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✨Appreciating the Imperfect✨

As both a collector and antique dealer, I often find myself fascinated by the beauty of imperfections. It’s those little quirks—be it a slight chip, a dent, a worn patina, or even a thoughtful repair—that add depth and character to an item. These flaws don’t diminish the object; they elevate it, telling the story of its past, the hands it’s passed through, and the history it carries with it.Antiques, by nature, are already rare. They’re pieces of the past, surviving the hands of time...

Little bits of luxury

The older I get the more I enjoy the little things. I spend a lot of time outside in my garden as every new fruit that forms or flower that opens gives me a small hit of joy - I guess it's my version of a drug... Sadly I never really learnt how to beautifully arrange flowers but I love to collect interesting antique vessels to put my flowers in. When one is for sale on this site it will be filled with flowers from my garden - so try to ignore my styling fails and imagine your own fresh flowers i...

A Brief Guide to Spotting Authentic Antiques

Antiques are more than just old items; they are windows into history, craftsmanship, and artistry. Whether you're a collector, investor, or simply an enthusiast, identifying authentic antiques is crucial to making informed decisions. Here are a few tips on how to spot genuine pieces in some of my favourite categories  glass, sterling silver, ceramics, and furniture.1. GlassWhen it comes to antique glass, look for signs of handcrafting. Earlier glass pieces often show subtle irregularitiesâ€...

Why buy vintage and antique pieces?

We specialise in stunning antique and vintage items to adorn yourself and your home. Carefully curated small treasures add personality to your space or your look. Our focus is on sustainability, by sourcing unique items and ensuring they survive to be appreciated by future generations. We celebrate the maker, the history, and the materials of the past.Sadly, I can’t afford an antique diamond riviere necklace, but even if I could, I wouldn’t have anywhere to wear one. I love the objects we ca...

Victorian Sweetheart Brooches

Victorian sweetheart brooches, with their intricate designs and emotional significance, remain some of the most treasured pieces of jewellery from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Often passed down through generations, these delicate brooches represent more than just adornment—they symbolize love, affection, and the deep emotional connections that defined the Victorian era. Whether exchanged between lovers or given as tokens of friendship, sweetheart brooches hold a unique place in the histo...

The person behind the brand

Hey, I'm Jo, founder of Eldercroft and Sons established to source unique high quality vintage and antique items that add individuality to your space. By exploring pieces from the past and celebrating the craftsmanship inherent in them we are also making the sustainable choice to re-use rather than buy new items that often have a limited lifespan and no resale value. The stories behind these pieces of history have always fascinated me.I have a PhD from the University of Otago in Art History and T...