

John A. Hammond, Rca, Osa (Canadian 1843-1939) ‘Fuji Yama, Japan’, oil on board, signed lower right "J. Hammond", stamped with estate inventory number 548 on reverse. Size: 11 x 16 ¾ in (with frame 17 ½ x 23 ½ in) — John A. Hammond, Rca, Osa (Canadian 1843-1939) ‘*Fuji Yama, Japan’,* oil on board, signed lower right "J. Hammond", stamped with estate inventory number 548 on reverse. Size: 11 x 16 ¾ in (with frame 17 ½ x 23 ½ in)

Venice is considered by many the most beautiful and romantic city in the world. A major financial and maritime power as well as a center of commerce from the 13th century to the end of the 17th, it was a wealthy city and renowned for its architecture and artwork. The city is comprised of 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon, separated by canals and linked by over 40 bridges.

Auguste Bouvard painted the landscapes of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean coastline under the name of Marc Aldine and Pelletier (his wife’s maiden name). He began painting Venetian scenes with a unique sense of lighting and an eye catching colour palette which became very successful. His compositions are similar to those of Canaletto and Guardi - like these artists Bouvard captures to perfection the romantic atmosphere of Venice but with a warmer and more colourful feeling. Bouvard was honoured by Queen Mary and his work can be found in collections throughout Europe and America. He is followed by a family of artists who also painted in Venice including his son Antoine who painted in a more impressionistic style.

Silver plated telescoping travel cup, decorated with engine turning, circa 1900. Size: 3 ½ x 2 ½ in

In the late 19th century, Austrian bronze foundries located in Vienna and on the Austrian/Bohemian border began to specialise in the finishing technique known as cold painting. Created by painting on the raw bronze with layers of enamel lead paint, cold painting was done while the cast was still warm which helped to fuse the colour to the metal. As the finished bronze was not fired after the painting, the process was called “cold painted”.

The Austrian foundries are often misidentified as being the sculptor or designer. In fact, they mostly hired unidentified sculptors to create works that could be cast using the sand-casting or lost-wax method. The finished castings would then be handed over to the painters for cold painting. This process required many skilled hands to produce the finished piece.

During this period Vienna was the centre of Biedermeier, bourgeois culture. By the turn of the century as many as 50 foundries and manufacturers of bronzes could be found in Vienna. Bronzes produced in this new style were held in high regard as symbols of wealth or status. They came in many different subjects including animals, Orientalist subjects, Black Americana, travel inspired and erotica. The sizes ranged from the very small to table lamps or centerpieces. This bronze is of an Orientalist subject, a theme which had become popular in the 19th century. The involvement of both France and England in the unraveling Ottoman Empire led key artists from both countries to travel to much of North Africa, Egypt, Syria, Turkey and Jerusalem. The end of the century was marked by the formation of the French Orientalist Painters Society, and Austrian bronze foundries understood that this was a popular subject and produced many pieces to meet the demand.

Japanese Kakiemon plate, 18th century. Size: 6 ¾ in diameter
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Small Collectable Gift Ideas

We always have a selection of affordable smalls and our customers enjoy searching for treasures in our cabinets and showcases. Sometimes the most interesting and special gifts come in small packages.

Battersea boxes developed in the mid 18th century as tiny decorative containers covered with enamel or porcelain and decorated with pleasing designs. Originally the boxes were made of copper covered with white enamel, decorated with classical or religious scenes or portraits. They evolved over time to become more sentimental.

The Battersea box got its name from a firm under the tutelage of Sir Stephen Theodore Janssen, Once Lord Mayor of London at York House in Battersea. The boxes were decorated by transfer printing, which took an impression from an engraved plate painted with enamel and printed on to the box which was then hand painted and fired. The firm existed only from 1753 to 1756 however other firms producing similar boxes, especially those in the village of Bilston, took up this technique. Battersea became the collective name for all such boxes.

With advancements in the pottery industry due to the Industrial Revolution, Battersea boxes gradually fell from favour. Allowing small boxes to be produced at less cost than the enameled competitors made Battersea boxes decline significantly by the mid 19th century. They became popular again in the second half of the 20th century with the development of commemorative boxes produced for such well known firms as Tiffany & Co.

This box is a rare example in an animal shape, taking the form of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The breed is named for King Charles II who loved his dogs so much that he made a decree that his dogs could not be denied entrance into any building, not even the House of Parliament.

Sterling silver photograph frame with wooden backing, Chester 1914 maker HM. Size: 10 x 7 ½ in

What we now know as the doll house became popular in Holland, England and Germany over 400 years ago. They were the fad of the wealthy and early houses featuring idealized houses with fine architectural details enclosing painstakingly crafted miniature furniture. Mothers in the 17th century would use these houses to instruct their daughters how to maintain a proper home, and over time children were allowed to play with the miniatures. More realistic doll houses as we know them appeared in the 18th century and advancements with the Industrial Revolution brought the cost of miniatures down allowing more people to collect them. Today miniatures fall into two categories, those meant for children’s play and those meant for adult collectors. Adult miniature collectors enjoy the process of assembling dollhouse kits and customizing them to their tastes - including wallpaper, lighting, paint and furnishings. The industry has created craftsmen dedicated to the miniature industry. This sterling silver example is in the Regency Period style and includes a tray with handles, lidded tea pot, lidded coffee pot, creamer and sugar. The set is hallmarked London 1973 with a maker’s mark for A. Chick & Sons Ltd. who were listed as miniature craftsmen.

Sterling silver Regency style miniature tea service including tray with handles, lidded tea pot, lidded coffee pot, creamer and sugar, London 1973, maker AC & S Ltd. Size: tray 6 l x 1 ½ w, coffee pot 1 ½ h

Netsuke make wonderful gifts with their rich history and because they are small, tactile, beautifully carved miniature works or art which are still highly collectable. This particular Netsuke has beautiful detail and patina, and an interesting subject. It is thought that in Japan dogs had been domesticated as early as 10000 BC. Dogs, especially white dogs are seen as auspicious and often appeared in folk tales. This Netsuke may have been carved after the original owner's pet or simply as a symbol of good luck.

Originally Netsuke had a practical and a decorative function. Traditional Japanese clothing, the Kimono or Kosode, had no pockets. Women could keep small items in their long drop sleeves, which men’s garments did not have. The solution was to loop an inro (multi leveled box) though the belt or Obi with a double string which had an ojimi which could slide up and down to lock the container. The cord was held in place by the netsuke which was the counter weight for the inro. The Netsuke became personal items of self expression and therefore objects of great craftsmanship and artistic expression. Netsuke were also held in the hand often, similar to a worry bead, which resulted in a rich patina.

The period of greatest Netsuke production was the Edo period which lasted from 1615-1868. While the art did decline, due partly to the transition to more European dress, the art of making Netsuke is still practised in Japan today. Today they are more often created as Okimono or small statues for shelf decoration, without the holes in the base to loop through the cord which would define them as Netsuke.

Carved wood netsuke depicting a seated dog, 20th century. Provenance: James R. (Jim) Houston Estate. Size: 1 ⅜ h in

Canadian/Indigenous Collectables

We enjoy researching and collecting works from established Canadian artists dating back to pre contact. Each piece we collect deepens our understanding and appreciation for Canada’s Indigenous history and cultures.

Susan Point is known for her innovation in modern Coast Salish art and is credited for its current popularity. Born in Alert Bay, she grew up on the Musqueam Indian Reserve in Vancouver. While mostly self-taught, she did receive training with Master carver John Livingston. She joined a group of artists interested in reviving Coast Salish artistic traditions in art and design, for which very little research had been done at the time. She set out to intensively study the formal characteristics in historical Salish art in the Royal BC Museum and UBC Museum of Anthropology. Her historical studies laid the foundation for her later production in new media including glass, bronze and concrete. “Salish Dancer Totem” is carved glass with a sand blasted totem design in the center surrounded by gold leaf formline patterns, mounted on a base with an irregular edge.

Susan Point (Coast Salish Born 1952), Salish Dancer Totem, Provenance: James R. (Jim) Houston Estate. Size: 40 h x 17.5 w x 3 d in (with base 41" x 22 1/4" x 8 in) — Susan Point (Coast Salish Born 1952), *Salish Dancer Totem,* Provenance: James R. (Jim) Houston Estate. Size: 40 h x 17.5 w x 3 d in (with base 41" x 22 1/4" x 8 in)

The Historical Gold Rush in North America, has a nostalgic sentiment for many people as it reminds them of the Wild West and days of great adventure. Gold Rushes took place in North America mainly in the Western Cordillera region from California up through British Columbia, the Yukon and into Alaska. They began in the mid 19th century when placer gold was being found in significant quantities in the streams and riverbeds up the West Coast. Placer gold refers to gold deposits in the sand or gravel in streams and rivers. The Gold Rush continued to the turn of the century by which time significant alluvial deposits (left by rivers or streams) were no longer being discovered.

Gold rushes began for many reasons, the first being the emergence of technologies that enabled mass circulation of information like newspapers, the telegraph, steamboats and other efficient transportation. Generally Gold Rushes began with either accidental discovery of gold by fur traders or prospectors and in large enough quantities to be commercially viable. Once a discovery was made word would spread, and with the new technologies it spread further and faster than ever before. This resulted in an influx of new prospectors and adventurers looking to cash in on the free (placer) gold.

This scrimshaw cribbage board was likely made during one of the final Gold Rushes in British Columbia or the Yukon, both have a location called Bullion Creek. Cribbage was an English card game well known by the 19th century immortalized in Charles Dickens’, The Old Curiosity Shop. As this cribbage board contains gold nuggets it was likely made to commemorate a significant personal find.

Great Lakes First Nations 19th Century carved burl wooden oval bowl. Size: 7 x 15 ½ x 11 ¼ in

North West Coast argillite totem pole, inscribed "JL '78 Bella Bella", possibly John Lancaster (born 1960). Size: 8 h

Practical Antiques Gift Ideas

There is always someone on your list who enjoys a more practical gift. While antiques can be unique they can also be useful for everyday living.

This mug is in baluster form and bears the mark of Richard Woodman Burbidge (1872-1945). The Burbidge Baronetcy, of Littleton Park, Middlesex, was created for Richard Burbidge who was managing director of the world’s leading luxury department store, Harrods, from 1890 to 1917. His eldest son, Richard Woodman Burbidge, joined Harrods in 1893, eventually becoming chairman and the second Baronet. Richard Woodman Burbidge’s name is synonymous with high quality silver from Harrods. He is well known for the Harrods-Selfridge Wager Prize - he made a private wager with the owner of Selfridges, Harry Gordon Selfridge with the terms: "Jan. 4th, 1917 Wagered Mr. Woodman Burbidge that within six (6) years after declaration of peace we would overtake and pass Harrods Ltd. in annual returns. The stake is to be a silver miniature replica of the loser's store. H. Gordon Selfridge." Burbidge won the wager but requested that the prize be a replica of his own store, Harrods. The silver cigar box was designed by Harrods silversmiths and sat on display on his desk, then his son Richard Grant Woodman Burbidge’s, who succeeded his father in 1945. The prize was sold in 1914 at auction in London for £86,500.

Harrods sterling silver mug, Birmingham 1940, makers mark RWB for Richard Woodman Burbidge. Size: 4 ¾ h x 5 w x 3 ¾ d in
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People have been sweetening food for thousands of years. The English began to import sugar as far back as the 16th century, although for most households the primary form of sweetener was honey which was produced locally. It was not until the 1640’s with the founding of the West Indian sugar plantations that sugar importation took off. By the end of that century the amount of sugar imported had expanded to over 12 times the amount of sugar imported in the 1660’s. The English were now using 10,000 tons of sugar a year. Sugar was used in baking, cooking, beverages and shaken over food as well. To shake sugar over food, a suitably designed shaker needed to be developed. The first sugar shaker or casters were developed in the reign of Charles II (1630-1685) of England, but these were very rare. These early casters and those of the William III period were very simple cylinder forms on a footed rim, with a detachable pierced top secured by fittings and topped with a finial. In the Queen Anne period casters became a more globular vase form and began to have push fit tops instead of fittings. The caster’s decorative form continued to have small modifications and additional ornamentation, but the basic design remained generally unchanged from the early forms of William III and Queen Anne. By the Queen Anne period casters were also being used for pepper and other spices. Casters continued to be used in this form into the 20th century, still a beautiful and useful kitchen utensil with a history over three hundred years old.

Early brass castor with pierced lid, circa 1780. Size: 5 ¾ h in

These spoons were produced by the Important Victorian Silversmiths Sibray Hall & Co, founded in 1878 in Sheffield by the silversmiths Frederick Sibray and Job Frank Hall. The partnership was a success and by 1890 they had opened a showroom in London. The following year Sibray died but Hall decided to keep the company name, which continued into the Edwardian period and exhibited pieces at the 1912 Jewellers exhibition in London. These spoons were produced during the early period in the partnership when Sibray was still active in the company. Beautifully decorative, with gilt and decorated bowls and unusual handles, these spoons will make a statement serving any holiday meal or when you choose to dress up your takeout dinner.

Four sterling silver serving spoons with gilt and decorated bowls, with cylinder stems topped with balls. Hallmarked London 1885, maker Frederick Sibray & Job Frank Hall. Size: 9 ¼ h x 2 ¼ w x 1 d in