“Marselis” is one of Nils Thorsson’s most famous designs for Aluminia, parent company of the Royal Copenhagen workshops. Designed in the 1950’s, the collection was glazed in several colorways including the deep Mediterranean blue, shown above. The line is distinguished by repetitive, graphic patterning—lines, tear drops, circles, petals—with no additional embellishment. They enjoy a thoroughly […]
In the supposed “paperless world” of the modern age, one still can use the occasional help holding things together (now and then). Let this simple and handsome Japanese tape dispenser assist. Made of oak and offered in both dark and light finishes, the dispenser is heavy enough to stay-put while pulling a length of tape […]
American glass production in the first half of the Twentieth Century was centered at the nexus of Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. This area had in abundance the raw material (silica), the energy (coal) and the craftsmen, including many Eastern European immigrants who brought their glass-making skills with them from the old country. The […]
A pair of bronze-clad buffalo charge-forward—a thunderous stampede of two. Strikingly-styled, they capture the explosive power of the wild beast which once roamed the American Prairie. Alas, one of the pair is inconspicuously flawed—though as aesthetically perfect and functionally useful as his pair mate (and substantially price-reduced as a result). Please come into the shop […]
This set of six West German Modernist crystal champagne coupes are ultra chic—with their elegant stems, smokey bowls and crisp, platinum bands. They’ll help make your next cocktail party cool, confident and sophisticated. They are part of a newly-received shipment of glassware, now in-store at LEO Design. Please click on the photo above to learn […]
Today—at 4:21 am Eastern Time—Summer will turn to Fall. And today we’ll experience the Autumnal Equinox—one of two days in the year when the lengths of night and day are the same. The equinox (“equal night”) is the point when the sun crosses the equator (in this case, from North to South). As the sun […]
While I do buy (and sell) some Modernist ceramics, my heart is still committed to turn-of-the-century design. When I do acquire Mid-Century pieces, however, there are a few guidelines I try to observe. First: the piece should lean back in style, not forward. They should reflect design of the past rather than attempt to break […]
Just in at LEO Design: a new shipment of European art pottery. Shown above, a selection in red, made in West Germany in the 1960’s and 1970’s. I love red pottery and, apparently, so do LEO Design customers—I can’t keep it in-store! Whether I’m selling a large grouping to an interior decorator or selling a […]
Although this piece of art pottery is Dutch, not Middle Eastern, its bold, stylized decoration is reminiscent of an Oriental tapestry. Made in Gouda, east of The Hague, in the 1910’s or 1920’s, it is a great example of European Orientalism. Its rich, autumnal tones and “Klimt-ian” swirls (on the slender neck) make this one […]
Of all decorative motif, the classic “Greek Key” is one of my favorites. Perhaps it’s the angularity, the mathematical repetition, the “no-nonsense flair.” I’ll buy nearly any handsome, antique item decorated with the meandering architectural embellishment! Mirrors, cufflinks, picture frames. So, when I found these highball glasses—made in the 1950’s or 1960’s—I quickly cleared space […]
Shakespeare, arguably the world’s greatest writer (ever and ever), is here paired with Longfellow, one of America’s greatest scribes. Their contributions to this pair of handsome and heavy cast iron bookends (made in the 1920’s or 1930’s) are quotes, both pertaining to the joys and benefits of reading. Shakespeare’s quote, from Love’s Labour’s Lost (Act […]
From Northern Europe comes this Nils Thorsson “flask”-form bottle (vase), complete with its original ceramic cover. He designed it for Royal Copenhagen (Denmark) in the mid-1960’s and supervised its production in their workshops. This Modernist form is a bit of a Thorsson “signature,” though one rarely finds it with the cover intact. Indeed, not all […]
Shanah Tovah to all and a good Rosh Hashanah! May the year 5776 be a sweet one! The name, Rosh Hashanah, roughly translated, means “head of the year,” and marks the start of the Hebrew calendar. It is the first of the High Holy Days and the date which commemorates the creation of Adam and […]
Mirrors were all the rage back in the Seventies—mirrored sunglasses, mirrored walls, mirrored barware. Shown above, three sets of glassware, all from the 1970’s and all sporting a generous mirrored band at the rim. The tallest, a set of six highball tumblers ($175); the shortest, a set of six whiskey “double shots” ($125); and in-between, a […]
Today Queen Elizabeth II becomes the longest-reigning monarch in English history, surpassing the prior title-holder, Queen Victoria. She is now also the longest-reigning female monarch in world history. Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, she succeeded her father, King George VI, upon his death on 6 February 1952. She was 26. She came to the throne […]
We’ve just received a shipment of stylish and practical salt and pepper grinders, hand-turned in Los Angeles. Made of white oak (for the salt) and black walnut (for the pepper), both shakers are fitted with a precision grinding mechanism—stainless steel for the pepper and an industrial grade ceramic mechanism for the salt (since salt and […]
Happy Labor Day, a day set-aside to honor the working men and women that have made—and continue to make—our country great. And give them an extra day of rest! Amongst our country’s laborers are the talented artisans who work with their hands, making beautiful and useful objects that simplify and improve our lives. One such […]
On this day in 1888, George Eastman registered the brand name “Kodak” and, soon after, introduced the Kodak Camera. Holding enough film for about 100 photos (each 2.5″ round), the Kodak Camera is largely responsible for popularizing the hobby of amateur photography. The name, “Kodak,” was created by Eastman and his mother, using letter tiles. […]
Here’s another recent acquisition, just-received at LEO Design: a West German Modernist piece by Üblecker, crafted in the 1960’s or 1970’s. Reminiscent of a Louise Nevelson sculpture, the piece is at once very simple and, simultaneously, quite complex. It would add an interesting textural dimension to an existing art pottery collection or look stunning standing on […]
We’ve just received a new shipment of European art pottery including these West German Modernist pieces, shown above. The largest piece, sometimes referred to as a “floor vase,” stands over 18 inches tall and is decorated with a complex layering of multiple glazes. A crusty, brown top glaze has been scraped-away, leaving frenetic, zig-zagging bolts […]
We finish our presentation of newly-acquired, vintage glassware with this set of six liquor glasses—each mounted atop a jewel-like, emerald green foot. Made of pressed glass in the late(ish) Art Deco period (1940’s or 50’s), I am guessing they are French—possibly once employed in a bistro to serve a sweet or minty after supper drink […]
The Art Deco met the Machine Age in a wonderful synthesis of style—stylishness and practicality. Whether architecture, automobiles or toasters—one can find examples of each that captured the spirit of an age when the future held nothing but promise. Such an example is the “stepped” platinum-banded cocktail shaker and its generous set of ten […]
Another star in the international glassmaking firmament has traditionally been the Bohemians—Czechs in particular, but others in the greater Austro-Hungarian world. The rose crystal liquor service, shown above, was made by (then) Czechoslovakian glassmaker Karl Palda in the 1930’s. The Art Deco style was very popular in Prague during this productive period of glassmaking—and superior […]
In Art Nouveau Vienna (which is called the Secessionist Movement), Wiener Werkstätte glassware was designed with black stems and feet—which must have created many a serious (yet beautiful) table setting. Two World Wars and forty years later, that Secessionist design inspired the glasses you see above—this time made in America. West Virginia glassworks, Fostoria, crafted […]
While we’re on the topic of Mad Men barware, let’s introduce this handsome set of six rocks glasses from the 1950’s —hand-decorated with a profusion of wheel-ground “bubbles” ($175). Made by “Cunningham & Company” in Pittsburgh, they have a very nice hand feel—with just the right amount of stylish decoration. Please come into the shop […]
Though Mad Men has wrapped, the influence of 1950’s and 1960’s cocktail culture still lives-on. Barware is popular. Rocks glasses continue to sell well. And the “Three Martini Lunch” is spoiling for a revival. Which brings us to the next-big-thing: The Cocktail Glass, shown above. Though modest in capacity (by today’s “super sized” standards), this […]
Call me a curmudgeon, but there are certain terms or phrases which I’ve banished from use amongst my staff: Eastlake, Fat Lava, Artsy/Craftsy. And one word du jour in particular—the oh-so-trendy “Hollywood Regency”—really gets my bile rising. Decorators, merchants and antiques dealers are always scrambling for words which might substantiate a bump to the ticket […]
In hindsight, the “Mad Men” era fascinates us with both its sense of optimism for the future and naive respect for traditions past. It was a modern period on the cusp of modernity. The glasses above, made for General Electric in 1963, celebrate the history (to that point) of electricity, electronics and lighting—stars and lightbulbs—and […]
Vinho do Porto—called “Port” in English-speaking countries—is a fortified sweet wine from the north of Portugal. It is made of fermented grape juice, “fortified” with distilled grape spirits (similar to brandy). This stops the fermentation process (that is, the conversion of sugar to alcohol) resulting in a sweeter, lower proof wine. Because it is sweet, […]
The term “Depression Glass” is loosely defined and, quite frequently, misused. In its most accurate sense, depression glass was cheaply-made American (or Canadian) glassware—mostly functional, occasionally decorative—made to be given away (or sold inexpensively) as a premium or gift-with-purchase. Food manufacturers might nestle a piece of depression glass in its box of oatmeal or cereal—an […]
Fostoria Glass was founded in 1887 in Fostoria, Ohio. Lured by generous government cash subsidies and the newly-discovered natural gas, a group of glassmen from West Virginia and Ohio set-up a glassworks in this Northwestern Ohio town, employing 125 workers. The glassworks was successful, however, after four years, the natural gas boom went bust and […]
It’s a “Full House” at LEO Design—with our recent (and large) delivery of vintage glassware. Having been cleared-out during the spring and summer wedding gift-giving season, we’ve been working double-time to find new and interesting items to re-stock our “glass department.” Just back from a recent buying trip—specifically hunting for vintage glassware—we’re now fully-stocked and […]
The Twenties: Jazz Age, Modernism, Industry. These bookends capture their times perfectly. Made of cast iron, a sculpted, Cubist male figure dances dramatically on this pair of Art Deco bookends. Please come see them in-store—alongside dozens of other interesting bookends—or click on the photo above to learn more about these.
On this day in 1871, aviation pioneer Orville Wright was born in Dayton, Ohio. Sixty-eight years later, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed a proclamation making this day National Aviation Day—a day dedicated to educating American citizens about aviation and promoting an interest in the subject. The plane above, crafted of cast aluminum, was inspired by […]
No—from the other Saint Petersburg! Florida! A cast spelter Pelican opens his bill to hold your keys, coins, or cigarette ashes. A delightful souvenir from 1960’s Florida—and sure to be a conversation piece in your office, kitchen or at the doorway. Perfect for holding paperclips. ($95). Please come into the shop to see him or […]
One of the great glass-making centers of the world is Venice, Italy—more specifically the group of islands called Murano. This set of eight iridescent, mouth-blown bowls are laced with copper dust in a lovely “Arlecchino” pattern. At the center of each diamond is a tiny, hand-pricked dimple. The bowls would perform beautifully with fruit or […]
With August half-way spent, what better time to cherish the delights of the summer season, soon-to-be-over? Shown above, a pair of Syroccowood bookends, made in the 1950’s, depicting a crisply-cast sail boat at full sail. Syroccowood is a composite material made of wood pulp, resin and other binders that was popular in the second- and […]
On this day in 1945, Japanese Emperor Hirohito surrendered, accepting the conditions of the Potsdam Agreement. World War II was over! During the previous week and a half, the United States had dropped atomic bombs on both Hiroshima (6 August) and Nagasaki (9 August)—an act which unleashed heretofore unknown savagery upon the Japanese people. The […]
In 1506, Portuguese explorer Tristão da Cunha sighted the remote South Atlantic islands now anglicized as Tristan da Cunha. Because of bad sea conditions, he was unable to land, but, before sailing away, named the largest island after himself. Almost immediately, European maps began to include the archipelago under the Portuguese explorer’s (English) name. In […]
While the term “tramp” seems insensitive—in light of our modern understanding of poverty, mental illness and homelessness—it was used for many years to refer to a wide range of men (usually) who lived on the streets, in fields, or “rode the rails.” Sometimes the notion of “hobo life” was given a romantic twist—illustrated by a […]
Today is World Elephant Day, dedicated to promoting knowledge of elephants and educating the public about the plight of these majestic, endangered creatures. The annual event strives to reduce poaching, eliminate the trade of elephant ivory, and promote better care and management of Asian and African elephants—in captivity and in the wild. Wild elephant populations […]
In country markets, general stores or candy shops—in days of yore—one would often find glass display containers such as the cracker jar pictured above. Made in the 1950’s, during the waning years of the Art Deco movement, this covered jar was made for Lance, a maker of snack foods: nuts, crackers and cookies. This jar, […]
On this day in 1675, by order of King Charles II, the cornerstone was laid for the Royal Greenwich Observatory—an institution which would provide tremendous scholarship and advancement in the fields of astronomy and navigation. Greenwich, on the River Thames (just outside of London), has long been associated with maritime activities. Bustling docks and a […]
Henry David Thoreau wanted to shake-up his thinking, clear his head and contemplate life, mankind and society. In search of solitude and simplicity, he moved into a cabin on Walden Pond, on the property of his friend, Ralph Waldo Emerson, near Concord, Massachusetts. For two years, two months and two days, he lived alone, seeking […]
Let’s conclude our little “sextet” of summer cufflinks with this rich, Mediterranean blue pair, also from the 1920’s or 1930’s. Rich, Mediterranean blue enameling rests over a subtle floral guilloché design, making for a handsome accent upon the wrist. Perfect for late summer—or any time. Please click on the photo above to learn more about […]
We continue our daily presentation of newly-acquired cufflinks. Just in: this pair of hammered sterling silver American Arts & Crafts cufflinks from the 1910’s. An octagonal, shield-form features a hand-hammered central surface, ringed with a crisp Greek Key edge. A wonderful gift for the Arts & Crafts collector. Please come into the shop to see […]
On this fourth day of summer cufflinks, here’s a beautiful pair from the 1920’s or 1930’s. Sterling silver is engraved with a “striated” Art Deco guilloché pattern, then topped with a blanket of icy white enameling. A crisp Greek Key border surrounds the eight sides of the clipped-square form. Quite handsome, indeed—and perfect with a summer […]
Another pair of American Art Deco cufflinks, these finished with sapphire blue enameling. Beneath the enamel lies a handsome Deco guilloché pattern, a combination of swirling and radiant graphics. Please come into the shop to see our extensive range of cufflinks or click on the photo above to learn more about this pair. More cufflinks […]
Another nice pair of summery cufflinks are the white enameled Art Deco beauties, shown above. A stylized, foliate guilloché pattern shows through smart white enameling. The octagonal border reinforces the crisp masculinity of these links—which would look perfect on any color cuff, especially near a beach-tanned wrist. Please come into the shop to see our […]
For those of you not going back-to-school, here’s to another month of summer! Time for a few more days on the links. Or, perhaps, a few more days with some summer-appropriate cufflinks! Over the next few days, we’ll share with you a few of our recent acquisitions—especially those suitable for the second half of summer. […]
When I was a kid, school re-convened after Labor Day, during the first week of September. Today, it seems, the kids are heading-back and we’ve barely left July! Could today’s returning schoolboy be as excited as I used to be—considering he’s being sent back-to-task before the first sign of an Autumn chill? Perhaps an ultra-stylish […]
Let’s welcome August and celebrate one of the month’s birth flowers: The Poppy. Poppies are thought to have originated in the Western Mediterranean and have been cultivated by Western and Central Europeans from about 6,000 BC. Early on, people recognized the analgesic properties of the plant. Ancient Egyptian doctors had their patients chew a mouthful […]
On this day in 1886, Liszt Ferencz (known in the West as “Franz Liszt”) died of pneumonia in Bayreuth, Germany—home of the famous Wagner Music Festival. Liszt was a prolific composer, one who had an influence on the following century’s great composers, and he was considered, in his day, to be the world’s greatest pianist. […]
Let’s end our Back-to-School “procession” of bookends with this regal and handsome pair, from the 1920’s—newly-acquired by LEO Design. The worldwide Arts & Crafts movement (which was practiced in many Western countries and is referred to by various, regional names) often used decorative motifs or themes from local or national historical and mythological lore. The […]
Book lovers love bookends. They also love the quotes of the great writers—past and present. This pair of bookends, made in America in the 1920’s or 1930’s, share the quotes of two great English wordsmiths, Sir Francis Bacon and Samuel Johnson. Francis Bacon (1561 – 1626) was a philosopher, statesman, jurist, orator, essayist and author—and, […]
We’ve just acquired this handsome pair of cast iron Teddy Roosevelt bookends, certain to upgrade any “trophy room” regardless how grand. What a coincidence that Theodore Roosevelt’s home, on Oyster Bay, Long Island, has just reopened after a comprehensive renovation. In 1880, at the tender age of 22, Theodore Roosevelt purchased a 150 acre parcel […]
Alexander Pope and Andrew Young were both British poets—the former an Englishman, the latter a Scotsman—and both men were influential in their times. Pope (1688 – 1744) had a difficult early life. As a Catholic, he was not allowed to go to school (due to the English “Test Acts” which banned Catholics from teaching, attending […]
If we’re to learn “The Riddle of the Sphinx” it won’t be from this pair! They maintain a placid silence, gazing-out at things (perhaps?) beyond our understanding. They will, however, hold-up your books with loyalty and a great deal of style. Made in the 1920’s or 1930’s—a time when both Art Deco and Egyptology were […]
With summer vacation in the home stretch, I turn my attention to the Fall—back-to-school, books, and bookends. I love collecting bookends. Perhaps it’s because I love books so much. Anyway, I’ve just purchased several nice pairs of vintage bookends, mostly from the 1920’s and 1930’s. Over the next few days I’ll share a few of […]
We’ve just acquired a small collection of nice tie bars and tie tacks from the 1930’s through the 1960’s. Some have stones, like the moss agate option shown in front, above. $35 – $75. They join our existing collection of necktie accessories and cufflinks, always a Handsome Gift. Please come into the shop to see […]
The sunsign, LEO, begins today! Welcome the King of the Jungle with this handsome, British-made greeting card, now in store at LEO Design. LEO’s are known for their nobility, magnanimity, and regal bearing—not to mention, of course, their humility! They like to occupy centerstage and will usually strive to put-on a good show. They value […]
Since we’re talking toasts, how about another go! Shown above, a set of eight West German crystal coupes with hand-painted gold banding along the rims. Made in the 1950’s or 1960’s, these stems have a soft, Modernist aesthetic—without being cold or sterile. They would look beautiful on your well-appointed dining table or bar cart. Please […]
With New Year’s Eve less than six months away, perhaps it’s time for a little brush-up of your toasting skills. Let these crystal, hollow-stemmed champagne coupes help you. Just acquired, these coupes feature a hollow stem—replicating the “bubble crawl” one usually finds when drinking from a champagne flute. But who says champagne is just for […]
King Charles VII had a problem. He had been King of France for seven years and had not yet been crowned. France was in the 92nd year of the “Hundred Years War” with England—a war which, by the way, lasted 116 years (1337 – 1453). The Cathedral at Reims was the traditional and proper site […]
The ancient Mesopotamians of Sumer (which is now modern-day Iraq) invented the Cuneiform system of writing some 5,000 years ago. The name “cuneiform” comes from the Latin “cuneus” (meaning “wedge”) and “forma” (meaning “shape”). Wedge-shaped wooden styluses were used to impress marks into soft clay tablets which were dried (or fired) and, properly stored, would […]
The Bastille, in Paris, was a stone fortress built in the Fourteenth Century to defend the east gate of the city against invaders—which, initially, were the English. In time, it was used as a prison, especially for political prisoners as determined by the king. And prisoners held directly by the king could not avail themselves […]
Before the Twentieth Century, bookends were not commonplace—in fact, rarely were they needed. For before World War I, most “ordinary” families owned very few books—perhaps a Bible, a dictionary, some poetry, and the occasional cookery book. Large collections of books were to be found only in institutional libraries or the homes of very wealthy individuals—people […]
On this day in 1884, in the Russian city of Minsk (now Belarus), Lazar Meir was born. If only those around him knew how very much his life would change over the next seven decades—and how much little Lazar would influence a country an ocean away, all the while changing the rest of the world. […]
Emerald-tinted crystal is mouth-blown into this striking set of wine glasses, made in Germany in the 1960’s or 1970’s. We’ve just found two sets (of six) and they’re priced at $195 per set. Please come into the shop to see them—or call and we’ll be happy to help you purchase them by phone.
The birds of summer have alighted—thanks to talented artist Daniel Durkin. Dan, once a staff member at LEO Design, has gone on to bigger things, alas. But he still designs and produces many of the greeting cards on-offer in our shop. Shown above, his newest collection: wild birds on branches. Please come into the shop […]
On this day in 1357, King Charles IV—King of Bohemia and The Holy Roman Emperor—laid the first stone for what was to become Prague’s Charles Bridge (or Karlův most in Czech). When completed in 1402, the bridge crossed the Vltava River, connecting one side of the city (the “Old Town”) to the other side (the […]
In 1885, nine year old Joseph Meister of Schlestadt (Eastern France, near the German border) was bitten savagely by a rabid dog. On this day of that year, fellow Frenchman, Louis Pasteur—who was a laboratory scientist, not a medical doctor—administered his unproven rabies vaccine on the boy. Not only might the vaccine have harmed the […]
On this day in 1915, Philadelphia’s famous “Liberty Bell” set-out on its last tour. More about this later… The bell was cast in London in 1752 by Lester & Reed, a bell foundry. It arrived in Philly that August and, as the steeple was not yet finished, the bell was hung on a small scaffold […]
A happy Independence Day to all! Shown above, a set of printed, wooden blocks—one for each American president—detailing various facts about each man and his term. Screen-printed in child-safe, no-toxic inks, the blocks will form an American flag when turned the right way. They sit in a convenient wooden tray. $125. Please come into the […]
Let’s welcome the month of July and its birthstone, the ruby—the King of Gemstones! A good ruby is the most valuable of the four precious stones (a group which also includes diamonds, sapphires and emeralds) and, after diamonds, it is the hardest. Historically, the best rubies have come from Burma, though they have also been mined […]
In “the old days”—before direct-dial telephones—one would ring the operator and she would connect you to your desired party. In the event of an emergency, the operator (who was often local) would connect you with the fire department, police or a doctor (whom she happened to know was in-town at that moment). As phones became […]
The Globe was a theatre in Elizabethan London, built by William Shakespeare and his company of co-investors (called The Lord Chamberlain’s Men). Shakespeare owned a 12.5% share. The theatre’s opening production, in 1599, was either the premier of Henry V or Julius Caesar, depending upon whom you believe. Much of the lumber used to build […]
The Stonewall Inn was a restaurant and bar in Greenwich Village. In 1966, three mafiosi bought the Inn and re-opened it as a gay bar. It quickly became popular because management allowed dancing—despite NYC law forbidding men dancing together. Indeed, it was illegal to even serve a drink to a “known homosexual.” The Stonewall had […]
Whether you’re channeling Elroy Jetson, drinking a morning protein shake, or his father, George, imbibing something a little stiffer, you’ll be doing it with Space Age Style—if you use this set of Super Atomic highball glasses. Six tumblers, decorated with silvery futuristic stars and ellipses, come nestled in a black wire caddy. Please click on […]
Cool and sleek—almost ghostly—best describes this set of eight Mid-Century “Silver Fade” smokey highball glasses from the 1960’s. Where does the mirror end—or does it? Please come into the shop to see them or click on the photo to learn more about them. More cool glassware tomorrow.
Whatever you’re serving your guests—intoxicating or otherwise—you’ll do it with flair with this Mid-Century “Silver Fade” beverage service from the 1960’s. The generously-sized pitcher is accompanied by five matching highball glasses. Lemonade, iced tea, spritzers, sangria or margaritas—all will taste just a little better when served with such style. Please come in to see it—or […]
Another set of newly-acquired, Modernist glassware shown above: six “Whiskey Rounds.” Nicely-sized for a modest quaff, these spherical whiskey glasses have a stylish “Silver Fade” trim along their tops. And, whether you’re using them at the moment or they’re sitting patiently, awaiting their next deployment, they’ll bring certain style to your bar or bar cart. […]
Mad Men may seem like a receding memory—but the style can live-on for years to come with selections from our collection of swanky Mid-Century barware. Over the next few days, I’d like to share with you a few of the interesting items, now in-store at LEO Design. To start: a set of eight highball glasses, […]
Hearty thanks and a lot of love to the magnificent men who have nurtured, taught and cared for us. Your patience, sacrifice and example have made us the people we’ve become. The card above is part of our recent shipment of summer-themed cards, just received from England. Please come in to see the full assortment.
I remember so well the bittersweet pleasure of a school year’s final day. As sad as I was to leave my classes and teachers, I also looked-forward to a couple of months of playing all day, dressing in play clothes, and not having to complete any homework. And there was the occasional super-treat of meeting […]
Over the years, I’ve acquired boxes similar to the one shown above. They’ve always been French, hand-tooled pewter and, usually, they’re signed. Something about this box seemed a little different, though. For one thing, the design is strongly Secessionist, indicating that it might be Viennese (or Austro-Hungarian). Furthermore, the artist’s signature is apparent but indistinct—I […]
As we close-in on Father’s Day, let’s return to more examples of stylish barware, perfect for the stylish dad. Shown above, a set of eight “Mah-Jongg” whiskey glasses from the 1960’s. Printed in gold, black and red, they capture the modish sophistication of the Mad Men era. Please come into the shop to see them […]
There’s nothing like an ice cold beer on a hot day, after work. With this solid brass bottle opener, you’ll help Dad “crack a cold one” in style—and remind him he’s earned it. Made in Milwaukee, this durable tool is a little bit industrial, a little bit sculptural. And a great little gift for Father’s […]
Princess Mary, 17 year-old daughter of King George V, wanted to do something special for British troops wearing the country’s uniform during the Christmas of 1914—the first winter of World War I. She organized a funds drive by which every serviceman, nurse, and widow (or parent) of those killed in action would receive a special […]
For the American Arts & Crafts devotee, Roycroft metalworks are amongst the most coveted of shop marks. Above, find a pair of hand-hammered copper bookends finished with the Roycroft “Old Brass” patina. These bookends are simple, elegant, and earnestly Arts & Crafts—and a terrific Father’s Day gift possibility for the discriminating Dad. Please come into […]
If Boston Terriers aren’t your Dad’s thing, would a pair of German Shepherds do the trick? Made of cast iron in the 1920’s, these handsome bookends will prove very useful—and terrifically loyal. Please come visit the shop to see them in-person or click on the photo to learn more about them. More Father’s Day gift […]
For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been showing great Father’s Day gift ideas. Over the next several days, we’d like to share some of our newly-acquired bookends—always a handsome and practical gift. Shown above, a pair of cast iron bookends in the form of a sprightly Boston Terrier. Finished with a golden wash, they […]
Whether your father likes to hunt game or would rather appreciate animal beauty with his eyes alone, here’s just the Father’s Day gift! Made in mid-century Denmark by sculptor Arne Ingdam, this ceramic stoneware sculpture captures a fourteen-point bull elk in full call. Please come into the shop to see him or click on the […]
Remind your Dad who’s King of his Castle with this handsome, late-19th Century American Aesthetic Movement mirror, recently-acquired. While not the most typical of Father Day gifts, it will certainly make a handsome—and useful—addition to your father’s abode. Come see it in-person or click on the photo above to learn more about it. More interesting […]
From Laguiole, France comes this collection of handsome (and useful) pocket knives. Hardened stainless steel blades are clad in exotic hardwoods. Polished brass bolsters complete the look. At 3.75″ long (when closed), the size is big enough to be useful but small enough to be kept in one’s pocket. At front: Thuya wood. Behind (left-to-right): […]
As a dad gets older—and wiser—he realizes that time is his most precious resource. Help him monitor his asset with this handsome and classic watch by Ole Mathieson. Designed in Copenhagen in 1962, these watches are still made by the family firm. The watch above, with beautifully scripted Arabic numerals, has a battery-operated Swiss quartz […]
John Ruhl always wanted to be an artist. Throughout his childhood, his parents—German immigrants who ran a shoe store—tried desperately to dissuade him from his calling. Upon his graduation from the NYC public school system, they insisted he accept an offer to work as a clerk in an insurance company—a job he loathed. While working, […]
We continue our little run of handsome (alcohol-related) Father’s Day gifts with this stainless steel hip flask. Though contemporary, the design is based on an 18th Century English design which was popular in Colonial America. It has a softly-curved, concave back and holds one-half of a pint. $75.00. Please come into the shop to see […]
Yesterday we presented a range of antique corkscrews—stylish in their simple, “Country Mouse” kind of way. For those whose fathers resemble the “Town Mouse,” perhaps the “sommelier” above will do the trick. Made in Laguiole, France, the polished stainless steel instrument includes a foil cutter and is finished with polished cow bone. Also available in […]
