Jon and I went to see Sherlock Holmes this weekend.  It’s a great film if, and only if, you are okay with it being not really anything like the books or the Jeremy Brett version.  Robert Downy Jr. and Jude Law are just too handsome to be Holmes and Watson really– and since when did Holmes fight in boxing matches?  I thought he was an opium addict.  Of course, I’m biased because a) I read many of the stories with my Mom and b) I watched almost all the A&E/Jeremy Brett episodes between the ages of 10 and 14– an impressionable age.  Anyway, Guy Richie made a great film about sleuthing in Victorian England and nobody, but nobody, can film a boxing scene like Ritchie.

Anyway, although I didn’t love the plot I loved the richness of all the sets.  I definitely understand the appeal of Steampunk (if I didn’t before when I was scouring the DC area for antique glassware).  It’s not quite my thing– I like my Steapunk diluted with a little 19th century history–probably because I want my very own Cabinet of Curiosities some day.  Herewith an incomplete list of some of my favorite quasi-Victorian objects:

Contemporary German Safety Goggles from Restoration Hardware.

Antique Sterling Silver Perfume, Smelling Salts Decanter, Bottle in Domed Original Leather Etui, Box via Rubylane.com

W. Watson & Sons Ltd., The Van Heurck No.1 model microscope, c. 1910, via Antique-Microscopes.com

Jasmine Ruffled Side-tie Panties from Espalore’s Etsy Shop.  I don’t think I could ever wear these because really I can’t take myself that seriously but, I like the way they look on other people.

5 Light Silver Plated Candelabra via FoodServiceWarehouse.com.  I think this would look just lovely covered in loads of dripped candle wax.

And the grand finale…

Brass cash register via Solvang Antique Center.