The Strichen Antiques blog · Did you know? & shop news
Stories behind the pieces.
Read Graham’s weekly Did you know? stories on the history behind our antiques and collectables, plus news and events from the shops.
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
Royal Doulton Figurines: A Collector's Guide to Marks, HN Numbers and Value
Royal Doulton figurines are among the most collected ceramics in Britain. Many of us grew up with a lady in a crinoline on a relative's mantelpiece, and today collectors hunt for rare models, discontinued colourways and early pieces. Here is how to identify Royal Doulton and understand what you have. From Lambeth to Royal DoultonThe business began in 1815 as a small pottery in Lambeth, London, where John Doulton was a partner. Under his son Henry Doulton the company grew rapidly, expanding...
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
What Are Staddle Stones? History, Uses and How to Spot an Original
Walk around almost any country garden and you may spot a stone mushroom or two. These are staddle stones, and while today they are prized as garden ornaments, they once did an important job on farms across Britain. Here in Aberdeenshire, granite staddle stones are a familiar sight, and they are one of the most popular things in our garden collection. What were staddle stones used for?Staddle stones were used to raise buildings and stores off the ground. Granaries, hayricks and game larders...
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
How to Identify Moorcroft Pottery: Marks, Tube-Lining and What to Look For
Few names in British pottery inspire collectors quite like Moorcroft. Its deep, jewel-like glazes and raised outlines are instantly recognisable once you know what to look for, and pieces turn up in our Strichen shop most weeks. Here is our guide to identifying genuine Moorcroft and understanding what makes one piece more desirable than another. A short history of MoorcroftWilliam Moorcroft joined James Macintyre & Co in Burslem, Staffordshire, as a designer in 1897. His early Florian Ware...
Oct 1, 2026 · 5 min read
Is It Legal to Buy Taxidermy in the UK? Article 10, CITES and the Antique Exemption
A plain-English guide to buying taxidermy legally in the UK: Annex A and B, Article 10 certificates, the pre-1947 antique exemption, native wildlife, ivory and export rules.
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
Collecting WW1 Medals: A Beginner's Guide to British First World War Medals
First World War medals are among the most personal antiques you can own. Each one was awarded to an individual, and with a little research you can often uncover the story of the person who earned it. Here is a simple guide to the British medals of the Great War and what to look for. The main campaign medals* 1914 Star: awarded to those who served in France or Belgium between August and November 1914. It is often called the Mons Star. * 1914 to 1915 Star: awarded to those who served in a...
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
The Sgian Dubh: History, Tradition and What to Look For When Buying
No set of Highland dress is complete without the sgian dubh, the small knife worn tucked into the top of the kilt hose. It is one of the most recognisable symbols of Scottish tradition, and antique and traditional examples are increasingly collectable. Here is a short guide to its history and what to look for. What does sgian dubh mean?Sgian dubh (pronounced skee-an doo) is Scottish Gaelic. Sgian means knife and dubh means black, which may refer to the dark wood often used for the handle, or...
Sep 25, 2026 · 1 min read
The Broons and Oor Wullie! Factual Friday
FACTUAL FRIDAY 🇬🇧🏴 This week we look at two much-loved icons of Scottish comic history — The Broons and Oor Wullie! The Broons first appeared in The Sunday Post in 1936, created by writer R. D. Low and artist Dudley D. Watkins. Their humorous stories and working-class Scottish characters quickly became firm favourites with readers. Oor Wullie, created by the same duo, followed shortly afterwards and became another Scottish institution. During WWII, paper shortages meant that no Broons or...
Sep 17, 2026 · 1 min read
🌳 My Wood FACTUAL FRIDAY By Charlie Elphinstone 🌳
🌳 FACTUAL FRIDAY 🌳 By Charlie Elphinstone After 4 years at Strichen & New Pitsligo Antiques, I’ve learnt a lot about timber — and definitely picked a few favourites! 🪵 Here are 5 beautiful woods you might spot in our shops: 🖤 COROMANDEL — Dark, dramatic grain and once considered a luxury Victorian timber. Today, Coromandel Ebony is protected due to historic over-harvesting. 🪑 MAHOGANY — A rich hardwood with a fascinating history, including its links to the transatlantic slave trade. 🌳...
Sep 10, 2026 · 1 min read
Factual Friday… Post Office Stamps
📮 FACTUAL FRIDAY By Charlie Elphinstone We offer worldwide delivery on all our products, but have you ever wondered how the postal system came about? Before organised post, letters were delivered by hand, mainly for royalty, nobles and government officials. In 1516, Henry VIII appointed Sir Brian Tuke as Master of the Posts, helping establish an early national postal service. By 1635, members of the public could pay to have letters delivered, with prices based on distance. The General Post...
Sep 4, 2026 · 1 min read
Factual Friday: The Story of Wedgwood
The Story of Wedgwood by Charlie Elphinstone Founded by Josiah Wedgwood I in 1759, this iconic British brand has been setting ceramic trends for over 260 years. While famous for making "Queen’s Ware" for Queen Charlotte, their matte-finish Jasperwareremains a timeless classic. 🏺 Here are 3 fascinating facts about the brand: ✊ Art with a Purpose: In the late 1700s, Wedgwood made powerful anti-slavery cameos featuring the slogan "Am I not a man and a brother?", donating all profits to...
Aug 28, 2026 · 1 min read
Factual Friday WW1 Medals
Factual Friday – WW1 Medals By Charlie Elphinstone Do you recognise these medals? You may have seen similar ones in military museums or tucked away in an old family tin. Although they may look common, every medal has its own story. The British War Medal was established in 1919 and awarded to personnel who served in frontline actions between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918, with some exceptions for those unable to complete 28 days due to wounds, illness or death. It was also awarded for...
Aug 15, 2026 · 1 min read
Grotesques - Factual Friday by Charlie Elphinstone
This week we have got some rather interesting pieces of wall decor in the shop. They can be found all over the world, some are small while others are large these are called, Grotesques. The word grotesque comes from the Italian word “grottesca” which was first used in the 15th century. It was when Italian construction workers accidentally dug into a set of chambers and caves deep underground that featured twisted and horrifying faces all over the walls. This area was later identified as the...
Aug 7, 2026 · 2 min read
New Pitsligo or “Cyaak” Factual Friday
New Pitsligo or “Cyaak” Factual Friday By Charlie Elphinstone Seeing as this week is the annual New Pitsligo Gala I thought I would write about the village itself rather than a specific product we have for sale. New Pitsligo or “Cyaak” as it is also known was first owned by the 4th lord Pitsligo whom lost all his property in 1745 due to his involvement in the Jacobite uprising of that year. Lord Pitsligo had to flee from the Kings army and hid in a cave at Rosehearty for 3 years. Later the...