Antiques every gentleman should invest in

Members of LAPADA the Association of Art & Antiques dealers have delved through their expansive collections to put forward a diverse selection of antiques every gentleman should invest in:

If there was ever an accessory that identified one as a man of distinction it is the Rolex Prince Brancard Wristwatch. Launched in 1929, in the heyday of the roaring 20’s, it was revolutionary in its design and mechanism. Rectangular in form, yet curved with its elegant flared sides that sit comfortably in the curvature of the wrist.

When fully wound it has power for 64 hours, a length of time unheard of in those days. It also had a subsidiary seconds dial, which was large enough to be used by the medical profession when taking someone’s pulse. This and its prestige, led to the watch becoming colloquially known as “the Doctor’s watch”.

This iconic piece was marketed by Hans Wilsdorf, creator of the Rolex Watch Company in all its advertising as for “men of distinction.” A very expensive watch at the time, its rarity was promoted as another douceur to the man of distinction. Very few of these watches were made – an early example of watch marketing in what we would now refer to as a “limited edition.” It was then and is still now, a very rare, elegant vintage watch for today’s aficionados that make them stand out as men of distinction.

High quality items are always desirable and popular, whether it be luxury cars, watches, yachts or works of art. Fine English furniture has a well-deserved place in this much desired category of ‘cool’. Items in this field are brilliantly practical and yet extremely limited making them appealing to the discerning and savvy buyer, who understands that your home is your castle. One of the pleasures in owning a bespoke piece of antique English furniture, is that it will always offer you a sense of history.

The George IV carved mahogany barrel-back gentlemen’s library armchair is a prime example of a piece of furniture that celebrates it’s history while being an attractive addition to your interior. The armchair offers the sitter privacy, comfort and a sense of security as the chair envelopes around you. The armchair, made circa 1826, is around 150 years old and has a unique design that is chic and contemporary and works well in modern interiors.

Freshfords use a thorough vetting process to select the finest pieces of antique furniture. When sourcing, selecting and buying they always look for the highest standards in design, quality, integrity and overall craftsmanship. These factors are great starting points when choosing a piece of furniture.

Decanters are great pieces of tableware to collect, as they make stylish and attractive ornaments to display at dinner parties while also being practical. From simple, rectangle decanters, to other more quirky items, such as ones design like animals, there are many shapes, styles and designs to choose from. Decanters are statement pieces whether they are part of a pair or set, many are unique designs no longer available today.

For the highest quality pieces look out for makers such as Hukin & Heath of Birmingham, Asprey of London and Mappin & Webb of London. Each of these are renowned silversmiths and have produced many noteworthy decanters and decanter boxes.

The Art Deco Aspray decanters, pictured above, are from the late 19th century and Art Deco Period, 1920 – 1939. The clean, bold lines and the use of silver and glass is typical of the time. The combination of form and material lends them a timeless elegance, which means they would fit in most interiors. Decanters are a very ‘sociable antique’ and an excellent way to store and serve a nice drink with guests. They can be an excellent conversation starter when entertaining guests as they often have a very interesting history.

This 300-year-old exceptional Samurai suit of armour is a splendid antique for a gentleman to indulge in. The suit of armour dates from around 1700 during the Edo Period, it is not ceremonial dress but was worn for protection by a Lord (Daimyo) in battle. Every piece of the armour was individually forged and mostly left un-lacquered to show the superb quality of the craftsmanship. From the ferocious ressei-men, or furious power mask through the articulated cuirass and the diverse elements which form the arm and hand protection. Even the foot guards are exquisitely constructed and the iron inlaid with a subtle silver motif of breaking waves.

The suit of armour is a striking piece of craftsmanship and adds character to your interior. It’s a statement piece that can set the mood of a room, it’s intricate design and history offers an element of interest. The armour is laced with hand made silk braid and lined with expensive imported Chinese silk. Made to impress and terrify, the Samurai suit of armour demonstrates the utmost craftsmanship from a variety of specialists and communicates wealth and power.

To find a complete suit of armour is extremely rare and this one also has superb provenance; it came from the very important collection of Mr. Kametaro Hamano and after his death passed to international dealers Yamanaka & Co who exhibited it in 1933 and from whom the British Museum bought many items.

The Japanese are famous for their aesthetic sensibilities and outstanding craftsmanship. A Daimyo suit of armour encapsulates this expertise and artistry – the resulting form is both sculptural and decorative and does not require an academic understanding. However, the history of Samurai armour reflects the history of Japan and collecting in this area can lead to a fascinating study of a culture which has influenced western art from the 17th century, to the present. Would Darth Vader be so menacing if his costume were not based on samurai armour?

Wine has been poured from jugs for millennia with silver and crystal being the perfect materials to praise the virtues of wine, especially in celebration or ceremony. Reflecting wine’s high esteem, wine jugs often enabled a silversmith or engraver to demonstrate his creativity and skill. Owning a wine jug not only marks the coming of age for a man but it delivers a small piece of history too and is an attractive centrepiece.

One entertaining opportunity to be enjoyed is the task of choosing and serving wine for guests. What better way to flatter an excellent Bordeaux than to allow it to breathe before and serving it from a handsome jug revealing its colour and condition.

The level of craftsmanship, aesthetics and condition determines the value of any wine jug and antique jugs are generally great value for money. There is an infinite range of designs and shapes from which to choose and the workmanship of the antique pieces cannot be equaled today for the same price. Whether a man’s inclination is flamboyant or more Spartan there are styles and designs to suit all tastes. Victorian jugs are more elaborate while Arts & Crafts (1880-1910) styles are much simpler.

When buying an antique wine jug condition is everything. Some jugs just don’t pour properly, so make sure the jug has the original glass body and try before you buy. Good health!

A duck claret jug made by probably the finest designer and silversmith of whimsical silver whose triumph was turning fairyland and mythical designs into three dimensional practical objects such as this beautiful wine jug. Alexander Crichton crafted a variety of silver mounted glass claret jugs in the forms of crocodiles, cockatoos, dodo, seals, ducks and owls – even a penguin – and his standards of modelling and execution have rarely been surpassed.

The silver mounts on this jug are realistically and finely hand chased. The silver head is removable so that wine can be decanted into the glass body – which is original – and attached by means of the patented screw fitting on the base.

The jug has the registration mark for October 1881 as well as the London hallmarks.

A gentleman’s study is defined by its desk. Danish designer and architect Arne Vodder (1926-2009), was trained by and worked alongside Finn Juhl, creating some of the most iconic furniture of the mid century period. Vodder’s designs are timeless, featuring smooth edges and elegant lines. In particular demand are the cabinets and desks designed by Vodder for Sibast in the 1950s and 60s. Also popular are the must have item in Hayloft’s current collection which includes a work station in richly grained rosewood with accent coloured drawers. A similar Vodder design is know as the ‘President Desk ‘, since it was once to be found in the White House, chosen by Jimmy Carter.

This desk with sideboard return has a crisply tailored form, where function overrides ornamentation, however every detail has been created with flair. The design is strong as a standalone statement piece, or would stand out in an office suite alongside archetypal chairs and cabinets of any period. The combination of exotic wood with original coloured panels is striking, particularly when revealed from behind the sliding rosewood door; it creates pure delight in a functional item.

When the gentlemen of the late 18th century wanted to invest in something material, it is key to remember they would not have all the options gentlemen of today are presented with. Therefore, after land and jewels for his loved ones, perhaps the singularly most expensive item he could procure would be a hand made, made to measure duelling pistol.

Rather like the bespoke hand made suit of Saville Row today, this would be a superior item that few would ever be able to afford, but an essential “piece of kit” should ones honour ever be put into question. Indeed such a gentleman may well have many sporting arms but the specific dueling pistol was a treasure that you hoped never to use.

Such weapons were made by specialist gunmakers of the day, each with their own distinctive style and designs, yet made to fit the owners hand, balanced to perfection, and mechanically faultless. This was so that if they were called to be used, the finest pieces would work and perform their task impeccably.

Rare and treasured in their day, collecting them now is an opportunity to own a very personal and prized object, which by the nature of their use, are often found in fine condition. We look for pistols owned by cowards, in perfect condition and rarely used!

The example given by Michael German Antiques is made by Joseph Egg of London, one of the finest makers of the day. His name is hand engraved on the side of the lock plate, and further gold inlaid into the top of the steel barrel of the pistol. To hold this item in your hand, one instantly can sense and imagine situations where it may have come into use.

There are few such personal antiques that a man can collect today from this era which are so masterfully created, pure in form and function, yet with the such sense of danger and excitement that these items possess.

Top quality London made Georgian clocks dating from the mid to late 18th century have a timeless appeal and offer fantastic value for money today. A fully functioning original table clock can be acquired from anything between £7,000 and £15,000 and will continue to be a good accurate timekeeper for generations to come if it is well looked after. With their simple clean lines and beautiful veneers, they can sit happily as stand alone pieces in a very modern setting or add something special to a more traditional period room.

The clock illustrated is a fine mahogany veneered example dating from circa 1770 and was made by Samuel Stephens in London. The signed spring driven movement runs for eight days. The second left hand winding hole in the dial (face) means the clock also strikes and repeats the hours on a sonorous bell. Within the arch there is an additional lever for turning the strike on/off if the owner wants to run the clock without sounding the hours.

A 250-year-old piece of horological history telling the time and tolling the hours would be a happy and beautiful addition to any home – old or modern. A ticking clock is, after all, so much more than just a timekeeper – it is like the beating heart in a room.

Binoculars have been around since the 17th century, first patented in 1608 with the golden age of binocular manufacture recognised to be between 1910 to late 1960s. However, binoculars are still popular today and used in a wide range of activities, including sporting and leisure.

Binoculars come in all different sizes from huge astronomical pairs to small opera glasses. The majority of the binoculars sold by Hatchwell Antiques are tripod mounted and most were originally made for military use, either Naval or land based. These types of binoculars are therefore produced to the highest specification. These large scale binoculars are popular today for a number of reasons; they are collected as a historical item, they look great within a verity of styles of interiors and over the last decade they have been rising in price. A good pair of binoculars will not lose their value since they are also a practical object that can be used and enjoyed.

Individuals who own these binoculars, put them to a wide range of applications, from super yachts to city penthouses, ski chalets to race courses. Hatchwell Antiques find that most people who try them for the first time are amazed by the power of the magnification and the quality and brightness of the image, so why not take a look yourself.

Medals are a must have accessory for a gentleman’s study. This box medal from Timothy Millett was made for the Duke of Wellington and his victories in the Peninsula War. Produced soon after the final defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, it is both decorative and informative and taps into the national euphoria following the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

Inside the box are thirteen coloured roundels with the major battle scenes of the War. On the back of each is a brief write up about the events of the battle – just the sort of thing to make you sound like an instant expert.

This is a rare piece and there is the element of an academic toy about it. It is particularly appealing due to the skill of the engraver, the colour, which has remained, and that it is complete with thirteen roundels, all in good condition.

This medal could take pride of place in a gentleman’s study. As a decorative piece it displays well, and it is part of the Wellington and Battle of Waterloo military history.

Kleanthous, Freshfords Fine Antiques, Mark Goodger – Hampton Antiques, Langfords, Hayloft Design, Michael German Antiques, Hatchwell Antiques, Howard Walwyn and Timothy Millett are exhibiting their fantastic collection of antiques fit for the modern gentleman at this year’s LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair.

The Fair opened on Tuesday 13th September to the public and is running until Sunday 18th September. The Fair has expert dealers in jewellery, furniture, carpets, tapestries, antiquities, clocks, ceramics, silver and fine art. Approachable as they are knowledgeable, LAPADA dealers are always pleased to share insights into the works they offer and their provenance.

The dealers have pieces available all year round from lapada.org, the leading online market place for sourcing authentic art and antiques from trusted LAPADA credited dealers.