Royal Stafford Edwardian Teacup, Downton Abbey and the Darning Mushrooms

Welcome to our Thursday post. I am joining

Miss Spenser ~ http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/

Teacup Thursday

Coloradolady  ~ http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

Vintage Thingie Thursday

Because I want to talk about Downton Abbey again (see my last post for a Downton Abbey quiz and Dpownton Abbey paperdolls) I have chose an Edwardian period teacup by Royal Stafford, England that I love.

I love the pattern...and it's blue and white, which I love. I can just see this at afternoon tea at Downton. For more info on the cup and saucer at Time Was Antiques, click on the photos.

 I don't know if any of you noticed this scene while you were watching Downton Abbey, with ex housemaid Ethel cradking her son Charlie. Sorry the photo isn't very good, but it was the best I could do.  Charlie had a toy he was playing with through most of his scenes, but did any of you guess what it was? Because it wasn't a toy but a common Victorian and Edwardian domestic gadget. Can you guess what it's for?

These are what are called a darner or darning mushroom, and are used to mend socks...you know, like you do every day, right???!!! Well, in the Edwardian and Victorian times you did mend them. The USA preferred the egg shaped darning egg but England has always favored the darning mushroom. Over the years, I have sold them made of ebony, ivory, sterling silver, celluloid, maple, oak, mahogany, china, rosewood and one of my favorites is below:

 This mushroom darner is made of confetti bakelite. Cool!  Darners were even featured in the March 2012 issue of Country Living magazine. How fun is that! 

 

So if you re-watch Downton Abbey, look for Ethel and baby Charlie and his toy!  The darning mushrooms above are from (all except the 1930s red painted one like a real mushroom) the Time Was Antiques archives. To see our current stock (what's left since the Country Living article, that is) here is a link to our DARNING MUSHROOMS.

Have fun visiting the wonderful teacups and Vintage Thingies!

More on Downton Abbey aka Highclere Castle

After watching the last episode of Downton Abbey on Sunday evening, I was left with a few comments....rather a somber way to end, but not unexpected as the date was 1914. I also felt the last episode was a bit static, felt chopped and hurried to fit the time frame. I know 2 hours total was cut from the presentation seen in the UK, and I PROTEST!!!


That being said, the second season is in production and there is a Christmas special as well. So...not all bad.


I came across an article that covers the setting of Downton Abbey which is actually Highclere Castle, home of the Lords of Caenarvon that is facinating reading as well as viewing because of the photos of the house included.


The article is on a site called Hooked On Houses and is well worth the look and read. Click Hooked On Houses to visit.

I am going to be posting some antique Romance postcards as we approach Valentine's Day. I love them! We have quite a few at Time Was Antiques, and many more to list! This is a typical one from the Edwardian era (the period of Downton Abbey) and was mailed in 1910.

To see more, click the postcard!


Other things I love is antique hatpins and stick pins. This is a heart shaped hatpin or stick pin of 10kt gold set with a diamond in a pretty flower setting from the 1920-1930s. Perfect for your Valentine! Click the photo for more info.

I am fighting off the sinus problem today so low key. Great opportunity to sit, read a good book and sip tea with the vitamin Cs I'm taking.


Please visit our sister blog, Antiques And Teacups for links to Teacup Tuesday in blogland. So fun!! This was Antiques And Teacups contribution today:

Remember...Time Was Antiques is featuring: LOVE Valentine 10% Discount - enter LOVE coupon code 025 for 10% off orders over $50.00. Through February, may be reused. A sweet day for love! Use coupon code 025 when ordering for 10% off when your order is over $50.00.


Have a great day...it's 30 and clear here in Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula...and have a cup of tea with a friend!