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.

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Quality Antique Victorian Japanese Imari Plate

Quality antique Victorian Japanese Imari plate having fantastic hand painted panels of carp swinging...

Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Silver Plated Cut Glass Claret Jug

Outstanding quality antique Victorian silver plated cut glass claret jug having an ornate fabulous q...

Antique George III Quality Mahogany 3 Tier Circular Dumb Waiter

Antique George III quality mahogany 3 tier circular dumb waiter having 3 circular quality mahogany d...

Two Antique 19th Century Japanese Quality Imari Plates

Two antique 19th century Japanese quality Imari plates having quality hand painted decoration in won...

Antique Victorian Quality Cut Glass Decanter

Antique Victorian quality cut glass decanter having a quality cut glass decanter with the original c...

Antique Edwardian Quality Cut Glass Ships Decanter

Antique Edwardian quality cut glass ships decanter having a quality cut glass ships decanter with th...

Antique 19th Century Chinese Root Carving

Antique 19th century Chinese root carving of a street vendor holding a shoe raised upon beautifully...

Antique Victorian Ornate Cast Iron Doorstep Foot Scraper

Antique Victorian ornate cast iron doorstop foot scraper having an ornate cast iron base with scrape...

Antique George III Quality Copper Kettle

Antique George III quality copper kettle having an oval shaped copper kettle with a shaped handle an...

Magnificent Exhibition Quality Antique Black Forest Bear Oak Tree Hall Stand

Magnificent exhibition quality antique Black Forest bear tree hall stand has two spectacular quality...

Antique George III Set of Four Copper Pans

Antique George III set of four copper pans of circular form having a tempered copper base, iron hand...

Antique Edwardian Quality Cut Glass Decanter

Antique Edwardian quality cut glass decanter having a square shaped cut glass decanter with the orig...

Antique 19th Century French Set of Four Copper Pans

Antique 19th century French set of four copper pans of circular form having a tempered copper base,...

Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Cut Glass Decanter

Outstanding quality antique Victorian cut glass decanter having an outstanding quality cut glass dec...

Antique Victorian Quality Brass and Copper Coal Bucket

Antique Victorian quality brass and copper coal bucket having a swing handle, brass rivets and a cir...

Set of Antique Victorian Quality Brass Fire Irons

Set of antique Victorian quality brass fire irons consisting of an ornate decorative shovel, poker a...

Antique George III Quality Coal Scuttle

Antique George III quality coal scuttle of a helmet shape having brass carrying handles standing on...

Antique 19th Century French Set of Four Copper Pans

Antique Victorian French set of four copper pans of circular form having a tempered copper base, iro...

Three Antique Victorian Copper Pans

Three antique Victorian copper pans of circular form having a copper base, iron handles with copper...

Antique Victorian Staffordshire Flatback Figure

Antique Victorian Staffordshire flatback figure of a gentleman in Scottish period dress with a hawk...

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.