To reserve an item email: alligatormilitaria@gmail.com or text: +44 (0)7970 273034
1960s/70s era roadworks lantern
The words PRESS and BAT plus ‘bat’ logo (Batchlee maker) embossed on the roof. Paraffin burner absent. Works well with a large T-light to create a stylishly cool lighting feature - indoors or out. Some paint loss and surface corrosion commensurate with use and age. Originally obtained covered in grime with internal sooty deposits, it has been chemically cleaned to stabilise rust and polished for clean handling whilst preserving the vintage look.
O/A height: 37 x 14.3 x 14.3cm
£28.00 + £6.45 P&P UK
USSR balancing circus bear figurine
Desirable 1960s/70s pottery figurine manufactured at the Koniakov Kalinin Faience Factory which made a name for itself for its artistic flair. Established in 1809, the factory won the Grand Prix at the Great World Exposition in Paris in 1937, the artists winning gold medals together with the highest accolades for their work. These eye-catching figurines were hand painted and therefore no two examples are identical often varying to some degree in both shade of colour and application. A collection of these can display interesting variations.
The back stamp Made in USSR together with the 'green sprig' foliage mark over 3NK (Zeke or Zik mark) are bold and crisp and date this to between 1962 - 1974. The number 36 can be seen (better with a magnifying glass) near the vent hole. We believe this number was probably allocated to the person who painted it. This is a great example in lovely condition with no chips or cracks.
Height: 14cm approx. £40.00 + £4.79 P&P UK
Vintage 10-point Eckenstein wrought iron climbing crampons by Stubai, Austria
Named after their inventor, Oscar Eckenstein. A respected mountaineer and bouldering pioneer, Oscar Eckenstein famously led the first serious attempt on K2 in 1902. In 1908, working with Italian blacksmith Henry Grivel, he designed what is considered to be the forerunner of the modern-day crampon. With 10 long, sharp spikes, they were attached to hiking boots, allowing the user to literally walk up mountains, Previously, climbers cut steps in the ice with axes to make progress. Compared to modern crampons these appear cumbersome but were, without doubt, innovative. Henry Grivel helped Eckenstein make the product commercially available and in 1938, Grivel's son Laurent altered the design to include two front spikes - the 12-point crampon proving even more efficient. The points on this set vary in length depending on their position from 3cm - 4cm.
Overall surface rust to ironwork, but nothing serious (treated with ACF-50). The maroon coloured leatherwork (single application of saddle soap) has darkened in places but remains supple with very little surface wear or cracks. Karabiner for attaching crampons to belt when not required. Stamped on each crampon: 44, Made in Austria, STUBAI (diamond logo) and ECKENSTEIN.
£85.00 + £6.30 P&P UK
Vintage laboratory cork press
Born out of an amalgamation of two companies in 1954, Griffin & George became one of the largest laboratory equipment and chemical wholesalers in the world. This cast iron press is designed to reduce the diameter of corks evenly to fit into bottle necks without increasing the porosity. ‘Ghost marks’ can be seen on the back of the solid wheel indicating the casting mould was a simplified version of an earlier Victorian design which was pierced to create ‘wavy’ spokes.
Minor loss to hammer finish silver paint and slight surface corrosion, otherwise nice vintage condition - this could be an interesting and unusual desk ornament. Heavy item at over 2.6kgs.
With handle up - H:30.5 / Handle down - H:15.8 x W:6.5 x L:34.5cm
£28.00 + £9.99 P&P UK
Vintage cobbler's last on metal stand
Wooden shoe last - the underside inset with steel heel and toe plates and a leather pad applied at the ankle. The stand comprises a substantial metal plate with welded on post, finished in black lacquer and a black velour lining to the base. Numeral 9 is stamped into the wood in two places.
The wood has an oiled finish which highlights both the grain and the flowing shape and also evidence of its previous work life to which the simple 'rustic' stand harmonises so well.
A great example of repurposing / appropriation - a humble vintage tool can be an attractive object when displayed ‘in its own light’.
H:17 x W:9.5 x L:27cm
£30.00 + £4.20 P&P UK
Reproduction antique wrought iron handcuffs
Purchased in the USA. Matching serial number J473 to cuffs and key. Very faint and hard to decipher lettering on end of one lock post. Adjustable to cater for different wrist sizes and in full working order, the key should be turned fully clockwise to open the bracelet and fully counter clockwise to lock - the key can then be removed.
Believed to be the genuine article when purchased, they are well made with a pleasing ‘antique’ look. It takes a great deal of effort to convince anyone who isn’t an expert to accept that they don’t date back to the 1800s.
£55 + £4.20 P&P UK