Author Archives: Benny

Pressed Glass vs Blown Glass: How to Tell the Difference

Pressed glass vs blown glass comparison showing mould seams on pressed glass and a pontil mark on blown glass

If you have ever picked up a glass piece and wondered how it was made, you are not alone. Many collectors and home decorators struggle to differentiate between pressed glass and blown glass. However, once you understand what to look for, the distinctions become far clearer. This guide explains pressed glass vs blown glass in […]

Whitman Coin Folders: A Classic That Changed Coin Storage

Whitman coin folders used to organise British shilling and sixpence collections

Whitman Coin Folders sit at the heart of organised coin collecting, and from the very first moment collectors used them, they changed how coins were stored, displayed, and understood. Instead of loose tins, envelopes, or drawers, collectors suddenly gained structure, purpose, and a clear collecting goal. So today, let’s explore where these well-known coin folders […]

How to Mix Vintage and Modern Décor

Modern living room mixing vintage and modern décor with warm tones and layered textures.

A Complete Guide to Styling Old With New Modern homes feel clean and calm especially when you mix vintage and modern. Vintage pieces add warmth, personality, and stories. When you combine the two, your rooms gain depth and character. Many people worry about blending eras, yet once you understand how to mix vintage and modern […]

Ivory or Bone? How to Tell the Difference When Buying Antiques

comparison image on how tell if something is ivory or bone

Collectors often face one question when examining older carvings, handles, ornaments, and small decorative items. Is it ivory or bone? The two materials can look similar at first glance, so new collectors sometimes guess incorrectly or feel unsure about what they see. However, you can learn the difference once you understand a few reliable visual […]

Silver Or Pewter? A Practical Guide For Collectors

Comparing hallmarks on antique metal to identify silver or pewter”

When you handle old tableware, tankards, trinket boxes, or cutlery, you might pause and wonder Silver Or Pewter? Although the two metals look similar at a glance, they behave so differently that the answer becomes clear once you know what to check. Because collectors rely on accuracy, these simple tests help you reach the right […]

Collecting British Error Coins – Minting Mistakes Make History

A digital banner image showing various British coins, including pound and two-pound pieces, arranged with a magnifying glass in soft lighting. The text reads “Collecting British Error Coins” against a clean background, representing minting mistakes and coin collecting in the UK.

Sometimes the most interesting coins are the ones that went wrong. A small slip in the minting process can turn an ordinary coin into something collectors get excited about. These are known as British Error Coins, and they sit at the curious intersection of accident and artistry. Every mis-strike tells a story. Whether it’s a […]

Chribska Glass – The Art of Mid-Century Czech Design

Featured image showing a colourful Chribska Glass vase in red, amber, and blue tones beside a portrait of designer Josef Hospodka. The background is a warm terracotta colour with the text “Chribska Glass: The Art of Mid-Century Czech Design.”

Few pieces of mid-century glass capture attention quite like Chribska Glass. Known for its bold colours, fluid shapes, and sculptural forms, this glassware combines craftsmanship and imagination in equal measure. It holds an important place in Czech design history and remains one of the most recognisable examples of 20th-century art glass. Collectors around the world […]

Collecting Tarot and Oracle Cards – A Guide for Seekers

Photorealistic image of tarot and oracle card decks displayed on a wooden table, including the Goddess Arcana box, gold foil tarot cards, guidebook, and cards such as The Lovers and The Sun.

The Enduring Fascination with Tarot and Oracle For centuries, people have turned to tarot as a source of wisdom and guidance. Oracle decks, though a more recent creation, have gained popularity for their flexibility and creative themes. Together, they represent one of the most intriguing areas of spiritual practice, especially for those interested in collecting […]

Antiques & Homes on Antiques Road Trip: Blofield in the Spotlight

Antiques And Homes Blofield Norfolk with Irita Manning on Antiques Road Trip

We were thrilled for our tiny shop to be featured on the BBC’s much-loved Antiques Road Trip. The episode followed experts as they toured Suffolk and Norfolk in search of standout pieces, culminating in a stop at Antiques & Homes, Blofield. A Warm Welcome to Blofield Cameras rolled as presenter Irita Marriot arrived at our […]

Exploring Tribal Drums: Origins, Meanings, and Modern Uses

Four tribal drums displayed on a wooden surface against a warm brown background, featuring hand-painted designs of a mandala, hamsa, tree of life, and Buddha face, with the text “Exploring Tribal Drums – Origins, Meanings, and Modern Uses” above.

Tribal drums have been part of human culture for thousands of years. From ceremonial gatherings in Africa to shamanic rituals across Asia and Europe, these instruments carry both musical and symbolic weight. Today, they remain popular as instruments for performance, spiritual practice, and as cultural works of art. If you are curious about the story […]