Why should we limit our holiday gift shopping to big box or local stores?
Even if you are not a collector, auctions are a good avenue for less pedestrian choices.
The Fine Silver & Objects of Vertu auction presented by Dreweatts 1759 at 11:00 AM on December 7, 2011 (at Donnington Priory in the UK) lists offbeat objects amongst them an Indian tiger's eye walking cane (lot 112, late 19th-eraly 20th century, £100 -150 ) and an Art deco lapis lazuli box (lot 113, £400 -600) in the Objects of Vertu.
For your house parties, An Old Sheffield plate oval bread basket (circa 1795, lot 2, £200 -300) will add that little je ne sais quoi to dinner.
If you cannot be present in person at the auction, bid online.
Download the Full Catalogue and draft your list.
(* Images of lot 112 and lot 2 from Dreweatts auction catalogue)