Writer Douglas Blyde selects his favourite 10 Vintage Seekers finds - including a super-sleek sports car and an anonymous, armoured cocktail owl.

By Douglas Blyde on Wednesday 9th May, 2012

1950s Goodyear Soles - Telephone Advertising Poster
Who knew Goodyear also made soles? I like the fact the slogan, ‘what pretty feet’ has been added, almost as an afterthought. Alternatively, my eyes might be drawn anywhere but there...

1970s Itri Vetri Murano Pencil Table/Floor Lamp
This hugely unpractical (65cm high) glowing indulgence effectively states that the pencil is mightier than the sword. As a writer, it therefore holds great appeal.

Au Bon Climat Knox Alexander Pinot Noir 2008
I flew to California on the strength of a sip of Pinot Noir by self-titled ‘Mind Behind’ Au Bon Climat winery, Jim Clendenen. A memorable lunch of stolen broccoli rinsed with glasses of supple, buoyant Knox Alexander ensued.

Lustau VORS Palo Cortado 30 Years-Old
Beloved by the wine trade and savvy chefs including Heston Blumenthal, sherry unravels in a multitude of expressions, including this rare, complex, even creamy version from one of the most consistent producers.

Baron de Sigognac Armagnac 1967
From 1967, the year Sandie Shaw won Eurovision, the first ATM was introduced, and Paul Gascoigne born, comes a long, lozenge-like draft of candied citrus.

1970s Chrome 'Novelty' Owl Ice Bucket
Made by unknown hands, with one eye "less 'golden' than the other", what I interpret as an owl in armour could make a comical - if slightly severe - gargoyle to guard my bar!

1973 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV in Blu Scura with Crema Hide
I’ve long been a fan of the Alfa Romeo marque - the ultimate drivers’ car? I can just imagine the urgent audible scowl this impeccable authentic, deeply gleaming example would make.

1960s Alfred Hedrickx Rosewood Tile Sideboard
From Mr. Cool of cabinet making, Alfred Hedrickx, this clean-lined sideboard evokes a modernist horizontal skyscraper which would look very much at home in the De La Warr pavilion.

Tejo Remy & Rene Veenhuizen Bamboo Chair
Although it costs approximately one third of my annual income, if I could afford it, I’d delight in watching friends try to work out what this delicate looking, tactile structure actually was.

1980s Original Tortoise Bausch and Lomb Wayfarer Sunglasses
Much imitated, but I doubt ever bettered, Wayfarer frames have endured over half a century of trends, and still hold appeal to both girls and boys. This spotless example dates from 1983.

What's your definition of vintage?
"Carefully curated renditions of enduring design allow us, as sentient beings, the privilege of travelling back in time to appreciate the structure of civilisation."

Sommelier for Tracey Emin's birthday and Kate Moss' wedding, Douglas Blyde writes about luxury lifestyle, food and wine for a wide range of titles including The Arbuturian, Brummell, glass, Harden's, Harper's Wine, Icon, The Quarterly and Vertu Select. Follow his musings at www.intoxicatingprose.com