What would you give Lord Byron?

October 20, 2008 1:25 AM

Special gift for a special gentleman?

I'm looking for gifts for a gentleman. The gentleman in question likes special/pretty/tasteful things that are to do with (Napoleonic) history, cats, dracula, dandies, dueling, books, the romantics and goth. I got him a sword cane once and he loved that. I really don't want to give him clothing. I was going to give him cufflinks but I made the mistake of showing them to him to make sure he liked them and he loved them so much he got them himself, robbing me of the one solid idea I had. Bah. I would also prefer not to give him shaving equipment (he already has a nice set).

I've seen this, but the answers are much too clothing/shaving oriented.

What else. Oh yes, there will already be a bottle of some gentlemanly drink to go with the gift so no alcohol suggestions either. Sorry. :)

posted by Skyanth to grab bag (24 comments total)

A nice set of antique crystal glasses to go with the booze?
posted by uandt at 1:40 AM on October 20, 2008

How about a book that would fit in with his current collection (visually) but is really a book safe? They're fairly easy to make, if you have a little time, but can probably be special-ordered as well.
posted by bizwank at 1:52 AM on October 20, 2008

A human skull, or replica thereof?
posted by misteraitch at 2:13 AM on October 20, 2008

A bit modern and, I'm afraid, quite clothes based but you may find some insipration at thechap.net
posted by handybitesize at 2:15 AM on October 20, 2008

An antique pocket watch?

This guy sounds awesome.
posted by Sijeka at 2:16 AM on October 20, 2008

How about a crystal decanter set?
posted by jonesor at 2:24 AM on October 20, 2008

An antique world globe?
posted by platinum at 2:37 AM on October 20, 2008

An antique world globe... with booze inside?

You really screwed yourself with the sword cane. Impossible to beat. All downhill from there.
posted by McBearclaw at 2:47 AM on October 20, 2008 [2 favorites has favorites]

I was going to suggest a handmade silk waistcoat/vest when I came across Sutlers in the UK that sell "Authentic Historic Replica Uniforms, Accoutrements, Hats, Guns & Accessories", including the Napoleonic era. The soft leather buckle shoes look wonderful!
posted by ceri richard at 2:54 AM on October 20, 2008

How about a fancy hat? A fedora springs to mind.
posted by ghost of a past number at 3:21 AM on October 20, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Antique desk set - blotter, pen and ink pot, letter opener kind of deal?
posted by mandal at 4:00 AM on October 20, 2008

A large wooden box of soil from the Carpathian Mountains. Have it delivered to his basement while he is away.

The skeletons of a cat and mouse mounted as if considering each other.

A fez, silk slippers, and hookah.

A portable wooden easel and paints, something like this.

Hardbound books in actual pocket size (not "Pocket Books") for slipping into the pocket of his jacket or robe.

And a sword-cane is fine, but unless he uses a cane regularly, perhaps of necessity, also get him a flick knife he can keep in the other pocket.
posted by pracowity at 4:00 AM on October 20, 2008

A tie pin to match the cufflinks?
posted by sandraregina at 4:08 AM on October 20, 2008

Antique first-edition book on interesting topic? Something gilded, I imagine. :)
posted by rokusan at 5:04 AM on October 20, 2008

A full set of implements for drinking absinthe?
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 6:01 AM on October 20, 2008

astrolabe, sextant or armillary sphere?
posted by jquinby at 6:03 AM on October 20, 2008

He sounds like the perfect candidate for an absinthe spoon and/or other absinthe related paraphernalia.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 6:05 AM on October 20, 2008

damn..missed dirtynumbangelboy on preview)
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 6:05 AM on October 20, 2008

I was going to suggest absinthe paraphernalia as well. Short of that, a snuffbox (which can be very jewel-like).
posted by adamrice at 6:48 AM on October 20, 2008

Fencing lessons.
posted by fidelity at 7:49 AM on October 20, 2008

Any gentleman worth his spats wouldn't be caught dead without his trusty alethiometer.
posted by subajestad at 8:47 AM on October 20, 2008

I forgot...

if you really wanted to beat the king of all presents, what about a steampunk laptop?
posted by Sijeka at 10:26 AM on October 20, 2008

Antique pocket flask.
posted by iviken at 12:52 PM on October 20, 2008

Thanks all (I have to say I thought of them all, but it's nice to see vague ideas solidified). Fidelity: great suggestion, but he already fences. Same for the absinthe. Thanks though. :)
posted by Skyanth at 12:13 AM on October 21, 2008