Q & A with the Antique Detective

A. A good example of “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” You have an example of late 19th century, American Majolica pottery. I researched the signature with no success. It appears to be a small jardiničre with a grape pattern similar to those made by Roseville Pottery. Many makers of American Art Pottery created Majolica pottery. Your piece is very collectible, especially since it has a signature. Since it could sell in a shop for $200 or more, it would be wise to show it to a knowledgeable dealer.

Q. We were given this artwork from a German friend who informed us that this religious work is 17th or 18th century from a Polish church. Can you evaluate it? J.L.- Glencoe, IL

A. Your painting is known as an icon. An important clue to age is the way the canvas was prepared. A 17th/18th century icon would have layering beginning with white priming, sometimes laid over with a fine cloth or a gold leaf background. This was then painted with tempera colors mixed with yolk of eggs, etc. Over the years, the paint flaked off showing the layering. Since they have been faked since the 1970s, remove the frame and check for layering. Since authentic early icons sell for several thousand dollars, contact A La Vieille Russie, 781 Fifth Ave., at 59th Street, New York, NY 10022. Or email Alvr@Alvr.com.

Q. Please advise on the value of this leaded glass shutter that has been in my possession for 35 years. A.B. - Kitanning, PA

A. Your leaded glass shutter, probably made in the 1950s, could sell at auction for $150 or more.

Q. I don’t know if this is a lithograph or a painting. It has rips on the outside of the border. It says “printed in Great Britain. © Felix Rosenstiels Widow & Son Ltd. 1958.” On the bottom is the name, “M. Dovaston”. Is it worth anything? M.C. - Lower Burrell, PA

A. Unfortunately, it could sell at a garage sale for $10. Q. I have inherited a house with some trash and some treasures. I would like to know if there is any value to quart, blue glass canning jars with zinc lids. M.S. - Kittanning, PA A. Value depends on the maker and rarity. You didn’t mention the name. The common aqua Mason jars can fetch $40 or more at the flea market.

Q. About 40 years ago, I found this piece of furniture while cleaning out a friend’s house. Can you give me an idea of the value? B.S. - Glenview, IL

A. What you have is an expandable, portable, sewing storage cabinet that appears to have been made in the 1950s, in the modern style. It could sell in a shop for $175 or more.

Q. I have a grandfather clock that I would like to know the value of. The brass plaque inside the door states: “Howard Miller x Clock Company, Zeeland, Mich. USA.” It was given to my late aunt for her 25th wedding anniversary. She was in her 80s when she died 20 years ago. M. L. V. - Hingham, MA

A. Your grandfather clock was made in the 1950s in the Modern style and designed by George Nelson. It could sell at auction for $2,000+. Q. My parents bought this Rookwood pitcher in the early ‘30s. It is signed with artists initials A.D.S. I would appreciate the value. E.E. -Evanston, IL A. Your Rookwood pitcher signed by Adeliza Sehlon and made around 1901 could sell at a Treadway-Toomey auction, Oak Park, Ill., for $3,000 or more.