Moustache Cups: A Brief History

By Toronto Antiques on King | Published: August 11, 2010

Hey folks! Here’s a quick history lesson for you, all about Moustache Cups!

Moustache Cups were invented in the mid 1800’s by an English potter named Harvey Adams. In those Victorian times, most men had impressive moustaches, and many men waxed or even dyed their moustaches to keep them groomed and curled and looking fabulous. And of course, they drank tea. So, what happened was wax would melt, and dye would run and gentlemen would get embarrassed.

So, Mr. Adams created a “moustache guard”, a moustache-shaped ledge that went across the cup, with an opening in the middle to sip the tea through. This allowed the gentleman to drink his tea and keep his moustachioed upper lip dry. It goes without saying that this item became very popular, and eventually made its way from England and Europe all the way to America. Of late, they have become sought-after collectors’ items. Now you’re curious. You want to see some moustache cups, don’t you? We’ve added a bunch to our website, but here’s a few to pique your interest and get your moustache cup collection started! We also have a few up for sale on our website www.cynthiafindlay.com/mustache.

Japanese Fine Porcelain Moustache Cup

German Bamboo Motif Moustache Cup

English Fine Bone China Bow Motif Moustache Cup

Belleek Shamrock Pattern Moustache Cup

Posted in Antiques, History, Pottery, Tea, Teacups & Accessories, Victorian | Comments closed

See the Latest in House and Home from Toronto Antiques on King!

By Toronto Antiques on King | Published: August 3, 2010

We always like to give you a sneak peek at the items from our collection that magazine stylists, writers and designers choose for upcoming issues; so here’s a hint: be sure to look out for the November 2010 House and Home Magazine!

It’s the Holiday issue, full of great ideas for entertaining, including some of our glamorous bar accessories and colourful, textured majolica plates, guaranteed to dress up your table and impress your guests this season.  So take a look at what’s in store… it’s never too early to start planning your stylish celebrations!

Look for an assortment of our bar accessories, from shakers to wine coolers and openers in House and Home Magazine this November!

Beautiful majolica and coloured glass brings opulence to the table!

Posted in Holiday, House & Home Magazine, Magazines, Toronto Antiques on King | Comments closed

Muskoka Antique Show: Celebrity Hot-Spot!

By Toronto Antiques on King | Published: July 30, 2010

We had a wonderful time at the Muskoka Antique Show this past weekend in Port Carling. It was lovely to see all of our friends who came out antiquing and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings; but it wasn’t just the scenery that caught our attention! The big highlight of the weekend was spotting hollywood A-team Goldie Hawn and her long-time partner Kurt Russell, beautiful people who apparently also like antiques. Cool!

Posted in Antiques, Celebrities, Toronto Antiques on King | Comments closed

August Birthstone: Peridot, the Evening Emerald – Toronto

By Toronto Antiques on King | Published: July 30, 2010

Beautiful Peridot Jewellery makes a statement. Check our website for details on these pieces for sale!

Here we are in August, when green growth around us is at its peak and the heat of the day gives way to cooler evenings. It is the month of Peridot, a cool, clear green stone, found in a range of hues that call to mind summer lushness, like vibrant grass, ripening apples, refreshing limes or the deep earthy tone of an olive.

Peridot is often mistaken for emerald, though it is lighter, more transparent and less refractive; giving the stone a subtle glow rather than the bright sparkle of emerald. And unlike other gems, whose colors come from impurities in their composition, peridot is an idiochromatic stone – meaning it is colored by itself. Peridot appears green because of iron in the olivine (the actual name of the mineral). The clearest and most vibrant green stones are the most valuable; and because Peridot is a relatively soft stone, it is easy to cut, facet and make into nearly any shape.

But it’s likeness to emerald is only part of how Peridot earned the name Evening Emerald. It is said that this stone is difficult to see in daylight- but under the light of the moon or lantern light, it becomes luminous, the glow making it easier to find. Because of this, throughout history Peridot has been located and even mined at night; giving rise to the myth that Peridot disappears in daylight.

This gem is considered to be a tonic for the entire body in many healing traditions and the soothing green colour is believed to promote calmness and peace of mind.

Exchange Peridot with a friend to encourage warmth and affection. As a token of happiness and good wishes, present Peridot to brides and as birthday gifts; and as the official gemstone of the first wedding anniversary, beautiful Peridot is a gift symbolic of love when it is still fresh and green as an August garden.

To browse and shop our fine selection of Peridot jewellery online head on over to store web site by clicking the following link.

www.cynthiafindlay.com/peridot jewellery

Posted in Birthstones, Bridal Jewellery & Accessories, Cynthia Findlay, Gemstones, Gift Ideas, Toronto Antiques on King, Vintage Jewellery | Comments closed

Toronto Antiques on King does Breakfast Television and Sherway Gardens Show…We Really Get Around!

By Toronto Antiques on King | Published: July 30, 2010

Look for our appearance on Breakfast Television this Tuesday morning when we will be discussing the finer points of the antique business, particularly our participation in the 39th and final Sherway Gardens Antique Show,  Toronto’s largest antiquing event.

Running from Civic Holiday Monday August 2nd through Sunday, August 8th (Monday 10am-6pm; Tuesday-Friday 10am-9pm; Saturday 9:30am-6pm; Sunday 11am-6pm) at Sherway Gardens, with free admission and parking, there’s sure to be a great turn out and lots of wonderful finds.  For more information call 416-621-1070.

We hope to see you there, and please stay tuned to CityTV on Tuesday for more details about the show, and a special  inside look at what designers shop for in our store!

Posted in Antiques, Cynthia Findlay, Events, Media, Television Shows, Toronto Antiques, Toronto Antiques on King | Comments closed

Just Look For The Pointing Finger – We Have Brand New Banners!

By Toronto Antiques on King | Published: July 22, 2010

It’s official! After moving over a year ago, one major house cleaning necessity was finally completed late Tuesday evening.

Just look for the magical hand with the pointing finger to guide you into our fabulous storefront location!

Thank-you for your patience and effort to locate us. Sometimes great places are hard to find, hopefully this will aid in your discovery.

Posted in Antiques, Toronto Antiques, Toronto Antiques on King | Comments closed

Thought for the Day: Lessons from the Sandbox

By Toronto Antiques on King | Published: July 14, 2010

We love this inspirational little piece… Good advice for business and life in general. Pass it on!

Business Principles don’t have to be complicated. Remember the rules in nursery school:

  • Share your toys
  • Play fair
  • Don’t hit people
  • Put things back where you found them
  • Clean up your own mess
  • Don’t take things that aren’t yours
  • Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody
  • Don’t tell lies
  • Live a balanced life
  • Learn some and think some and draw every afternoon
  • When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together
Posted in Toronto Antiques on King | Comments closed