s. The Curator of the Hull
Museum has loaned blocks, and photographs have been sent by Messrs. Egan
and Co., Ltd., of Cork; Mr. Wayte, of Edenbridge; and Mr. Phillips, of
the Manor House, Hitchin. To Mr. Evans, of Nailsea Court, Somerset, I am
indebted for the loan of his unrivalled collection of ancient
nutcrackers, some of which have been sketched for reproduction. I have
also made use of examples in the collections of private friends, and
illustrated some of my own household curios, many of them family relics.

The story of domestic curios is made the more useful by these
illustrations, and also by references to well-known collections. There
is much to admire in the once common objects of the home, now curios,
and it is in the hope that some may be led to appreciate more the
antiques with which they are familiar that these pages have been penned.
If that is achieved my object will have been accomplished.

FRED. W. BURGESS.

LONDON, 1914.

CONTENTS

PAGE
PREFACE 7

CHAPTER I

THE LOVE OF THE ANTIQUE 19

No place like home--Curios in the making--The influence of
prevailing styles--A cultivated taste.

CHAPTER II

THE INGLE SIDE 33

Fire-making appliances--Tinder boxes--The fireplace--Andirons and
fire-dogs--Sussex backs--Fireirons and fenders--Trivets and
stools--Bellows.

CHAPTER III

THE LIGHTS OF FORMER DAYS 59

Rushlights and holders--Candles, moulds, and boxes--Snuffers, trays,
and extinguishers--Oil lamps--Lanterns.

CHAPTER IV

TABLE APPOINTMENTS 77

Cutlery: Knives, forks, and spoons--Salt cellars--Cruet
stands--Punch and toddy--Porringers and cups--Trays and
waiters--The tea table--Cream jugs--Sugar tongs and
nippers--Caddies--Cupids--Nutcrackers--Turned woodware.

CHAPTER V

THE KITCHEN 121

The kitchen grate--Boilers and kettles--Grills and
gridirons--Cooking utensils--Warming pans.

CHAPTER VI

HOME ORNAMENTS 147

Mantelpiece ornaments--Vases--Derbyshire Spars--Jade or sple