Unusual gifts galore

Press, 1 December 1987, Page 33

Unusual gifts galore

Antique shops and auctions good source of presents

Once again it is that time of year when we are constantly reminded of the number of shopping days to Christmas, and each of them seems to pass more quickly than the one before. If the glittering array in city retail shops has not yet revealed that special gift for someone dear to you — and that person is a collector — you are in luck. There is an enormous variety of interesting things available at present in most antique shops in and around the city. There was a good opportunity last Tuesday when R. G. Bell and Company held a midday jewellery auction. Among the 144 lots were many things which would make acceptable gifts — a lorgnette; several gold chains with lockets or other pendants; an unusual blue stone bracelet; sterling silver pieces; earrings, bracelets, rings, brooches and many watches. If you missed this sale there is still much to

choose from in city and suburban establishments, but it is always well worth watching out for these specialised midday sales. They can very conveniently be fitted in during a lunch time break, and provide entertainment and knowledge even if your bid for a favoured lot is not successful. Many wonderful gifts are displayed in the large stores in town and some will undoubtedly become treasured antiques in years to come. But something already old often has great appeal for your people, especially if it has a connection with local history. At Cronin’s Trading Shop in Merivale there is a fine selection of such things. During my recent visit a happy young woman triumphantly carried off an Edwardian oak high-chair, a gift to be kept for a yet-to-be-born son or daughter. The proprietor of this establishment, Frank Cronin, has a keen in-

terest in New Zealand history and particularly in the stories of the things he sells. Among them is a lovely old doll once the proud possession of Ethel Emma McMillan, a former Labour member of Parliament for Dunedin North, from December 1952 until the mid-19605. Other things from the McMillan household are also there including a fascinating cast iron toy motor-cycle and side car complete with suitably uniformed American police. Surely a treasure for any child or adult toy-collector. Also illustrated from here is a signed bronze by the French artist Tusse, circa 1900. Nearby is Garden City Antiques, one of the many dealers who have taken pains to create Christmas surroundings. A table with a magnificent green glass epergne flanked by a pair of lustre vases immediately takes one back to days of large family gatherings around ele-

gantly dressed tables — something which most of us today know about only from hearsay. We are probably more familiar with picnic meals under a blazing sun. But it is nice to feel the atmosphere of bygone days. There is also a good selection of Georgian and Victorian fiddle pattern table silver in mint condition. You may also purchase at this shop some fine French reproductions of Art Deco bronzes. Originals of these are almost impossible to obtain, and when they are offered for sale the price is usually some thousands of dollars. These reproductions are priced somewhere between four and five hundred dollars and would please any Art Deco collector. Most Christmas customs, like Topsy, seem to have just grown. Some are extremely ancient and have been taken over from pagan festivals.

LEFT: This cast iron toy motor-cycle and side car, complete with uniformed American police, would make a fascinating gift for any toy collector. RIGHT: A reproduction Art Deco bronze figure of a girl with a hoop, and a French bronze of a rural youth make an appealing pair.

Others are of quite recent origin. The Christmas tree was introduced to Britain by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, although it had existed in his native country, Germany, since the eighth or ninth century. However, that absolute essential of a modern Christmas — the Christmas card — is very well documented, and is therefore a great joy for collectors who are able to date and find accurate information about almost every item in their albums. Early cards are not plentiful at present. Most dealers have very few in stock and say they do not linger on the shelves. There is, though, an almost inexhaustable variety of contemporary cards and, for those who prefer to live in the past during this special season, some reproductions of older cards. I found some attractive reproduction cards at Early Settlers’ Antiques in Colombo Street North, another shop which features a well set up Christmas table — everything is