With Father’s Day just around the corner, here is our round up of antique gifts for the father figure in your life.
Dating back to early 20th century America, Father’s Day was originally a dedication to the fathers of approximately 1000 children, who lost their lives in the 1907 Monongah Mining Disaster in West Virginia. Today however, similar to Mother’s Day, it is a day when we celebrate the fathers and father figures in our lives. Traditionally celebrated on the third Sunday in June, Father’s Day 2023 will fall on Sunday June 18th, which coincides with the summer solstice.
The men in our lives can be notoriously difficult to buy for, whatever their age, so we have taken the leg work out of gift hunting for you, and chosen our favourite gifts for Father’s Day.
Decanters and tantaluses
The perfect gift for the connoisseur of fine wines and spirits, an antique decanter is both aesthetically appealing and functional. Antique decanters vary widely and include vintage ceramic advertising decanters as well as fine cut glass examples. Why not complete the gift with the addition of a silver label to hang around the neck of the decanter? If he would prefer an antique tantalus, a wooden, lockable container for several decanters, then find out how to recognise quality antique tantaluses before buying.
Militaria
Antique militaria is such a vast area of collectables that it offers rich pickings for anyone gift searching. World war propaganda posters hold a certain appeal for both the collector of prints and posters and those interested in history. Antique pistols make stunning display items and with firearms having a long history, there is always a wide selection to choose from with prices ranging from a few hundred pounds to several thousands and more.
Vintage vinyl
Whether your father is an ageing rocker or has a penchant for classical, the gift of vintage vinyl is both thoughtful and personal. The nostalgic crackle of vinyl on a turntable is hard to beat and there’s no denying the beauty to be found in vintage album art. It’s important too, to understand how to clean vinyl records and store them safely, if they are to last even longer into the future.
Antique maps and globes
For the well-travelled, an antique map or globe can hold glorious memories and comparing the world of yesteryear, with what we know today is fascinating. Both beautiful and educational, maps have existed since the Roman times and antique globes since the mid-18th century. Some stunning maps for sale can be viewed amongst our paintings and prints, with antique globes for sale in with our other scientific items.
Of course, if your father really is the most difficult man to shop for, why not bring him along to the centres where he can spend the day browsing four buildings full of antique and vintage pieces? Treat him to lunch in one of our restaurants to really give him a day to remember. If you can’t be with him this year, and know how much he’d love to browse, a Hemswell Antique Centres gift voucher is the perfect gift. Available from as little as £10, the voucher may be used in any of our buildings and restaurants. Call us on 01427 668389 and our staff will take your details and arrange for the voucher to be sent directly to an address of your choice.