A Very Strange & Lucky Find That Nearly Passed Me By.Does That Mean It Was Meant For Me? (Jan 2023)

I'm not sure how I knew there was something there under the mud! It must have been a sixth sense. I'm glad I followed my intuition. Join me as I find weird and wonderful artefacts that have been submerged in mud for almost a century! The people who discarded this lot would laugh if they knew how excited we were to find their secret stash of treasures they no longer wanted!
Thank you to David Nolan without whom this excursion would not have been possible!

[@missmerrily4830]

The 'jug' you left behind was a shaving mug and they were still quite common in my dad's day. He was born in 1904 and we had several of them at home in my childhood during the 1950s. A special round shaving soap sat in the bit with the holes, so that when you were finished the soap would drain off any water into the bottom of the mug. Hot water went into the other side and the brush was dipped into that, then the soap and lathered up on the face. Then the razor followed, safety or cut-throats, to be rinsed. Shave over it was cleaned up and put on the shelf for next time. What some really fabulous finds. Well worth being excited about! Don't ask me to pick a favourite. They are all brilliant.

[@janmitchell641]

The potters on Pottery Throw Down were recently assigned the task of creating an old fashioned shaving mug like that.

[@gibbersking6575]

This community on Nicola's and other Mudlarking KZbin channels never ceases to amaze and delight me with the depth and breadth of knowledge and SHARING IT. It doesn't matter that a shaving mug was an ordinary, commonplace item (Although I know they got very fancy, humorous, personalized, etc.). All these items - tobacco tin, re-imagined porcelain Grecian Lady, plate shard - come alive and somehow become utterly fascinating to me. Thanks for sharing!! ~West Virginia, USA

[@heather5780]

yes, a shaving mug, I was shouting at the screen saying 'Don't leave it Nicola!', Still I guess she can't take everything home lol

[@gibbersking6575]

@@heather5780 😄

[@Turbogran]

I was also dumbfounded that the shaving mug was left behind.

[@velaminavalentine9322]

Really loved all the finds, the candleholder lady turned out just splendid! I love the tiny animal and people figurines the most, it makes me happy whenever they are found💗

[@lindabateman1357]

Great video Nicola! Incredible finds. That strange broken jug looks like an old shaving mug.

[@stacycentral]

Yes, That's exactly what it is. The "spout" is for the brush.

[@miriamgreen3973]

The candle holders are beautiful! Well done❤

[@DianeGreeney-ly4fq]

I have and old shaving mug looks like that

[@Kit-vb5rm]

I was born in 1949, I was given one of these for Christmas when I was old enough to start shaving along with a Badger hair shaving brush an a stick of shaving soap. Great video Nichola. 😂

[@BlueskystylingKauai]

Here on Kauai we have a special type of shell called a Sunrise Shell. It was recently deemed a semi precious stone. After 30 years of searching the shorelines, both my mother and I have trained our brains to see even a tiny chip of a Sunrise Shell. They have a particular color, certain shaped ridges and a certain size, and are completely different from all other shells on our beaches. Im telling you this because I am sure all your years of mudlarking has trained your brain, even subconsciously, to seek manmade outlines, symmetry, and colors of porcelain or metal. It’s marvelous to see you discover treasures lying there in the mud . Come visit Kauai and I will show you all my secret spots! Aloha!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Ooh I'd love to visit!

[@juneyshu6197]

Kauai, absolutely paradisical! blessings.

[@debbiefox6846]

The eye does get trained. I could spot an Agate out of millions of pebbles on our beaches when I lived right next to the ocean. As far as seeing familiar, man made, or human shapes there is a bit of a psychological phenomena that humans exhibit. It's called Pareidolia. It is a psychological phenomenon that causes people to see patterns in random stimuli. You see faces in clouds, things that look like animals, shapes in clouds etc. we all possess this ability. 😊💕

[@sunnydavidson297]

Like the transformation of the Victorian lady. The lid with the fairy and the violin-maybe from a container of face powder? I have a friend with a sign in bathroom-"Summer, I think of you every day."

[@diane64yorks]

Hello Nicola, I recognise the donkey, my mum had one exactly the same in her china cabinet, her's had "A Gift from Rhyll," written across the bit underneath the donkey, it was a Donkey Barometer spill holder, and it had a string tail , with a list of weather on the tall part behind the donkey, ie, if tail wet - Rain, if tail moves - Windy, if tail can't be seen - Fog, and so on, the last one being if tail falls off - Earthquake 😅 I wish I still had mum's one, Thank you for giving me a trip down memory lane 😊 Best wishes from Yorkshire 😊

[@Ceceoh]

😊Here in the Southwestern U.S we had ‘genuine Indian weather stones” that used the same tourist schtick, except the end was “ …if stone gone, tornado!”. Never let a good eye-catching souvenir gimmick die.

[@barbarapartington6182]

Allsops brewery is Kirsty Allsops family. Look it up.😊

[@debrah7548]

So very sorry you are fighting a bug. It was likely a trial putting this video out, and we so appreciate your effort. Look forward to the bright and refreshing spot they bring! I did favor that little lid, an exquisite thing. The candlesticks you produced were wonderful, too. Thank you, thank you for bringing the wonder into our lives, Nicola! You are dear.

[@lauraoneill937]

How funny that you Si both found the same milk bottle and put the video of it out in the same week! Lovely lark and video again Nicola

[@fanroche8573]

i knew i had seen one before

[@eleaerik6478]

And I believe Fleur and Kate found part of one as well in recent times!

[@lauraoneill937]

@@eleaerik6478 yes I seem to recall a video with them finding one too

[@anniehartley8851]

If you watch the pottery throw down you will see the potters making the exact object. Love that you found it intact. Not broken..you put the soap at the top, put your shaving brush to lather it up and away you go. I remember shaving my Nonno with a cut throat razor, I was little, scary, but I did it, he must have trusted me. You had to pull the skin up and shave at the same time. That brought back a memory locked way at the back of my brain. Thank you. Love where you are, wonderful finds ❤❤❤😂😂

[@sharynkhan1104]

One man's rubbish is another woman's treasure. Fantastic video Nicola as always. Love the cat in the basket.

[@pppantz]

I just saw those shaving mugs on Great Pottery Throwdown

[@RichardBrown-xe8zm]

The ashtray’s staining is likely persisting because it was subjected to years of having ash and tar and embers ground into its palm. I wouldn’t blame the River. Love your attitude and the sharing of your adventures. Thanks!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

That's true! Thank you

[@pheart2381]

That jug is a shaving mug. Soap goes in the perforated dish,brush sits in the other hole to dry out.

[@Julianne955]

Thank you Nicola and David for what looked like an absolute beautiful adventure before the Winter storms came in. Beautiful finds, lovely company and epic finds! Have a fabulous week you two!

[@pseko]

😀 I love the donkey!!! but I truly enjoy watching what is found wherever you are ... near or in the water. I grew up along a river and miss it.

[@AmericanPatriot-1776]

I think today's adventure brought you the most and finest finds ever. The candle holder with the lady is fabulous!!

[@user-xd2ky4it8m]

Love the lady and donkey 😊

[@pigoff123]

I learn so much from you. I wish they would make a hostel for our homeless veterans.

[@gillstephenson1563]

Some absolutely fabulous finds. Loved the Allsops hand. Amazing what gets discarded. I also have a cold & also looking forward to Spring.

[@janettamcgee8124]

The donkey and the fairy lid were my favorites. Thanks for taking us along. Greetings from Texas, USA .

[@user-vq3ct1jf7k]

Thank you Nicola. I found this magical and charming. Just the antidote for the winter blues!

[@IrishAnnie]

What treasures!! I love the lid with the fairy and the lady with the jug. So pretty. How rewarding to find this history!!❤❤❤❤

[@rikspector]

Nicola, "If Winter Comes, can Spring be far behind? " I hope you are feeling better. Cheers, Rik Spector

[@ed.puckett]

Thank you, your adventures and film and stories always leave me in an uplifted mood!

[@teptime]

That candle holder is really interesting. Your ability to breathe new life into the random detrius of yore is a unique talent.

[@Susie_Floozie]

That Allsopps tray is a remarkable artifact! What an enchanting find to pull up out of the muck. The lady and urn, the cute donkey, and the marmalade jar are mighty fine, too.

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

Nicola, you have found very nice things again. You have found a beautiful hand of all sopps. What beautiful skies there are to see.

[@DeeDee-tx8dq]

What wonderful treasures you found. Every time you picked up something, I exclaimed, “Ohhh!”.

[@lindasprings2987]

Thanks so much for all your kind words, and I wish you all the same! I enjoy your videos so much! Your finds are out of this world!!! Also, I love how you educate us about them. I am in the United States of America, One state below Virginia, in North Carolina. My city was known for its cigarettes. Tobacco was grown all around! All that has declined in my lifetime. Anyway, all the best to you and I will keep watching!

[@susancousins8766]

It’s always a happy day when you add a video to share your mudlarking finds. I know I have told you before, but you are such a strong woman. An amazing woman who can be versatile in whatever you do. Your creativity is so inspiring and amazing always making time to entertain your viewers. I hope you have an excellent week ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💜

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Susan xx

[@sarads7877]

Love the fairy playing the violin

[@myrtleholly2016]

lady candlestick looks lovely now. I enjoyed inclusion of the quick video of the passing fish.

[@noonehere1793]

Everything that finds its way to you happens for a reason. They know you will cherish them, share them and make them whole again! Thanks for sharing!👍👍

[@janedickson-gw4pb]

Loved the transformation of the Grecian lady!! I also loved the donkey & other small figures… Santas & the cat and basket!! Did you keep the whole Mug??? I liked it as well! Hope you recover quickly from your cold!! ❤

[@user-xg7mh8ow7k]

my favourite is the lady you made in to a candle holder well done .and little donkey

[@brucewestoby]

The "Allsopps" hand my be an cigarette ashtray.... The pictures of the open sky,boats and the birds are great too. Nice finds !

[@Katseye102]

I think Si just found one of those milk bottles also. I think it was Si I was watching…..😂😂🤣 the candleholder is beautiful! I think after you reinvented it into a candle holder it’s my favorite! You and Si are just incredible imaginative artists! Enjoy so much watching both of you!! ❤️❤️

[@motaman8074]

You're right. Si also found the same milk bottle.

[@kayradford3793]

Just joined my ancestry is in the East End. My great great grandparents lived and died there. He was a seaman from Sweden worked on the river. Both buried in Tower Hamlets cemetery. Unlike the Kray family who take up a huge portion of Chingford Mount Cemetery. Hi from Australia 🦘🦘🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@bethsmith3421]

A very enjoyable outing and a great bunch of treasures. My favorite was the little basket with the cat. Iliked the little donkey as well and the upcycles were well done. I thought it was such a coincidence that you would find that milk bottle with the funny names as Si found one exactly like it. I think it was his video last Sunday, but it might have been the one before that. I hope you are feeling better and continue to get back to perfect health. I hate being ill. Thank goodness it doesn't happen often. I've been lucky not to be a person who gets sick very often.

[@lindamazur4208]

I like to think these places as Mud Museums , I think it's really amazing how many things you find that aren't broken ,or nearly not broken LOL

[@tinabenavidez1903]

That was a lovely area, I do hope you go back, no telling what else you would find. The Grecian lady is marvelous the way transformed her.

[@villarakochy3042]

Hi Nicola! What a day of treasure hunting you had. All your finds were amazing though my faves are the ceramic/porcelain figures. The cat about to hop into the basket is precious!

[@bluetoo8010]

Lovely finds ! Your transformation of the lady into a candlestick was marvellous!!

[@annmccaffrey7900]

Nicola you are 1st class even when sick. I wanted to thank you again for calling me for my birthday weekend in London....I was stunned and honored that you took time to call me. It made my year!!! ❤❤❤

[@Pluggit1953]

That’s a shaving mug.

[@kimberlymolitor354]

Great finds!! My favorite was the mud maiden!! Terrific how you repurposed her!! Great history about the sailor home. So sad that it was needed, but glad it was available. That is a part of history that isn't often talked about, unfortunately. Hope you feel better, just getting over a bad cold myself.🤧🤧❤❤❤

[@perseapolaris9015]

Hello. Nicola...!! It was a delicious ride.. on the Thames,,? Or the North sea..? I would like to be with you..what a lovelyl' into the splendors of the past..!! Thank you Nicola ..your french fan../ spanish..💃🇪🇦🇫🇷..😅 a bientot. Greeting from france.👍😉

[@talcadetector4018]

Excelente amiga, te felicito por tu video y ese lindo lugar para buscar historia, saludos cordiales desde chile 🙋‍♂️🇨🇱🙏👏🗝️💍⛏️👏👍😊

[@artieash6671]

I enjoy all your videos, but love the good old fashioned "search and rescue" outings, and this one was wonderful. I wish you wellness.

[@grannyjann]

I love the donkey. The candle holder you made is really cool. I love your videos - the follow ups with the background history is great. Thanks so much for sharing your finds.

[@marionbowler5440]

Loved the seals, and elephants are my fav, well done Nicola 👏 ❤🇨🇦

[@terrigreville-nv4bu]

I Love the trinket box lid with the fairy playing a violin ❤️

[@ma_rin_49]

I remember Allsopps beer, we used to refer to it as Allslopps! Many years ago I smoked a pipe and packed it with Bondman tobacco, the tin had a bright red lid. I packed up smoking in the mid 70s and I've still got some of my old pipes. Really enjoyed the video hope you're now feeling a whole lot better.

[@bonnerdebbie]

Thanks Nicola, wonderful video as always. I hope you are feeling much better by now. I love the donkey, jewelry box top and the hand ashtray! Great poison bottle near the end!!

[@Flymochairman1]

Some great finds! All the best for the new 2024 season, Nicola and Mud-Larking friends! Keep safe out there. Cheers!

[@juneyshu6197]

What lovely finds! Hooray!‼🙂💖 "The day they saved Father Christmas." Just an amazing day❤

[@iamshotty]

Such a great spot with absolutely wonderful finds and fascinating histories too. I can't pick one that I liked most, they were all good, however that hand was fabulous. Such a great table piece. Oh, and Richie the cat... Love him ♥xx Teresa ❤🇦🇺

[@kathye8263]

I love the Grecian lady! Such a beautiful transformation.. Hopefully, you are feeling better!

[@shelleysmith6342]

Amazing finds Nicola I was excited with you .i am mudlarking through you I am in America in the hospital and I didn’t even know what mudlarking was till I found and binge watched your channel m.i get so excited and your such a kind gentle person I love the way you talk to the toys you find and save the little creatures .you remind me of myself .love shellby

[@lindakoester8799]

Nicola, you found a plethora of treasures this trip! I have an idea for you Milk Fairy and Elephant tin: make an impression on paper to sell using acrylic paint or ink. Make an impression of the words on the Milk bottle as well. I found it delightful!!! Good Luck and happy hunting. I hope your feeling better too! ❤️🙏✝️ USA 🇺🇸

[@LeaC-lw8xl]

Thanks for such an enjoyable video. I love the seals, that spectacular sunset, the up-cycled candle sticks, the histories, the donkey, the cat peering into the cradle & the artwork - especially the bowl of pipes & cod bottles. Hope by now you are feeling much better.

[@babygracie68]

A fabulous day of finds and nature 😊😊😊😊😊

[@christyweenig3399]

Love that little donkey and the candlestick you made with the greecian lady. Thanks for the video.

[@kikihammond5326]

Sorry you are unwell, I hope you are feeling better soon. I want to thank you for bringing bits of sanity, clarity, friendship and just lovely things during 2020. You helped me (mentally) through all that, and I'm happy to see you having fun in the mud. I live in the US near the ocean but have never found anything so amazing as your finds. I love walking up and down the beach looking for shells.

[@cathymc6607]

Hi Nicola, I love the fairy lid, my grandmother had a powder puff container almost identical to the lid you found brings back a lot of memories ❤

[@teresahamilton7801]

your videos of outings w/David & the Fitzroy are some of my favorites. as is the kitty & basket find. thanx!

[@AbuPaul]

We appreciate you back! we love you and your work :)

[@karenpelletier5707]

What a fantastic hunt! My favorites are the Allsops tray and the fairy lid. But i also like the cat with the basket, the snow baby and the Santas. It's hard to really pick a favorite actually. Hope you are feeling better, having a bad cold is surely no fun! Take care.

[@deniseview4253]

Such fun finds. The donkey is so cute. That hand is special. Their rubbish your treasure. Love the milk bottle. Never seen one like that before. And that Bovril bottle is the biggest I’ve seen any of the mudlarks have found. The crafting you did is so pretty.

[@mariebrown5454]

The small figure top right of the four photographs is a snow baby. It appears to be sitting beside an igloo. Snow babies like this were usually 1 to 3 inches tall. They were covered with bits of ground white porcelain to give them a snowy look. I collect the originals from around 1910. There is a fascinating history about them to look up. Just what you like Nicola. If you want to look them up, a great source is Mary Morrison who is a fantastic source of correct information. The Santa Bottom left is carrying a lantern, I have this one myself. I love your mud larking and have always loved the thought of doing it myself. I am not able to though so I do it by watching you and Si. Thank you. Marie

[@carolb3946]

Finding Joy in your searching is joyful to many of us, as well. Isn't it interesting how many things are tossed away and can provide so much happiness when found again! Thanks for taking us along with you!

[@angelinatesta3918]

Lots of wildlife my favorite and gosh I saw a seal!

[@kathimorrical9912]

You missed a chance for alliteration! The ' fiddling fairy's' pot lid is gorgeous! I watch you each week, and revisit your adventures frequently. You and SiFinds are the #1 mudlark channels, IMHO. Keep well!

[@StonedustandStardust]

I love this. This is a dream vacation for my husband and I. What an adventure. thanks for sharing.

[@joanfreestone1707]

Hello from a hot Perth (another heat wave coming this week, unfortunately.) My favourites of your finds in this video are the donkey and the kitten basket because I can't resist anything with an animal on it. That sunset was really beautiful.

[@amywright2243]

Pottery images are my very favorite! What a pleasant day.

[@dr_steve]

I hope this finds you feeling better and recovered, Nicola. This was an altogether enjoyable outing and some fascinating finds of all sorts. You really did a great job with the candlesticks. The sound quality was particularly good in this video, too. You bring history back to life and provide entertainment while we learn!

[@lesjones5684]

Mud picker 😂is that like a trash picker 😅😅😅😅

[@dthomp06]

Some fabulous artifacts! I really enjoyed this outing.

[@stardust1246]

I have to hand it to you Nicola, we are all avid mudlarkers at heart

[@terriatwell4041]

Wonderful finds! That hand dish is truly a special find.

[@dk7863]

Best vid yet, very nice. Brings back memories of past walking in creek.🙂

[@superbellabeau]

Great finds Nicola! I love your upcycling of the candle holders. The lady looks like the statue of liberty! I think Si found one of those milk bottles the other week. Thanks for taking us along in the mud as always! ❤😊

[@EdwardG13]

Awesome finds. Loved how you took the pieces and transformed them into other useful candle holders

[@maarinabudd]

Wishing you better soon Nicola! Love the candle holders that you have created, the pot lid is beautiful! ❤ xx

[@Ceceoh]

I love your little Aphrodite of the mire, rising on her little blue flotsam wave.

[@eba44]

Wow- what an amazing shore lark you had! Thinking of the tin tobacco-- try watering down a little Elmer's (white) Glue and painting a thin layer all over. You may get some extra life out of it! Thanks for bringing us along on this excursion! Cheers from Maine!

[@kathycruse6693]

My favorite is the little donkey, but as always the history lesson was best. Thank you

[@arabellacameron7620]

The scenery is always lovely. Your finds today are so varied. I like rhe donkey and your recycled candle stick.

[@Liz-sn1mm]

The little donkey is sweet. Thanks for an interesting video. I enjoyed seeing Ari's art too.

[@sandyfeet8175]

Your candlesticks are completely unique - only one of each of them in the entire world. Love it. 🥰

[@brightstar586]

Wonderful video Nicola. I felt attached to the Sailors Mission pottery. A close relative was abandoned age 4 and at age 12 was sent to the training ship Exmouth moored at Grays. He spent his entire life in the RN. He lived at the Royal Sailors Home in Chatham when he retired. He would have known about the Sailors Mission. What a wonderful find x

[@cjcarver6290]

Wonderful lark this week, Nicola!

[@leeannmettlach2412]

I loved the hand ashtray, the fairy milk bottle & fairy jewelry box lid!

[@enduringhope6859]

Amazing treasures!! Your re-reatoons are lovely! Where is that mug with blue on it?? That is a 'must return' lark location, for sure!! Godspeed your healing, Nicola!! ❤ 33:41

[@clairereilly2778]

Get well soon, Nicola. I love the candlestick you made.❤

[@cindynicholas1615]

What a great haul! It was all so interesting, but my favorite was the Father Christmas figure with the sack and lantern. ❤

[@sarahwade1120]

So many great finds,it’s hard to pick a favorite!

[@bethdurance4648]

So many fascinating finds. But I just loved the little donkey!

[@susanboon4605]

Hi, Nicola. Susan here. Funny you should have found the milk bottle, as Si (Finds) found the same one in his video last week. I know he thought the first name was amusing, but here in North America, fanny is another name for your backside (hence the term "fannypack" for your bum bag). My favourite find would definitely be the Allsopp's, as it was a cool find, and researchable, too! My favourite shots were the sunset and the wildlife on the return journey. I also enjoyed the MOLA video earlier this week - how great to get two videos in one week! Since we've had over 3 feet of snow, then 2 inches of rain in the last two weeks, I welcome anything that helps me through the long months of a Canadian winter! Much appreciated!

[@jfu5222]

I can almost smell the mud when I watch these videos!

[@DetectoristLorraine]

Another great video Nicola, well done! I love the little Father Christmas .