SOUTHERN AFRICAN TREASURES 2

SOUTHERN AFRICAN TREASURES 2

DO NOT FORGET KIMBERLY..................In the second half of the 1800s it was a major commercial centre for what was eventually to become South Africa. In fact the presence of major companies with headquarters there was the motivation for a young Englishman called William Shilling to emigrate and establish "The Shilling Factory", makers and suppliers of mineral waters and other drinks in Stockdale Street. Its evolution and contribution is well documented in the Kimberly Museum. His packaging was innovative and for his "Aerated Water Factor" he developed this unusual glass bottle which has a glass marble in the neck. It is visible in the photo. I am sure you would like gold or diamonds as a memento from your old city, but the bottle has an equally interesting history. Euros 20.

FOR OUR SAFFAS FROM GQEBERHA - a little relic from a long standing company called "Donne and Robinson" of Port Elizabeth who bottled their range of cold drinks such as mineral water, ginger beer and others in these heavy stone bottles. There is a local market for these decades old items, especially the ones which are inscribed. They make a very pleasant country style jar in which to put a few flowers. Reference 3664. Size 18 cms. or 7 inches high. Euros 15.

THE SMALL TOWN OF WORCESTER was once a major centre for both the wool and wine industries in the Cape. No doubt the store at 49 Stockenstroom Street was a vital part. The inscription above the telephone number (482) reads "Sprinbok Wines and Brandies". Unfortunately today its memories are under the foundations of the new commercial centre. Use it to contain a large display of dried grasses and flowers. Reference 3665. Size 32 cms., or 13 inches, high. Euros 65.

VINTAGE GLAZED LARGE WINE JAR FROM CAPE TOWN.

THE LION WINE AND SPIRIT COMPANY used these jars were still in use in the early 1950s. They are the grandparents of today`s cardboard cartons, which may be lighter to carry but lack the style of the old jars which for the rest of their lives can contain sprays of dried, or fresly cut, flowers. Made by The Lion Wine and Spirit Company of Cape Town. Reference 3673. Size 35 cms., high which is 14 inches. Euros 22. Reference 3673

IT DOES NOT MATTER in which direction you look there is seldom another person, or even car, near you.

"KAROO" depicts the harsh arid Karoo desert to perfection. Maybe because the author, Dr. Marius Barnard, cardiac surgeon of Groote Schuur fame, is himself from its major town, Beaufort West. Reference 3658. Euros 35.

ATTENTION RHODESIANS. Here is a little treasure of the past. A well researched and presented book showing analysis, descriptions and drawings of 104 trees, flowers and shrubs found in the countryside. There is a separate index of the subjects which is in English, Shona and Ndebele. The book was published by Longman Rhodesia (Pvt) Ltd. Beatrice Road, Salisbury, and printed by Mardon Printers of Salisbury. First edition 1965, re-printed in 1972. Euros 15.

IN THE BOER WAR FROM 1899 TO 1902 it was the habit of British officers to have a washstand like this for morning washing and shaving. Most of these items were supplied by the Army and Navy Store in London`s Victoria Street. This is a fine example, made of oak with a beautiful, delicate, ceramic tile back. After the war many found their way into hotels and large houses. I found this in a small shop in Halfway House and it has been the perfect greeting as a hall table since. The marble top half is separate and can be turned over to make a smaller volume for shipping. Reference 3652. Euros 265.

THE SPLASH BACK tiles are among the most beautiful in delicate colour and graceful design I have seen.