quirky - Anything In Particular

1970s novelty toy wind-up moving crab by ST Toys Hong Kong

Jon Nix — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 12:57:02 +0000

If this little chap doesn't make you smile, then I don't know what will. Made by ST Toys Hong Kong, this brightly coloured orange crab executes an amusing sideways movement with bobbling eyes and moving claws when wound up and released. It's an object of simple fun which also looks great when not on the move.

For a slice of the action see the following video: https://www.instagram.com/p/CE_pjRvnUAn/

The crab measures approximately 11cm long by 4cm deep by 8cm high (4¼ in. by 1½ in. by 3¼ in.). In good condition and fully working with only minor superficial signs of wear and use.

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Vintage German Hustadt Leuchten “Daffy” lamp

Jon Nix — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 01:55:31 +0000

Quirky is an often over-used word in the worlds within which Anything In Particular moves, but in this case it's fully justified. The Hustadt Leuchten lamp is very much worthy of the word quirky and worthy of its nickname - the "Daffy". Let's get it out of the way - this lamp stands on a base which looks like duck feet. There, it's been said. Made in the 1960s, this rarity is orange for the most part, save for the chrome section of the shade, and is a small desk lamp with adjustable head and with the added feature of being wall mountable too. It might be an odd duck, but it's a practical one.

This one is in good condition considering its age. Expect minor wear and tear and some superficial scratches and surface loss etc., but no major dents or dings.

The lamp measures approximately 23 cm in height, 13cm in width and 15cm in depth and has an original inline switch on the length of cord.

Offers are invited on this rare example.

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Vintage Engaged Sign in Cream with Black Lettering

Jon Nix — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 19:35:03 +0000

A quirky little item, this "ENGAGED" sign which presumably was originally used perhaps for a meeting room, or perhaps a much smaller room (!), to indicate that it was occupied or in use. In an off white ground with black lettering which is slightly impressed, the sign is made of a plastic material with holes for hanging the sign on the appropriate door handle. The sign has at some point been used in an office, because it would appear that someone has etched the word "OFFICE" on the back of it by hand. We think this piece could continue in use with its original purpose, but it also might make for a quirky engagement gift for a soon-to-be wedded couple with a sense of humour.

The sign measures approximately 6in. by 2 in. (15cm by 5cm) and comes complete with string. In good general condition, with some signs of age and use.

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Vintage Snooker Scoreboard

Jon Nix — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 11:15:28 +0000

It's all about character and this vintage snooker scoreboard has it in abundance. Well used over the years, it has a superb worn appearance which makes it a very interesting display piece, whether for a pub or retail environment or for the home. Quirky, that's the score.

The scoreboard - which is fully functional notwithstanding the wear and tear - measures approximately 41cm wide, with a height of 11cm and a depth of 2cm. A hook is attached to the back for wall mounting. The pointers slide freely on their rails.

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Gadgets and Diversions Magazines (11 issues – 1950) – very quirky!

Jon Nix — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 08:05:32 +0000

A highly entertaining and interesting collection of "Gadgets And Diversions" magazines covering the year 1950 (11 issues, 10 single issues and 1 double issue). These small magazines printed with two colour covers and black and white interiors were printed on paper and contain a myriad of weird and wonderful household ideas and tips for things to make and do. Produced by the Savings Bank, the contents include such gems as making a wooden Howitzer gun, how to read in utter darkness, making your own foot-operated grinder, and how to re-shape your soft hat in two minutes, and much, much, more. The collection is a real treasure-trove of quirky and sometimes archaic ideas and very amusing when seen from the modern perspective.

The magazines are mostly in very good condition considering their age and origina. There are some small water marks on the back covers of several issues and some rusting to the staples in the spines, but there is very little other wear and tear aside from this. Although they were clearly printed quite cheaply at the time, they have stood up well. This is a good opportunity to purchase an entire volume (3) for display purposes or just for fun.

Each magazine has a paper cover and measures 18.5cm x 12cm (7¼ in. x 4¾ in.) and contains 32 pages of content with some advertising.

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Unusual Boxed Asian/Geisha Doll with Changeable Wigs

Jon Nix — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 21:10:55 +0000

A very unusual and difficult to describe item! We'll be honest and admit that we know very little about it and our researches have not given us any concrete conclusions, so we are selling very much "as found" and "as described". It appears on first glance to be a Japanese geisha doll - but it might possibly be Chinese in origin - in a light wooden box with glass lid (quite fragile in reality). Perhaps some kind of souvenir or traditional gift. The doll is dressed in red and black fabric robes and has a ceramic head with painted features, and comes with three wigs in their own compartments in the box. To give you some sense of the size of the doll, the case measures about 15cm by 8cm (6.5" x 3").

One of our quirkier finds, this doll is definitely different and is perhaps suited to the collector or to those interested in the culture from which it comes. In terms of condition, there is some fading to the costume which we presume was originally a much deeper black and there is some thinning to the wigs, but on the whole the doll is faring quite well considering the delicacy of construction and age.

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Quirky Carved Wooden Fox Made in Italy

Jon Nix — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 14:55:57 +0000

Measuring 30cm (12in.) in length and 12.5cm (5in.) high this quirky carved wooden fox certainly makes up in size for what he lacks in... well, there's no easy to way to say it, really. It would be fair to say that he's perhaps not the prettiest of creatures, but we really love his odd looks - oversized tail, ears and snout and odd eyes - and we hope you do too!

We aren't sure of his age, but it would make sense if he were 1960s or 1970s. We do know he was made in Italy, because a label stating it is still affixed. More than that, we don't know, but we instantly found him appealing and are pleased to offer him to a new (and loving) home.

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“Gaybox” wall fitment wooden shelves

Jon Nix — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 19:15:41 +0000

Do It Yourself.

It's easy.

You'll be delighted.

Not our words, of course. From the box of this modular shelving unit which - as you might have already surmised - is VERY much of its time (1950s/1960s) and is a rather amusing and interesting insight into the World As It Used To Be. It is basically a shelving unit which is self-assembled and can be used for storing knick-knacks or other small items, although we think it's quite nice just as it is. Perhaps even just left in its box!

Our offering comes with instructions, though you'll instantly see that the box has lost its ends. It happens to the best of us! The box is 24cm by 8cm by 5.5cm and the shelves when assembled are approximately 30cm by 30cm.

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1950s Child’s B-B “Whistle Toothbrush”

Jon Nix — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 09:28:39 +0000

If you or your child likes to whistle and you like to brush, then this junior 1950s "B-B" toothbrush is for you!

Evidence: the box is decorated with whistling birds and on the back is the exhortation "I like to Whistle... I like to Brush!". We have absolutely no clue as to the connection between whistling and dental hygiene... please ask your dentist. Or don't and just enjoy this really quirky piece!

It's unopened, but we probably wouldn't recommend you using this for its intended purpose!

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