Antique Miscellaneous

Some of the most interesting antiques are the ones that don't fit neatly into any single category. This is where you'll find walking canes, scientific instruments, globes, architectural salvage, garden antiques, kitchenalia, treen, metalware and all manner of decorative curiosities.

These are the pieces that catch your eye, start conversations and make a home uniquely personal. Browse our miscellaneous collection for unexpected treasures from dealers across the UK.

Filters

Category Miscellaneous ×
Miscellaneous Category
Material
Period
Style
Miscellaneous Type
Stamped by Maker
Price
Height (cm)
Width (cm)
Depth (cm)

Antique Victorian Walker & Hall Sheffield Silver Plated Tea Urn / Samovar With Tap

A handsome antique Victorian silver plated tea urn or samovar by the well known Sheffield makers Wal...

Antique Bag Face Cushion Hand Woven

This is a charming 19th century hand woven woollen cushion originally woven as a bag used for carryi...

Antique Bag Face Cushion Hand Woven

This is a charming 19th century hand woven woollen cushion originally woven as a bag used for carryi...

Antique Bag Face Cushion Hand Woven

This is a charming 19th century hand woven woollen cushion originally woven as a bag used for carryi...

Antique Regency Brass Fire Tools

A good pair of early Victorian brass fire irons in super condition with very attractive brass detail...

Fine French Three Fold Gilt Screen

A very nice French three fold screen with damask fabric bottom and mirror backed carved gilt mouldin...

English Regency Cast Grate

A very good Regency style cast iron, metal and brass grate, in very good overall condition. 25" hig...

Antique Large Edwardian Silver Plated Oval Gallery Cocktail / Decanter Tray with Handles

A large and elegant antique Edwardian silver plated oval gallery tray of excellent scale, ideal as a...

Antique Carved Oak Aneroid Barometer with Thermometer

A very decorative antique carved oak aneroid barometer with integrated thermometer, mounted on a fin...

Antique George III Oval Mahogany Brass Bound Wine Cooler

Magnificent antique George III oval mahogany brass bound wine cooler having the original lead lined...

Large Antique Arts and Crafts Copper and Brass Milk Jug

An unusual large antique Arts and Crafts copper and brass milk jug having an attractive unusual shap...

Antique Regency Sarcophagus Shaped Burr Elm Tea Caddy

Antique Regency  burr elm tea caddy having a sarcophagus shaped lip which lifts to reveal two lidded...

Antique Arts and Crafts Copper and Brass Milk Jug

An unusual antique Arts and Crafts copper and brass milk jug having an attractive unusual shaped han...

Quality Antique Victorian Copper Watering Can

Quality antique Victorian copper watering can having a shaped swing handle with lift up lids, shaped...

George III Antique Mahogany Tea Caddy

George III antique mahogany tea caddy having a lift up mahogany lid and opening to reveal a fitted i...

Quality Victorian Mahogany Pole Screen

Quality 19th Century Victorian antique mahogany pole screen with a needlepoint picture in a mahogany...

Unusual Antique Victorian Quality Copper Jardiniere

Unusual Antique Victorian quality copper jardiniere having a scalloped shaped edge above an engraved...

Antique Victorian Quality Brass Spirit Kettle on Stand

Antique Victorian quality brass spirit kettle on stand having a quality ornate brass kettle on its o...

Unusual Small Antique George III Quality Oval Shaped Copper Kettle

Unusual small Antique George III quality oval shaped copper kettle having an unusual small Antique G...

Outstanding Quality Set of 3 Antique Victorian Carved Oak Panels

Outstanding quality set of 3 antique Victorian carved oak panels having quality carved oak panels de...

The Joy of the Unexpected

The miscellaneous section of any antiques dealer's stock is often the most rewarding to browse. It's where you find the pieces that were made for a specific purpose that may no longer exist, objects whose beauty lies in their form rather than their function, and curiosities that simply demand to be picked up and examined.

Treen, the collective term for small wooden objects, is a particularly rich area. Butter moulds, snuff boxes, loving cups, carved animals and needle cases were all made by hand, often as one-off pieces, and have an immediate tactile appeal. Fruitwood, boxwood and lignum vitae are the most commonly used timbers.

Decorating with Antique Curiosities

Collections of small antiques displayed together create far more visual impact than any single item. Group objects by material, colour or theme: a collection of brass candlesticks, a shelf of treen, a display of antique scales and weights. The effect is personal, layered and infinitely more interesting than anything a interior designer might specify from a catalogue.

Architectural antiques such as corbels, finials, door knockers and iron boot scrapers can be used both inside and outside the home. A pair of reclaimed stone finials flanking a garden path, or an antique iron boot scraper by the front door, adds character that cannot be bought new.

Building a Collection

Many passionate collectors started with a single interesting object bought on impulse. Follow your instincts: if something appeals to you, it probably appeals to others too, and good quality unusual antiques tend to hold their value well. Buy the best you can afford and enjoy the hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Treen is the collective term for small domestic objects made from wood. The word comes from the Old English for "of a tree." Examples include bowls, platters, spoons, boxes, goblets and numerous other items made by hand from various timbers. Treen collecting is a well-established field with a dedicated following.

Scientific instruments can be very collectible. Brass telescopes, microscopes, sextants, compasses and drawing instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries are all sought after. Pieces by known makers such as Dollond, Negretti & Zambra, or Elliott Brothers command the highest prices.

Check the condition and completeness of the piece. Ironwork should be examined for cracks and excessive rust. Stone and marble items should be checked for repairs or hidden damage. Provenance, while not always available, adds interest and can increase value.