Q
& A with the Antique Detective
Q. What can you tell me about this 17-inch glass, pedestal vase? I purchased
it for $100 at an auction 10 years ago. M.J.L- Natrona Heights, PA
A. From
your photo, you appear to have what is known as a "brilliant" cut glass vase. It
could have been made from 1876 to the early 20th century. There were hundreds of
patterns and pieces made by dozens of companies in America. However, similar
patterns have been made in Europe since the 1980s and sold as American, 19th
century. It is important to look for a signature that could be on the base or
within the pattern. That will help identify the pattern and the value. At the
next antique show, check out dealers displaying cut glass. It could be worth
much more than you paid if the maker is known.
Q. My son found this cast iron
object in an old building. What is it? J.D.V.- Cheswick, PA
A. You have the
heating element for a spirit iron. It burned alcohol to heat the iron. It was
made in the late 19th century by many companies in America and Europe. If
complete, it could be priced at around $80 or more by a vintage kitchen-laundry
items dealer.
Q. I bought this old chair at a public sale at an old, long
closed, elementary school. They said it had been used by teachers. On the back,
a small metal plate reads "Massachusetts Chair Company." Can you tell me the age
and value? M.L.-Lower Burrell, MA
A. Your chair could have been made from
1910 to the 1930s. It appears to be maple and could sell in a shop for $100 to
$150.
Q. This blown glass bird of paradise encased in a glass dome was a
wedding gift to my late mother; "1909" is written on the on the wooden base. It
is 10 inches high and 8 inches across. Please give any information you have.
P.D.-Brackenridge, PA
A. In the late 19th century, a popular hobby for women
was creating everything from wax flowers to shell and dried floral arrangements
and putting them inside a glass dome. Your "bird of paradise" figure is more
sophisticated, requiring a professional glass blower, but a spin-off of that
craft concept. A wonderful way to preserve an important family event. As a
one-of-a-kind item, it is hard to put a price tag on it. A rough estimate could
be $700 or more.
Q. I have several old coiled baskets that were given to me a
few years ago. Do you have any suggestions for a book or website that would give
me a clue to their origin and value? R.H.-Scituate, MA
A. I found a treasure
trove of information on the internet under: "Native American coiled baskets".
One good site is Native Tech: Native American Basketry. It also lists
books.
Q. With all the interest in the presidential race, I took a second
look at a small brass pin I had found among my late grandfather's belongings. It
is a boxcar and it reads, "Mass Meeting 1900 auditorium." Initials on roof are
"G.O.P.R.R." A friend said it was an election pin maybe for President McKinley
who was running. What can you tell me? D.S.-Glenview, IL
A. It is indeed a
McKinley pin. "G.O.P.R.R." stands for Grand Old Party Railroad. The mass meeting
is the date of the election in 1900. It could sell at a collectibles auction of
political memorabilia for $175 or more.
Q. This silver tea service has
beautifully engraved vines and flowers on the sides. On the bottom is the mark,
"Forbes Silver Co. USA Quadruple." Can you tell me anything about it?
P.R.B.-Freeport, PA
A. Your silver plate tea service was made in the 1890s by
Forbes Silver Company in Meriden, Conn. It later joined with International
Silver Company. In good condition, it could sell in a shop for more than
$200.
Q. My father purchased this 9-piece dining room set in 1956, that
includes a buffet and china cabinet with glass doors. What do you know about
age, value? C.S.-New Kensington, PA
A. Your set was mass produced in America
from around 1910 to the '20s and is a mixture of styles. It could have a shop
price of $600-$800.
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