https://www.ebay.com.au/str/alicesinstylecollectables

Alices In Style Collectables, Sydney (2026)

13/05/2026

Fas Emile has found out the hard way that possum fur and packing tape don't mix!

12/05/2026

This is a retro Bessemer double egg cup, a unique piece of Australian mid-century kitchenware. https://bit.ly/4cQKIt4

Unlike typical single or double egg cups that stand alone, this version features a raised central pedestal for two eggs surrounded by a built-in saucer or tray. This wide rim is designed to hold discarded eggshells or "toast soldiers".

The top surface between the two egg holders features two smaller indentations designed to hold salt and pepper for seasoning. This innovative Australian-made design integrates a full breakfast station into a single piece.

It is made from Melmac (a brand of melamine resin), which was popular in the 1960s and 70s and is known for being heat-resistant and virtually unbreakable. These were manufactured in Australia by the Nylex Corporation under the Bessemer brand, which is a well-known name in vintage Australian cookware.

09/05/2026

Check out the Astro Boy items in store including this vinyl money bank made in the 1990s. The colour reboot of Astro Boy was a standout, beloved program in Australia during the 1980s. It was a favourite of children's television, fondly remembered alongside shows like Voltron and Kimba the White Lion.
https://bit.ly/3OpQPeD

Created by Osamu Tezuka in 1952, Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atomu) is a groundbreaking manga and anime series centered on a super-powered android with a human heart. Originally conceived as a replacement for the deceased son of Dr. Tenma, the robot was rejected for his inability to grow and subsequently sold to a cruel circus by his creator. He was later rescued by Dr. Ochanomizu, the new Minister of Science, who took him in and raised him to be a heroic defender of peace and robot rights.

The narrative of Astro Boy deeply explores the complex relationship between humanity and technology, tackling profound questions concerning the ethical treatment of Artificial Intelligence and prejudice. Astro Boy serves as a mediator between humans and machines, constantly striving to prove his own humanity while battling villains who mistreat robots.

Astro Boy made his debut in Ambassador Atom (1951) before gaining his own dedicated series in 1952, stemming from Tezuka's desire to create a hero capable of expressing human emotions. The 1963 anime adaptation holds a significant place in history as the first popular animated series on Japanese television, effectively setting the standard for the entire anime industry.

Astro Boy was not the first animated film produced in Japan, but it is considered the first popular, serialised anime TV series to be heavily exported and shown to a wide global audience, particularly in the United States. The English translator, Frederik Schodt, changed the original Japanese name "Atom" to "Astro Boy" for the US release, concerned the name "Atom" would be insensitive so soon after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In one particularly surreal storyline, Astro Boy traveled back in time to battle the US Air Force to protect a peaceful Vietnamese village.

A marvel of retro-futuristic engineering, Astro Boy's initial strength was 100,000 horsepower, later upgraded to a formidable 1,000,000 horsepower. His powers include:

Jet Propulsion: He achieves flight by transforming his feet into powerful jets, capable of incredible speeds.
Searchlight Eyes: Both eyes function as powerful searchlights in darkness.
Electronic Brain: His brain can differentiate between good and evil, allowing him to detect threats.
Hyper-Sensory Hearing: He can hear noises 1,000 times more sensitively than a human.
Built-in Machine Guns: Among his seven powers are machine guns installed in his posterior, designed to catch opponents off guard.
Global Communication: He possesses the ability to understand over 60 languages.

Not just a cartoon character: in 2007, Japan’s Foreign Ministry appointed Astro Boy as the inaugural "envoy for overseas safety" to promote security for overseas travelers. He also starred in "edu-manga" to educate children about historical figures such as Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa, and Helen Keller.

09/05/2026

New in store is this vintage Polaroid Automatic 240 Land Camera - a folding bellows camera produced between 1967 and 1970. Named after Polaroid's founder, Edwin Land, the camera series utilised a self-developing film process he invented.
https://bit.ly/4ev5csw

The Polaroid Automatic 240 Land Camera, produced in the late 1960s as part of the 200-series, stands out as a "high-spec" model among the Land Camera line. It is highly regarded for its blend of professional-grade durability and user-friendly automation, offering a versatile choice for instant pack-film photography.

Unlike the cheaper, plastic-bodied later models, and often described as "built like a tank," the 240 features a durable, all-metal body. Despite its metal construction, the folding bellows design allows the camera to collapse into a relatively compact size, making it a portable option ideal for street photography, portraits and landscapes.

It boasts a high-quality, 3-element glass lens, which delivers sharper images compared to the 2-element plastic lenses found on lower-end cameras. An "electric eye" system automatically sets the shutter speed (from 10 seconds to 1/1200 of a second) based on the film speed (ASA 75-3000).

The camera includes a split-image rangefinder, allowing for precise manual focusing by aligning two images in the viewfinder - a significant upgrade over the focusing used in cheaper models. The camera also features a Scene Selector that provides two distinct aperture options for each film speed, which is extremely helpful for controlling exposure in difficult lighting.

It used Type 100 peel-apart pack film (e.g., Fujifilm FP-100C), providing the classic instant experience where the user separated the negative from the large, high-quality positive print.

While the later Model 250 was sometimes favoured for its larger, slightly superior rangefinder, the 240 provided nearly identical, high-quality photographic results in a similarly durable package.

09/05/2026

I have taken on a new collaborator - a possum from Leura in the Blue Mountains. Watch this space!
Thank you Leura Cabinet of Curiosities for the introduction.

06/05/2026

New in store is this antique display plate made by Royal Doulton as part of the Scottish Hunting Scenes series made between 1913 and 1928. There were 4 scenes used in the series styled after the work of Victorian artist James Hardy.
https://bit.ly/3ORqRkh

James Hardy Junior (1832-1889) was a celebrated British painter and watercolourist, highly renowned for his detailed, romanticised depictions of Victorian sporting scenes, particularly those set in the Scottish Highlands.

Based for much of his life in Bristol, he specialised in rustic landscapes, Highland game, and, most distinctively, attentive gundogs - especially Gordon and English Setters - often shown patiently guarding the day's catch.

Born in 1832, in Brighton, James Hardy Jnr was the eldest of ten children born into a prominent artistic family. His father, James Hardy Senior (1801–1879), was a painter who also served as Principal Trumpet in the Private Band of Music for King George IV. His brothers, David and Heywood Hardy (a renowned equestrian painter), and his cousin, Frederick Daniel Hardy (of the Cranbrook Colony), were also recognised artists.

Hardy's work was heavily influenced by the style of Sir Edwin Landseer and benefited greatly from the Victorian era fascination with the Scottish Highlands, a popularity fueled by Queen Victoria herself. He often used detailed "bodycolour" (watercolour mixed with white pigment or gouache) to enhance the texture and quality of his scenes.

Hardy exhibited frequently at prestigious London venues from 1853, including the British Institution and the Suffolk Street Galleries. He maintained a strong presence at the Royal Academy from 1862 until 1886. He was elected to the New Watercolour Society in 1874, becoming a full member in 1877.

To distinguish him from his father, he is often cited as "James Hardy Junior" or "James Hardy II." He died in Finchley, London, in 1889. Today his works are held in major public collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum.

04/05/2026

May the Fourth be with you! Check out the Star Wars memorabilia in store including this Star Wars Incredible Cross-Sections book, bringing the world of 'The Force Awakens' to life in never-before-seen detail!
https://bit.ly/3Qhqb8g

The Star Wars Incredible Cross-Sections books by Dorling Kindersley (DK) are renowned for their highly detailed cutaway illustrations of vehicles, providing intricate, technical insights into Star Wars technology. Using expert illustrations they feature expansive gatefolds, detailed schematics of interiors, and "exploded" views that reveal engines, weapons and crew.

Jason Fry’s text provides detailed, informative, and researched text on how vehicles function, including specs on propulsion, defense, and cargo. They offer a "true treasure trove" of in-universe technical details, making them essential for fans to visualize the internal workings of ships from films like The Last Jedi or The Force Awakens.

These books, researched via the Lucasfilm archives, act as the definitive reference for how ships operate, explaining things like the Naboo cruiser’s design philosophy or the technical specs of a TIE fighter. Fry is recognised for his detailed knowledge of Star Wars lore, particularly regarding astrography and the intricacies of the galaxy's technological and historical background.

27/04/2026

New in store is this majestic Royal Doulton "The Clydesdale" figurine made in 2003 as part of the Sporting & Ceremonial Collection.
https://bit.ly/3QtE9ns

The Clydesdale is a Scottish draft horse breed that originated in the 18th century in the Clyde Valley, Lanarkshire. Developed by crossing native Scottish mares with imported Flemish stallions, and later improved with Shire blood, the breed was specifically intended for heavy agricultural work, coal hauling, and industrial haulage, particularly in Glasgow.

Known for their large size (typically 16-18 hands high), active and intelligent yet gentle temperament and distinctive appearance - often bay, brown, black, or chestnut with extensive white markings and long "feather" on the lower legs, Clydesdales quickly gained global popularity. Following the 1850s gold rush, they became the dominant draft breed in Australia, with significant exports also going to North America and New Zealand.

The breed faced a massive decline in numbers due to the heavy use of horses in World War I and the subsequent rise of mechanisation and farm tractors in the 1930s and 1940s. By the 1970s, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust considered the Clydesdale vulnerable to extinction.

Clydesdales have been maintained in Australia by a transition from agricultural workhorses to versatile roles in showing and tourism, driven by the dedication of the Commonwealth Clydesdale Horse Society Australia (CCHS) established in 1918.

The breed is kept active through niche farming (lower soil compaction than mechanised vehicles), brewery promotion teams, historical events and media, and dedicated breed enthusiasts.

The CCHS manages stud books to maintain breed purity and health, with about 700 members. Following the decline in the 1960s, these efforts have ensured the breed remains a part of Australia's rural, cultural and agricultural landscape.

24/04/2026

New in store is this intricately hand painted Japanese Kutani Ware sake cup and saucer featuring vibrant floral motifs and gold enamel detailing. Kutani ware is a traditional style of Japanese porcelain known for its detailed designs and vivid colors like deep greens, yellows, and reds applied with intricate overglaze enamels. https://bit.ly/3Q6DxUV

The ochoko, a small, traditional Japanese cup for drinking sake, has an intriguing history rooted in its culinary origins. Initially, these cups served as simple household tableware for holding condiments such as sauces and vinegars.

The shift to its current purpose occurred during the Edo period (1603-1868). As sake brewing techniques advanced, yielding stronger and more refined products, people began using these small dishes for drinking. The compact size facilitated sipping rather than gulping, revolutionizing sake consumption from the communal use of shallow sakazuki cups to a more individualised and less formal experience.

The name ochoko itself is thought to reflect this slow consumption, likely derived from the words "choku" or "chotto," both meaning "just a little".

The late 17th-century surge in sake production - with nearly 30,000 registered breweries by 1698 - further drove the demand for specialised vessels like the ochoko, commonly paired with tokkuri (sake bottles). Its adoption also helped solidify o-shaku, the custom of pouring sake for companions, fostering a more interactive drinking culture and strengthening social bonds.

Historically, ochoko were crafted in various styles, influenced by regional pottery traditions like Bizen and Kutani that flourished during the Edo period.

Other Sake Vessels:
Guinomi: Larger than an ochoko, originally used for food but now favored for more casual drinking.
Sakazuki: Shallow, dish-like cups typically reserved for formal, ceremonial or more genteel occasions.

Today, the ochoko remains the most common vessel for enjoying sake, regardless of whether it is served warm or cold. They are produced using a diverse range of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, and metals like tin. Connoisseurs often select a specific material, as each subtly alters the sake's temperature or mouthfeel.

19/04/2026

SOLD
Check out all the vintage sewing notions in store, including this box of Newey's "World Famed" hook and bar loops, from the 1960s. They are mounted on branded cards, including a depiction of a mother and daughter. The packaging boasts they were made "By Appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother". https://bit.ly/4sEMlyE

Newey Brothers, a prominent manufacturer of haberdashery and fasteners, operated in Birmingham, England, for over a century. The company was a dominant force in the sewing notions industry, best known for its "Newey's" hooks and eyes and snap fasteners, featuring innovative "rustless" technology.

Newey Brothers Ltd's influence dates back to the late 19th century, continuing well into the 20th century. A mark of their prestige came in 1911 when they were awarded the Royal Warrant, providing the hooks and eyes for Queen Mary's Coronation robe. They were celebrated for producing durable, high-quality fasteners, including "fine hard steel wire" hooks and eyes.

The 1920s saw significant innovation from James George Newey, who developed snap fasteners utilising S-shaped springs for a secure snap. These were extensively advertised throughout the 1920s and 1930s. This snap-fastener technology was also adapted for electrical equipment, with Newey patenting a snap-on electrical connector, which the Hatheway Manufacturing Co distributed in the US as "Nu-Way snap terminals." During WWII, Newey manufactured specialised fastening equipment for military clothing and gear.

The company was later acquired by Prym, becoming "Prym Newey," and continued to manufacture haberdashery and lingerie accessories in England until the English factory's eventual closure in 2001. The company's long-standing reputation is captured by the phrase, "If it fastens—Neweys make it."

Today, Newey products from the 1940s-1960s are considered collectible vintage sewing notions, with unused, carded items featuring detailed instructions still in circulation.

19/04/2026

New in store is this antique silver-plated Britannia Metal sugar scuttle with matching scoop, featuring an etched floral design on the sides. It was produced by Harrison Fisher & Co, Sheffield, England, between 1897 and 1925. https://bit.ly/4vBNF84

Constructed from silver-plated metal, marked with EPBM (Electroplated Britannia Metal), which is a soft, tin-based alloy containing antimony, coated in silver. EPBM items are often lighter than nickel-based plating (EPNS) and are known for being sturdy, although they are very prone to soft wear and loss of plating over time.

A sugar scuttle is a Victorian-era, novelty silver-plated serving vessel shaped like a miniature coal scuttle, designed to hold sugar for tea. Popularized in the 1850s, these decorative items often feature ornate engravings, a fixed base, and a matching small scoop for serving which fits in to the loop at the back. Today, they are popular as vintage decor or repurposed to hold items like bath salts, mints, or nuts - offering a charming, vintage aesthetic to modern living.

Harrison Fisher & Co was a Sheffield-based cutlery manufacturer established in 1897 by Harrison Fisher. Operating from Trafalgar Works, the firm was known for high-quality cutlery, including electro-plated silver and stainless steel. Founded by Harrison Fisher (1871–1907), later managed in the 1920s by Herbert Skerritt and Herbert Bromley. The company acquired other firms, including Thomas Frost & Co Ltd (table blade forger) and A. Milns & Co (electro-plate manufacturer). They stopped producing electroplated wares in 1925 but continued in the trade. In 1929, the firm acquired John Sanderson, becoming John Sanderson & Son (1929) Ltd, located at 57 Trafalgar Street.

Alices In Style Collectables

13/05/2026

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09/05/2026

06/05/2026

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