One of my favorite guilty pleasures is commandeering the TV for the night, pouring a glass of wine, and watching Antiques Roadshow on PBS. The thrill of the antique hunt, interesting backstories, experts giving brief history lessons, random Americans inevitably shocked or disappointed by the value of their wares — I’m totally serious when I say that this is compelling TV.
Sometimes when I’m watching I’m so charmed by whatever the item they’re talking about, that I make a note of it to either see if there’s actually an affordable version, or just to learn more about the item’s history. Above are three such items: the lorgnette, the epergne, and the cellarette (miracle of miracles, they all ended up with French names). I saw a pair of 1910 diamond and ruby lorgnettes appraised recently (if you want to see ’em, they’re here — and gorgeous), along with this absolutely stunning 1765 silver epergne (view the appraisal here). With the epergne especially, the appraisal seems right on target (you won’t believe how expensive these things can be). I also saw a cellarette appraised recently, and all but decided we need one of these in our dining room some day. These things are so cool! The original wine fridge.
Anyhoo, I always love putting these history type posts together for you guys, and while the focus is often on historical fashion, I thought all these antiques were too interesting not to share. PS, if you’re interested in looking at lorgnettes, epergnes, and cellarettes currently floating around on the market, I always like window shopping at 1st Dibs (you can click on any of those links to see what’s currently being sold).
I have an antique brass epergner with ruby red etched glass I plan
to give my grand-daughter some day. I know she will love it as much
as I do.
Love the Antique Roadshow also!!
Carol
You do?! What a lucky granddaughter!
I seriously love “Antiques Roadshow” even though I am not a huge fan of the current host. For whatever reason he is WAY too chipper for me (am I a grouch?!), or maybe I am holding his dating-show days against him unfairly. But I always get excited when the Keno twins come on–it’s either going to be a really great treasure or a super-convincing fake, where they educate all of us on the whys and what-fors. Thanks for these highlights–I need to start watching again!
How fun is this word Epergne, sounds French but isn’t! I don’t know how we call it and can’t find a good translation. I only find Surtout which isn’t exactly the same.
Very interesting post. For your next trip to Paris, you should plan to visit the Marché aux Puces and some vide-greniers.
So get this — in French, epergnes are called ‘surtout.’ Isn’t that weird? Here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epergne Look under the ‘name’ section!
Thank you Victoria. I already read it, but what we usually call surtout is different. It’s more a piece of decor for the center of a table like this one http://www.napoleon.org/en/collectors_corner/object/files/surtout_christofle.asp
I will find the exact word!
Your surtouts are very beautiful anyway! Can’t wait to hear what you find.
Antiques Roadshow really IS compelling TV – so glad to know I’m not the only one who has had that thought! :) Xo, Alison
http://www.simplyfairbyalisonjeanine.com
Love this show.
I am another ARS addict, being a faithful viewer as well as a subscriber to their monthly magazine.
Now I am bookmarking your blog to my list of places to read about the elegance of bygone times!
Thank you, Patricia! I write about antiques periodically, but it is definitely a growing passion! :)
I so need to start watching this!
OMG, you don’t?!?! You would LOVE it!