A Conway Stewart pen, a moon map, a mysterious hat stand, a glass ship in a bottle, antique Chinese spoons – there’s something for everyone at the Godstone Emporium.
As usual there is plenty to write home about where Godstone Emporium is concerned – not least this beautiful Conway Stewart fountain pen which dates from the late 1950s/early 1960s. Featuring a lovely green celluloid marble-effect pattern and 14ct gold nib, it would make a fine addition to any pen aficionado’s collection. The pen features a ‘lever fill’ mechanism on the side which is used to draw ink into the internal bladder. The barrel has a few marks on it and the pen could probably do with a service, but this is a chance to pick up a classic writing instrument for just £22.
‘Conway Stewart’ was founded by Frank Jarvis and Thomas Garner in London in 1905 – the company name perhaps being derived from that of a contemporary comedy double act. Dozens of different models were produced over the decades, this one being a classic ‘No 12’. Blue and burgundy versions were also available.
Elsewhere in the shop is this highly unusual pair of metal horns mounted on a plinth.
Perhaps modelled on an antelope, it is very decorative and yours for just £35. A guaranteed conversation starter, maybe you could use it as a hat stand?
Another curiosity is this delicate glass ship in a bottle. The secret of ‘conventional’ wooden or card ships in bottles is general knowledge nowadays – the hull of the vessel fits through the neck of the bottle and strands of cotton are then used to raise the hinged masts and rigging. But how on earth do you do it when the entire boat is made from glass? Considering the amount of work that went into producing it, £3 seems a ridiculously good bargain.
Moving to a far larger scale, recent visitors to the Emporium will have noticed a magnificent geographical picture of the moon on the right-hand wall. Produced at a scale of 1:2,300,000 it features incredible detail, including the names of hundreds of landmarks such as the ‘Mare Humorum’ (Sea of Moisture) and Lacus Somniorum (Lake of Dreams). Priced at £395, sadly it has already been snapped up. But rumour has it that another is due to ‘land’ in the shop shortly – watch this ‘space’.
The Emporium would like to say a warm ‘welcome’ to Rebecca Green – her cabinet can be found on the right-hand side of the shop as you enter. Among a number of beautiful items for sale, she is offering these “Antique Chinese export silver spoons” in their original box for £125.
Sadly we will also shortly be bidding ‘farewell’ to an established and well-loved seller, Cat Longhurst, who is heading for Northampton. All at the Emporium would like to wish her and her family the very best of luck!
Finally, please keep your eyes peeled for news of our annual Christmas Fair. Due to take place on a Saturday towards the end of November, it’s your chance to meet the sellers, enjoy a hot mince pie and a glass of mulled wine. And, of course, pick up that very special Christmas gift.