Antique Quest Chronicles: The Unsolved Mystery of the Domino at Waterside Antiques

In this episode of Antique Quest Chronicles, I explore the wonders of Ely’s Waterside Antiques, where a peculiar domino set challenges my understanding of 19th-century craftsmanship. Join me as I delve into the history behind these enigmatic pieces and uncover more treasures in one of East Anglia's largest antique centers.

Discover the thrill of antique hunting as I stumble upon a mysterious domino set with an unexplained backstory. Though the mystery remains unsolved, the journey through Waterside Antiques reveals the rich history and hidden gems waiting to be found.

The Discovery Begins

In the first episode of my Ely journey to Waterside Antiques, I shared the exhilaration of uncovering a pair of lawn bowls once owned by Percy Baker, a legendary UK sportsman. That find, coupled with the hours of research that followed, led to a complete collection featuring original photos and a newspaper article from Baker's 1966 Australian tour. This kind of discovery is what fuels my passion for antique hunting, providing the strength and endurance needed to continue this challenging pursuit.

Yet, as any seasoned antique hunter knows, the excitement of discovery must be balanced with financial calculations. While researching the lawn bowls later in my Cambridge hotel, I was still unaware that this first find would cover the costs of my entire expedition. Yet, the pressure to unearth more treasures to justify the journey remained.

Exploring Waterside Antiques

Waterside Antiques is a treasure trove, boasting over 80 dealers, carefully curated items, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit a pleasure. With so much to discover, I pressed on with my search, driven by the hope of finding more hidden gems.

It was then, beside the table where I found the lawn bowls, that I noticed a small, pyramid-shaped wooden box—something I had never encountered before.

Metronome Selon Maelzel: A Timeless Treasure

Upon closer inspection, the box revealed itself to be a Metronome Selon Maelzel, crafted in France in the early 1900s. The metronome, made of brass with a rosewood exterior, was attributed to Johann Nepomuk Maelzel (1772–1838), a German inventor known for his significant contributions to music and engineering. While Maelzel is not the original inventor of the metronome - Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel holds that title—Maelzel’s metronomes became the preferred choice among musicians, endorsed even by Ludwig van Beethoven.

Though a small piece of wood was missing from the lid, the metronome was in perfect working condition, a rarity for such an old item. I estimated its value at €96.

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The Mysterious Domino: A Puzzle from the Past

Antique domino set from Callaghan & Co. Opticians, crafted between 1870 and 1875, featuring bone pieces and a wooden case with a label from 23a New Bond Street, London.

The next item I encountered was one of the most puzzling finds in my antique hunting career - a set of 43 bone-crafted dominoes produced by Callaghan & Co Opticians between 1870 and 1875. Callaghan & Co, based at 23a New Bond Street, London, was renowned for their high-quality optical instruments during the 19th century. The transition to the name "Callaghan & Co." in the mid-1870s and the use of the New Bond Street address from 1859 to 1875 helped me date this set precisely between 1870 and 1875.

What baffled me was why such a prestigious firm, known for crafting complex scientific instruments, would produce a modest domino set with a roughly made wooden case. Could these dominoes have been a simple pastime for astronomers waiting for the right conditions to observe the night sky? Or perhaps they were complimentary gifts alongside the purchase of a telescope? The answer remains elusive, but I invite readers to share their theories. Any meaningful suggestions will be published.

This intriguing domino set, dating back to before 1875, could be valued at €35.

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A Tale of Two Castrol Signs

Continuing my exploration on the top floor, I discovered a pile of automobilia enamel signs, one of which was a replica of an original Castrol sign. Despite being a reproduction, the vibrant colors and excellent condition made it desirable to collectors. It sold quickly online for €45 to a buyer from the Netherlands.

Nearby, I found an original Castrol sign hanging from the ceiling. Though similar in size to the replica, this sign was significantly heavier and showed the wear of time. The logo, used by Castrol between 1968 and 1992, suggested that the sign was produced in the 1970s or 1980s. Unfortunately, it was beyond my budget, but I estimated its value to be between €160 and €180.

A Memorable Visit

As my visit to Waterside Antiques drew to a close, I made my purchases and secured a discount for paying in cash. The staff, always courteous and helpful, assisted me in packing my finds, ensuring they would travel safely back to Vienna.

A humorous moment brightened my visit—while kneeling to examine an antique telescope, a staff member jokingly asked if I was about to propose. Her lighthearted comment brought a smile to my face, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Waterside Antiques is a must-visit for any serious antique hunter. With its vast selection, professional curation, and friendly staff, it offers an unparalleled shopping experience. Additionally, the center’s sheer volume of items, combined with limited research on each piece, means that many hidden treasures are still waiting to be discovered - just as I found during my visit.

Looking Ahead

After completing my journey in Ely and returning to Cambridge, it was time to plan my next adventure. Hungerford, a town renowned for its antique shops, became the focus of my next expedition. With its rich history and wealth of hidden treasures, I couldn’t wait to explore what this new destination had in store. Stay tuned for the next episode of Antique Quest Chronicles, where I share the remarkable finds from Hungerford. Until then, Happy Hunting!