Another Fabulous Regency Era Gift for Your Consideration

John Rose Coalport Old English Trio Pattern, c. 1825

I drool. I sigh. These rose and green colors echo those in my dining room and living room. I MUST have this wonderful china. Then again, can my humble budge afford the $325 USD of this trio? I fear not. Plus I would not dare to use this china in fear of damaging the delicate edges.

If money were no object, I would click on the Ruby Lane antiques site, which offers these beautiful items for sale, and order the lot.

Unique Gifts: Gerard Butler Movie Props

Oh, I know Gerard Butler has no connection to Jane Austen film adaptations other than that he should play one of her heroes. Colonel Brandon would suit his rugged Scottish looks, as would Mr. Knightley.

Gerard Butler in The Ugly Truth

On this site, Premiere Props, you can purchase props and clothes used in films, like Gerry Butler's shirt and pants in The Ugly Truth. 

For a little less than $900, you can purchase this tiny token of Hollywood magic.

Gerard Butler in P.S. I Love You

If a shirt is not personal enough, how about his boxer shorts from P.S. I Love You? American Eagle sold them for $12.50. But since Gerry wore these, they (and the shirt) sell for a bargain price of one penny short of $2,000.

Do you like our holiday gift suggestions so far? Stay tuned, for we aim to show you more unusual gift ideas designed to please the connoisseur with a sense of humor AND a fat pocketbook.

Holiday Gifts of Remarkable Distinction

This year Jane Austen Today will point you to gifts of remarkable distinction, or one of a kind, or those with true antique value.

1781 silver creamer

Observe this beautiful Georgian era creamer.

Height:
5 7/8" high
Period:
18th Century, Hallmarked London, 1781
Origin:
England/Ireland

Detail of Hester Bateman Creamer

Hester Bateman's signature bright-cut engraving takes center stage in this magnificent Georgian period silver creamer. With the addition of her equally-distinct beaded edging emphasizing the inherent beauty of this antique piece, it is clear to see why Bateman is often regarded as the "Queen of the Silversmiths."

Purchase price: A cool $4,450

Click here for more images.

Excessively Diverted, I Assure You

Want a head start on purchasing a gift for a Jane Austen fan this Christmas? Excessively Diverted might just supply you with some unique choices.

Click here to view this affordable Janeite merchandise.

Posted by Vic, Jane Austen's World

Would Jane Austen Approve of These Gifts ...?

Cruickshank Regency Deck Art: Scroll down to the second selection on this InterCol London site. All the court cards are reproductions of the Classical caricatures by the great artists including Gilray, Heath, Hogarth and others. Originals hang in the Brighton Pavilion permanent exhibition. Reverse image of the Pavilion in the 19th century.

Scents and fragrances from Floris on Jermyn Street.
Fragrances have been sold on Floris' premises on Jermyn Street since the 18th century. Past Floris customers include:

• Mary Shelley, who whilst abroad sent friends clear instructions on where to purchase her favourite combs: Floris.

• Beau Brummell, the dandy of his day in the early 19th century, would discuss his current fragrances at length with Mr.Floris.

Would Jane Austen Approve of These Gifts ...?

...I hope so. Some are more affordable than others. All are sure to tickle the fancy of a Janeite.

Scribes Delight features beautiful handmade Italian Almafi writing paper made with deckled edge and 100% cotton rag. These letters will never yellow with age. The site also features old fashioned ink wells (like the one on the left), sealing wax, and sealing wax seals. I did not find the quill pens, but they are available, along with glass pens. Click here for ordering information.

Jane Austen Book Mark


The little plaques measure 1.3"/3.5 cm in height and 1"/2.3cm in width, and both the chain and findings are silver plated. The chain measures 10", the right size to accommodate most hardbacks and soft covers! Very delicate and beautiful, these would make a fabulous present for the book lover in your life, or for yourself! One bookmark remains in stock, priced at $13.00. Click here to order.


The Jane Austen Note Cards from Austen Effusions are printed on thick, beautiful quality paper and come individually wrapped. Whenever I use them, I receive compliments. They arrive tied in a pretty blue ribbon.

Disclaimer: This blog is a personal blog. Any product recommendations I make are a matter of taste. They are not made for any commercial reasons.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Ruby Lane offers for sale a splendid 27-piece Regency period tea service set circa 1805-1820. What better gift to present the special Janeite in your life than an antique tea set from that era? Cost: $450 USD.

If $450 seems a bit steep, here's a more affordable idea from See Jane Work, which offers an Emma letter holder and tray for $22.95. This white porecelain letter set might just be the perfect gift for a romantic young writer.
Click here to read a post on Letter Writing in Jane Austen's time.

Seen on the Blogosphere

• Lori Smith's book signing was a smashing success, with a standing room only crowd and every single copy of A Walk With Jane Austen sold. Click here to view her photos of the event.

• Nan and Catherine won Lady Jane's book giveaways of The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen. Congratulations ladies!

• Effusions of Fancy is an illustrated book of Jane Austen's early life, with watercolours painted by Jane Odiwe. This would be a wonderful holiday gift for a friend who loves Jane and her novels as much as you. The book highlights events in young Jane's and Cassandra's lives, with Cassandra writing letters to her sister. You can order it and Jane Odiwe's other books and cards here.

Click here to read Lydia Bennet's Journal.

Seen on the Blogosphere: Regency Picture Books

These lovely illustrated books are available at Rizolli and Amazon.com and would make a great holiday gift for a Janeite. The theme that both have in common are the delightful first-hand accounts of regency life through watercolour illustrations.

One, A Picture History of the Grenville Family of Rosedale House, is a recent find. The artist, Mary Yelloly, was only eight when she started the picture book and 12 when she finished it. The book was recently discovered at an auction at a Norfolk rectory. Read more about this fascinating discovery at this link.
The other book, Mrs. Hurst Dancing and Other Scenes From Regency Life: 1812-1823, by Diana Sperling, has been out for a while. Her paintings of regency life, such as the one below of a family playing badminton, are primitive but charming.

The book, a collection of amateur watercolor pictures of everyday life, is annotated by Gordon Mingay. The images provide a first hand account of gentry life two hundred years ago. (Image from The Republic of Pemberley)

Image from the book jacket. Note that the carpet has been rolled up and the furniture pushed aside for the dance.