Pilgrims Antiques Number 8 - for children and about children

Christmas is a time for children..... and it must be Christmas time because a Christmas tree has appeared in my house today.

So, I welcome you to a children's Christmas look at Pilgrims Antiques Centre.
I found that almost everybody in the shop had something on offer that a child could use, collect, play with - or in some way depicted children.

As always I cannot guarantee that what you see here will still be in the shop when you visit. Indeed one item in a picture was sold before the day was out.

I know of at least 4 things from last week's kitchenalia display that have gone to new homes - or are awaiting December 25th to move to their final destination.

For new readers I must explain that each picture can be enlarged by clicking on it and then using your back arrow to return to the main page.

Now wallow in nostalgia, perhaps for your own childhood.

I think we would all accept that many of the juvenile items shown here will not now be owned by children.

So many adults of all ages love memories of childhood for themselves.

The Steiff fox has not tremendous age - but how admired he has been since coming into the shop. He needs a special friend to love him. He is in JD's cabinet.

The china teddy and clown are from AG, amongst her lovely 2oth century Crown Derby ornaments.

A silver plated christening mug from JAS.

JC has the heavy metal (iron?) Humpty Dumpty and the china children ornaments.

There are 2 brooches in the picture - I took a picture of them on their own - see below.


So many little girls would love to own these butterfly brooches.

A girl could dream of starting a collection of special brooches. As you can see from the label one is silver, dated 1919.

The brooches are amongst HC's fine jewellery.

Royal Doulton are famed for their figurines.

Here are 3 pretty in pink girls from Royal Doulton.

The angelic girl and boy are not Royal Doulton - they are from a famous maker, but I forgot to write it down. I'll add it in after I have next been in the shop.

JN is selling these figurines - and the child's spoon and fork set, which you can hardly see.

So far, maybe the toys have reflected a more feminine side.

There are also toys to please boys of all ages - from 9 to 90.

A real microscope might be more pleasing than a toy one. This one is from SK.

Perhaps this Christmas a boy could start to collect model boats - some to be sailed perhaps and others to make a display on a bedroom shelf. The 2 here are from JN and MAB.

There is a brass horse here from JSB.

JN also has a bank money box. These often bewilder people who have never met them before - there is no key. The bank or the post office held the keys. The child would have saved money; the bank money box could then be opened for an amount to be put into his/her account.


There are pictures for the wall (JN), postcards and a greetings card (GR) and copper little boots from SBG.

WGM specialises in boy's toys - and has built up a good relationship with lots of the men who are interested in these things.

He has just bought a lot more model railway items - which he will enjoy playing with on Christmas day; after all he has to check that it all works well!

A boxed die cast Russian tank and a clockwork stagecoach.

See those horses gallop! It makes a good noise! These items are more from WGM.

Quite a variety here.

The boxed French bus from WGM. The china tractor with the rabbit family is from PM.
The ring game is lovely.

That game was so much part of my childhood Christmases with the whole family either trying to make the highest score or playing "round the board"

These ornaments and the Margaret Tarrant picture are from JW.

Sorry JW - this picture is not quite focussed!

She has a number of Hummels at varying prices according to age and rarity.

The ballet dancer is by Shelley.

The girl is Lladro.

JW has a number of beautiful christening gowns amongst the linens and lace that she loves.

The BND 1950s doll is being sold by PM.

Children's china from JW - the tiny art deco tea set has a lot more pieces than shown here.

The infant's feeding dish has a Mabel Lucie Attwell print.

Flower fairies and Peter Rabbit are eternally loved and popular.

Hopping Timothy has such delightful 1950s illustrations. The book and the knitted golly are from TJ.

People are beginning to accept gollies again - just be careful not to add the second part of the word that we used to use.

The dog could be a Merrythought.

The little doll is from Poland.

Each doll is unique because they are painted and dressed by home workers and each has their style and creativity.

PM has abandoned her own collection of these Polish dolls and more keep appearing in the shop.

More juvenile items from PM.
Bunnykins clock and jug, Peggy Nisbet school girl, Bessie Marchant book.

A child's school chair from MC and a hand made child's dress from the 1940s.

The plate has children floating on clouds.

MC also has this Victorian teething stick.

Lovely teddy bear from PM and an infant's feeding dish featuring Robinson Crusoe and Man Friday.

PM has almost all the Beatrix Potter books in mint condition for £1.50 each - cheaper than a birthday card!

MC is selling this Mabel Lucie Attwell bathroom plaque - I expect you know the rhyme, but do enlarge the picture to remind yourself.

It is in mint condition.

The cards and the Flower fairy book are from PM.

I hope you have enjoyed a look at this selection of juvenile items to be found in Pilgrims Antiques Centre.

And more than that, if you are sharing Christmas with children then I really hope it is a very special time.

Next week I shall find all the sparkle and light I can in the shop and create a festive end to the year.