La Belle Brocante

Le Prince de Broglie

Le Prince de Broglie is preparing for his journey overseas. 

He has packed his short trousers and foulard, his favourite bolero and lucky numbers.

He has the address of his marraine and he will be at the station early so as to claim the best seat.

Adieu, Maman. 

He does not look back.

 

Case In Point

It's not uncommon to find old papers crumpled up in the corners of boxes to stop the contents moving around in transit.

But it's from 1850!

But the lettering is exquisite!

But ...

At least it wasn't thrown away.

And I have loving hands that will flatten it smooth.

160 years on, a fresh start in the colonies.

 

xoxo

 

The Remains Of The Day

Whenever possible, I buy antique documents in bulk lots. It is the only way to be able to sell them even remotely affordably, especially once the cost of shipping from France is factored in. Shipping costs on their own are enormous, prohibitive, and at times, terrifying. The added bonus of bulk lots is the covers and dividers and other snippets of paper, less than perfect, that would have been thrown away if the lot had been sorted carefully. Those are my favourite bits. Combined with some hand-tinted engravings from 1837, I am a happy girl.

Last week I mentioned a giveaway of 1700s French papers. That's on hold until the next box arrives. I'm hoping to find some real treasures and expand the giveaway to include several paper loving souls. If you belong to that particular tribe, stay tuned - more information soon. In the meantime I must return to stalking my mailman...

xoxo

 

Ferdinand et Louise

Ferdinand and Louise were childhood sweethearts. 

When, at 83, Ferdinand was killed assisting the resistance movement during the war, Louise's heart broke. 

She did not see another dawn, but her prayers were answered.

Louise was reunited with her Ferdinand in the afterlife. 

 

Hand-lettered French enamel memorial plaque available on Etsy. SOLD

 

Anagrams

Hand-carved bone alphabet tiles.

Capital letters on one side, lowercase on the reverse.

1800s.

 

The Classification of Mollusks

One recent addition to the Brocante Library is a natural history text from 1837.

I foresee a diet rich in hand-tinted engravings over the next while.

Let's start with mollusques, a wonderful source of protein and enrichment, especially when presented in a delectable chart with a garnish of French brackets.

Bon Apétit!

 

Couronne de Mariage

Details of an antique wax blossom couronne de mariage.

Beauty in simplicity.

 

Etsy sale ends tomorrow night, and the dollies are fast disappearing ... Use code 20SALE for your 20% discount.

 

xoxo

 

Petit Paroissien

Details of a petit French religious book dating from 1890.

Approximately 4" x 2.75" in size.

Textured leather cover with the most exquisitely detailed brass floral motif. 

A little woodworm damage to the cover leather only enhances its charm.

 SOLD

 

Weekend Sale

Etsy Sale on now through Sunday - 20% off EVERYTHING!

Use the code 20SALE for your discount. Please enter coupon code carefully at checkout as I cannot apply it after the fact for you.

To make your weekend even a little sweeter, you will receive one of our antique paper dollies with your order, reproduced as a teeny tiny woodcut by our dear friend Helga. These little gals are the end result of a steady diet of French ephemera.

Happy shopping!

 

xoxo

 

Couronne du Roi

Playing with vintage papers.

We have something in store for you for the weekend ... involving 1700s documents ... tiny dollies ... and a giveaway!

Check back soon mes amis.

 

xoxo