A rare antique millinery tool, this hat stretcher has a tap attachment which would have been connected to a gas supply and then used to warm the stretcher to make shaping and enlarging a hat much easier

The gas ones are early example later replaced by an electirc heating element

There is no manufacturers name,

A very wonderful antique ecclesiastical textile heavily encrusted with gold work florals, I particularly like the combination of the crimson velvet and gold

Small tie at the back for hanging, back lined with glazed cotton

In perfect antique condition

84cm by 62cm at the widest point 

French copper is everywhere at brocantes but occassionally you come across a piece that immediately stands out from the rest, this 19th century colander is one of those

These are rarities, I have only ever seen one other passoire,

 An exceptional hand stitched 19th century quilt with a dense diamond pattern centre, a second loop stitch border around the centre panel and narrow bands of stitching on the four sides to create an outer border.

The fabric used on one side of the quilt is a beautiful pink Paisley with red highlights,

Black and white enamel signs are a much rarer find and this is a beauty, solid and heavy weighing 3.5kg, moulded metal with a bevelled surround,

A hand stitched 19th century quilt with a diamond pattern centre and narrow bands of stitching on the four sides to create a border.

The same fabric has been used on both sides of the quilt, a soft weave cotton decorated with vibrant pink blooms shaded with green and wine red and bands of ombre shading,

Taken from a prayer bench this large religious tapestry has amazing detail and symbolism

It is worked in a mix of wool and glazed cotton entirely by hand and with great skill

Amazingly for the age it is in perfect condition, no loss of thread anywhere, the colours are still strong and there are no marks or stains,

These superb dress embellishments are huge, I had some difficulty working out how they were arranged so I hope the photos do them justice as they are magnificent 

The main sections are made from a tulle decorated with glass seed and barrel beads, which have a grey hue, to create the pattern,

Lovely worn example of the iconic SW France confit pot for preserving duck

This one has the classic yellow glaze with two small dabs of green on one side, timeworn by years and years of use just how they should be

10" high

The photos are showing it in straight from the Brocante condition,

A superb 19th century display cushion, they were an alternative to the gilt toleware Globe de Mariage stands and usually sat under a square dome with the wax tiara resting on top, I expect they were much more expensive to purchase which is why you don't see them very often, the trim is bright gold,

Turn your petit maison into a medieval castle with this faux tapestry, it might not be the real thing but it does have some age, is French made and will be quite a statement as a wall hanging or even a bed coverlet, printed heavy weight cotton lined with a plain red cotton which is stamped Made in France,

From the closed down tailors atelier this is a heavy weight thick woven wool textile with a black and white herringbone design suitable for coats, bags, pillows

An unused, dead stock bolt, so in very good vintage condition, measuring 150cm wide and 500cm long weight 4.6kg

From the closed down tailors atelier this is a lighter weight woven wool textile with a black and white stripe design ideal for clothing, bags, even upholstery or pillows

An unused, dead stock bolt, so in very good vintage condition, measuring 154cm wide and 490cm long weight 2.2kg

From a large portiere curtain there are two panels of this soft drape jaquard weave textile with lovely flower basket and bow motifs in muted russet tones

Each panel measures 94"/240cm long by 48"/122cm wide,

Charming embroidered French heirloom linen sheet with matching pillow sham, I've not come across one with a matching pillow cover before. Dating from the late 1910's/1920's, the hem of the sheet is beautifully decorated with butterflies,

Late 19th/early 1900's French avocat lawyer's toque hat in it's original box with the avocats name label on the side and inside the lid

The hat in perfect antique condition, no damage to the velvet or silk fabrics and the silver metallic braid is intact but slightly oxidised

M.

So hard to find sets of 12 now, these early 1900's cotton napkins are lovingly embroidered with the initials in red cross stitch

They have a patterned chequerboard weave with narrow line borders

Well used but still with lots of life left in them,

Fabulous antiquarian book for props, looks like a book of spells from a horror movie, with an amazing aged leather cover and spine with gilt decoration, perfectly distressed for supporting favourite antique treasures

It is a religious tome dated 1656,

Light and delicate late 1800's/turn of the century piano shawl with long fringe in good enough condition to wear for a costume event and also beautiful to use for décor

The silk is woven with a plaid pattern,

Fabulous vintage 1920's/30's striped Basque table linen set, made in the traditional diamond weave of these regional textiles

This is a particularly heavy and excellent quality set, the red and green decoration is woven into the fabric not printed and has the feel of embroidery,

An evocative pair of Victorian lace up boots, showing their years of service with an excellent a timeworn look, good for displaying and okay to wear, the leather is sturdy and would improve with treatment if you wish

Original soles, one heel base has crumbled

I don't believe I have ever seen anything as wonderful as this white stump work embroidery panel, I believe that is a Duke's crown, along with the Fleur de Lys adding to the symbols of French aristocracy, sewn with thread in multiple directions to give that raised three dimensional effect,

Two iconic vintage prints of  The Gleaners" (Les Glaneuses) by Jean-François Millet, originally completed in 1857 and The Angelus, very well mounted in gold card with matching gold frames, they have hardwood backs, in great condition

Willing to sell separately if you want 

A large and heavy jet bead decorative collar from the 1800's with a classic Victorian high neck, a remarkable costume accessory.

There is some damage on the neck which with repair would not detract, and centre front some loose threads need tidying

A very attractive antique 19th century cast iron jardiniere, the original weathered chippy white enamel paint would suit a monochrome shabby chic decor, I think the look is perfect, these are usually too big and heavy for me to consider shipping but this is small and perfect for slipping in a small parcel weighing only 2.5kg,

Gorgeous old pair of tailor's scissors still sharp and useable with some surface rust 

They are marked Boucher Fab (Fabrique) A Paris, 6 Rue des Maronites

37cm/ 15" long

Garden Brocante, position this pair vintage of zinc floats as accents amongst a collection of pails and watering cans of zinc planted with greenery for a fresh  and modern rustic garden display

Both are marked along with a charming lighthouse logo

Approximate height 20cm, weight together 2.8kg 

Superb group of three antiquarian book beautifully decayed ideal for props, messy, tatty, amazing frothy pages, perfectly distressed for supporting favourite antique treasures

They are three volumes of Encylopedia of Sciences, Arts and Trades dated 1776 

Each one measures 27cm by 20cm and 7cm thick.

Late 1800's gothic style metal candle lantern was made for use in religious processions and events and would have been attached to a pole for carrying so it swung as you walked.

A bit battered and timeworn, perfect for a romantic shabby chic décor,

French legal manuscript written in 1613, the date can be read at the top in words and then at a later date, but not recently, the date has been added in ink numerically 

The wonderful swirling script is near impossible to read so we can't tell you what it contains,

A pair of romantic late 1800's appliqué lace curtains in good condition, only one tiny hole around a flower that needs stitching, long and narrow to suit the style of a period French house window, these look stunning for framing a boudoir window or doorway or for props, 230cm by 46cm,

These used to be a Brocante staple, now they are a find to get excited about as they become rarer, hemp was grown in the countryside, loomed on the farm and made into clothing, textiles for the house and for use in farming and food production.

These sheets have a variety of natural colours, superb textures,

Traditional set of storage canister in blue and white marble incorporating enamel labelling

Slightly chippy but not too battered, the lids on the Sucre and Epices may not be original, they fit perfectly but they are plain white,

Three early 1900's asparagus plates with transfer decoration and moulded drain and reserve for the butter

9" diameter, note one plate has an old chip

Late 1800's striking lace collar decorated with metallic sequins and small jet beads and finished with a silk fringe.

In good antique condition, the ground has faded to an antique black, and a stitch or two is nedded to tack parts of the fringe back on

This huge chunky pewter charger dating from the 19th century is a beauty, a fabulous French farmhouse staple showing all its history in its patina, dings and scratches, it would make a fabulous serving dish, cheese board or period touch to a country style décor

Fantastic dark antique patina as it is,

Fabulous antiquarian book for props, looks like a book of spells from a horror movie, messy, tatty, amazing frothy pages, perfectly distressed for supporting favourite antique treasures

It is a religious tome, can't find a date but suspect 17th or early18th century,

Two rare moulded glass grave marker decorative plaques circa 1910's, these were mounted on the gravestone with the loved ones photograph in the centre domed vignette, they are similar but not a pair, the design slightly differs

The colour of the amethyst glass is beautiful, darker in one than the other but both stunning,

Mid century double sided painted enamel sign to fix at right angles to a shop front to advertise a repairman of fencing, the wording is the same on both sides.

Some wear and tear but generally in good condition

Measures 40cm by 36cm

Charming late Georgian, dark with age, lithograph print with the title Shall I Send or Not, printed in London 1833 but in a french frame. The frame is the original as you can see from the backing paper and inside there are a couple of fragments of old newspapers in French. In her hand is clutched a letter to a Captain,

Amidon advertising starch box which has the iconic and adorable graphics, wonderful rich colour, solid and clean, this one has lost its clasp and it may have had a strap as there are studs on each side, 40cm by 25cm by 15cm

Early 1900's vintage French indoor or table croquet set complete with all the 6 mallets, six balls, hoops and two pins. The mallets measure 37cm long

It has a good play worn look making it perfect for a vintage display as well as for playing with

Issues - one of the hoops has lost a foot,

Super period storage for your petit chateau, antique bentwood hatbox, the antique wall paper on the top appears to be an original addition from the wear not a recent repair, normally they are black finish on top, there's a fragment of a travel label,

It may have had a later varnish but again not recent,

I have a passion for antique home or farm spun hemp, clothing, linens and an addiction to buying torchons

This pair of extra large cloths are thick heavy early 20thc hemp linen, hand loomed with an unusual stripe woven in red and indigo blue thread at both ends. The texture is delicious,

Such a pretty lace curtain but we tend not to use a central panel for windows now so this one may be best for gleaning or props

Made up of sections of soft tulle net and hand made crochet lace,

Long wide crochet lace flounce, lightly gathered at the top hem 

Good condition

640cm long, 4.5cm wide

A lovely confection of greeting cards, scrapbooking and memorabilia, someones pride and joy and no doubt full of memories, all framed in it's original gilt gesso wooden frame

Some of the pieces have become a bit distressed,

Antique 19th century quilt pieces, I'm not sure why this was cut up when I found it as the remnants I have here as all are in really good condition, the fabric is beautiful and it's double sided so if you choose to unpick it to glean the fabric there will be two pieces,

Two small 17th century vellines, vellum bound books, approx 6" by 4", both religious volumes and in rough condition, they could be used for decor with similar objects, as a plinth to display an antique treasure or just own them for the joy of having something that old in your home, one is dated 1618, the other 165

Possibly the most kitsch wallpaper I have ever come across

I wish there were rolls and rolls of it but it was mostly on the walls of the vide maison it came from, which was quite something believe me!

I haven't unrolled it all to measure,

Simple but charming original pencil sketch titled "A Mon Amie J. Fraisse, Callum R, 1920", some damp damage, good partly gilded frame, intact back, 50cm by 36cm, 20" by 14"

Longchamp terre de fer ironstone tureen with very good crazed antique patina on one side, no damage

A rare brocante find these days, this hand forged wrought iron candlestick on a hand turned wooden base was traditionally used to light a passage into the wine cellar

The hook at the top was used both to carry the candlestick and to hook it on the wall in the cave

As usual we have decided to leave it as we found it,

6" high majolica jug with good age staining

Superb quality large antique hemp linen cloth with a lovely woven diagonal stripe at each end, this is large enough to have been used a a small table cloth, or it may have been a vendage (harvest time) cloth

Clean and in excellent condition

Measures 148cm by 94cm

Superb quality large antique hemp linen cloth with a lovely woven diagonal stripe at each end and hand embroidered AC initials, this is large enough to have been used a a small table cloth, or it may have been a vendage (harvest time) cloth

Clean and in excellent condition

Measures 144cm by 91cm

Classic vintage 1920's/30's striped Basque table linen set,

One of the most beautiful fabric boxes I've seen, that art nouveau fabric must have been a stunner when it was new, now rather faded on the outside you can appreciate how vibrant it would have been on opening the lid, can you imagine it with the velour edging still that shade of purple to match the flowers, the outside has some foxing,

Large wooden grain measure with lettering, can't make much of it out except the word Toulouse at the bottom, a bit of polish might help, a mix of iron and steel cladding, solid and not particularly heavy for shipping, about 12" high

Well used and battered with a great thickly layered patina this old galvanised paint bucket kettle is perfect for displaying your ollection of ancient worn paint brushes

9 1/2" diameter strawberry bowl with good dark staining and crackling to the glaze

Small old chip on foot of bowl

6 1/2" high rectangular jug with a relief pattern of poppies (I believe) , good crackle effect

Some wear showing and a hairline crack in one side 

As carried by Inspector Clousseau in the Pink Panther series,

Easy to picture this wonderful handle on a big wooden chateau door

It has some delicious detail of scrolls and leaves and a good rusty patina, only surface rust it could be restored if you wish, the nuts are free which means it is ready to install 

20 cm long

A boudoir essential, this sachet would have stored Madame's night clothes, stockings or lingerie

The interior is a stunning quilted cobalt blue silk with four flaps of lace folding over and tied with a blue ribbon in the centre 

In good condition,

19th century with a lovely patina and amazingly they still cut!!!

24cm long, the very tip of one blade is broken off

Large steel baskets used for the production of oysters in the Archichon region, these are particularly beautiful as they have a fabulous bloom from wear in the salty water and a hint of colour with the yellow and green paint, there are handles on the sides, great for storage and display of textiles and Brocante finds

Dating from the turn of the century this young girl's dress would have been part of a premier communion ensemble, it is made from a light and sheer cotton muslin and is entirely sewn by hand.

The details are beautiful, tiny hand sewn pin tucks on the body, cuffs and skirt hem, drawn thread details,

Small antique 19th century terracotta bowl with the classic dark yellow glaze to the rim and interior, it has a rustic aged patina from decades of regular use, staining and chips in the glaze, perfect imperfections, diameter 20cm 8"

Circa 1910 very cute vintage school pinafore in soft faded black cotton with delightful red piping, in good wearable condition, not laundered, chest 28"

Reclaimed from a Vide Maison curtain there are two panels of this antique Art Nouveau floral fabric, in good used condition

It has been laundered

1. 185cm by 82cm

2. 64cm by 82cm

Humble rustic plain torchons made from locally grown, spun and woven hemp around the turn of the century

They have amazing character and as each one is hand produced no one of these cloths is the same, they all have beautful soft shades and texture,

These advertising calendars were a popular end of year gift for customers of the grand magasins and boutiques, in fact it is still quite common in France to walk into a local shop and be given a free calendar

Attached to the card poster would have been a tear off paper sheet pad with the dates on,

It's the colour that makes this so adorable, love that French blue on anything but so wonderful on this little toy stove

Perfect chippy look for a shabby chic display

Note the door tends to drop slightly so will need some adjustment

16cm high

Superb majolica plate decorated with an abundance of asparagus and a shell shaped butter reservoir

Approc 10" diameter

Beautiful pair of forged dressmaking scissors with a good patina and they still cut

30cm long

Large motifs of flowers and leaves make up this long applique dress embellishment, it is in good condition with no losses

Measures 59cm long

An unusual costume embellishment that appears to have attached to a dress or bodice with press studd, there are three on the back of the large flower head which is made up of a large faceted central bead, baguette beads and circles of smaller faceted jet beads, 5 of the long strands are tipped with teardrop beads the others are missing.

A mixed bag of 11 fragments of beadwork, fringe, and trims, there are some losses, but all are good for small projects

I have two panels of this reclaimed 19th century French cotton print, both have been laundered but I didn't soak preferring to leave it with a hint of it's age, raw edges, otherwise it's in great condition, a little faded but it is over 100 years old

Each panel  measures 83cm/32" by 127cm/50",

A beautiful Art Nouveau era soft weave printed cotton, circa 1905, with big blousy exotic pink blooms over a palest green background of sinuous foliage, reclaimed from some huge bed drapes it has been laundered and the condition is very good

Measures 260cm by a loom width of 77cm, 102" by 30"

Lots of this 19th century cotton print which to my eye epitomises French chateau decor, it was huge bed drapes, now gently faded, each panel is 244cm by 80cm, 96" by 32", a couple of them have a small panel at one end making up the length, that varies 10-14cm, laundered and in good condition

5 panels available

A very large vintage fabric box, it has the remains of a label on the base could be Au Louvre, paper lined, clean but has a small tear in the top, 49cm by 31cm by 10cm

1930's Rayon liquid satin boudoir jacket in a classic soft pink with extra wide sleeves, it had a lot of yellowing I have soaked a couple of times and it is greatly improved, there are still a few shadows on the collar edge and one of the sleeves, another wash or two will fix it, good wearable size,

Decorators galvanised paint kettle, battered and rusty, perfect patina for displaying a collection of old worn paintbrushes

We have three of these review booklets dated 1909 featuring articles on the nude in art and sculpture along with artistic Edwardian photographs of nudes

Each one is 24 pages long

After you have added one or more to your basket we will message you for your choice 

Super original wine bottle from the famous wine producer Chateau Lafitte with the medallion at the top marked with the date 1903

The bottle is thick and heavy hand blown glass with lots of imperfections and a rich deep green colour, the base has a deep pontil for the thumb to sit when pouring

Sadly no contents,

Hand painted silk box in the shape of a bell, something different for a box collection

Maybe it held bonbons, the base pulls off but whatever was stuck on the base has gone missing

Lovely batch of classic natural pure linen French torchons with a bold wide red stripe running down both sides and the original hanging tags, every one is hand embroidered with the initials ST

They are unused and straight from the farmhouse armoire,

Love a humble textile like this, its long history of use showing in every patch, and darn, and there are a great many on this hemp sack

A survivor from an age when nothing was to go to waste

9" Barbotine plate in good condition

9" plate with green and blue glaze decoration

Hand whittled out of a single piece of wood these simple primitive spoons were made by shepherds and farmers in the Pyrenees. One tale is they were for the Bergers to eat with, others call them dairy spoons for skimming cream from the milk

Either way they are beautiful ancient objects with great patina,

There are two of these wonderful antique 19thc hemp linen cloths, with a fabulous variagated weave that gives it an appearance of being striped

Difficult to say the purpose of these, most likely ham cloths as they are heavy and solid,

Classic vintage 1920's/30's striped cloth, typical of Basque textiles

Light diamond weave damask with the yellow and indigo blue stripe woven into the cloth not printed on

This one has two C monograms embroidered by hand in matching yellow and blue

It has had a life but is still in good condition to use,

The pot luck batch comprises a small piece of beaded tulle with a larger bead ornament, a silk bow with long tassel and a side fringe, and a piece of broken beaded net with two fringed attachments

All pieces are timeworn

This is a superb antique chalk ware reliquary unfortunately a nightmare to photograph as anything under domed glass is hard to capture, I hope you can see the detail, it's quite exquisite with the figures surrounded by winged cherubs,

An unusual millinery confection cleverly made from a gathered and pleated narrow grosgrain ribbon,

Wonderful old biscuit tin, I think 19thc, the covering is paper, deliciously aged but plenty of it still intact, 24cm x 11cm x 12cm

One complete card of these beauties available, milk chocolate silk over metal buttons on shanks, they feel really heavy and apart from having to brush off decades of dust they are in good condition, unfortunately part of the card graphics is lost, however the paper label is intact on the back,

These unworn and still in their box children's shoes are adorable, one is missing a button so I'm sending them with two spare ones

Cast iron garden edging panel, not too heavy for shipping, rusty rustic decorating 

Double flower motif dress decoration from the late 1800's, the flower heads are backed with silk gauze which has a few tiny holes in it.

Slight repair to a shape at the top right, otherwise good with no losses to the faceted seed beads

14" 36cm long

Length of long late 1800's French jet beaded fringe measuring 80cm long by 8cm made up of seed beads and longer faceted beads, good weight so it moves nicely, a couple of strands lost but it still looks the part

There are 12 of these appliques, flower shapes with a large central bead, a few stray threads and one applique has lost its central bead

6cm long

Simple 1950's printed cotton day dress, lovely details, white cotton piping, front pocket, large mother of pearl buttons, cap sleeves and matching belt.

The skirt is full and circular shape in keeping with the 50's fashion. Side popper fastening

Clean and ready to wear, no faults found

A line shape with high relief embroidery, pearl button fastening on the top of each strap , this is heavy antique linen, off white with a wonderful texture

A few small holes and a tear at the front that need repairing,

Beautiful had wrought livestock bell for goat or sheep from the mountains of the Pyrenees close to where we live

It has a wonderful aged patina and with it's original wooden clapper a sound evocative of the mountains

12cm tall

We are lucky to live very close to the Basque country and the famous textiles they produce sometimes appear at Brocantes with their traditional pattern weave and bright colour combinations

This one dates from the 1920s/30's, has a green and red colour woven border,

Salvaged from the home of a charcutiere (pork butcher) I have 8 of these lovely old pure French linen sacks with traditional red and blue stripes used for curing a traditional jambom cru

They are slightly smaller than the more usual laundry sacks,