|
Q & A with the Antique Detective
Q. This cast iron
configuration is 7 inches
high. The lid is 2 inches
high and the copper bowl is
24 inches in circumference.
Both iron pieces are
perforated. The stand has a
spike. M.K. - New London,
IA
A. You have a late 19th century,
cast iron, store string holder.
The ball of twine was placed on the spike that pierced the
bowl. The perforated top was
put on, and the string was
pulled through the holes.
Similar examples sell on
eBay from $50 and up.
Q. I am curious about this
table lamp with double
green shades that don’t
match. The base is brass.
M.G. - Plymouth, MA
A. Your photo shows an
electrified, double student
lamp. It was originally a
kerosene lamp made in the
late 19th century. If it is of the period and with mismatched
shades, a shop price could be
around $400.
Q. We inherited this
beautiful electric, porcelain
coffeepot that still works.
On the bottom plate it
says, “Porcelier Mfg.
Co., Greensburg, PA.” Is
there any value? E.S. -
Leechburg, PA
A. The Porcelier Mfg.
Company started in 1927 and
in 1930 moved to Greensburg.
It produced vitrified china
electric and non-electric tea
and coffee pots. It ceased
production in 1950. It is
being newly appreciated by
collectors. Yours, probably
made in the 1940s, could sell
in a collectibles shop for $60
to $90.
Q. My mom received
this serving platter from
a couple that had been
married 50 years and that
they had received as a
wedding gift. What is the
value? L.M.B. - Braintree,
MA
A. The mark on the back shows it was
made by Ridgways English pottery in
the late 19th, early 20th Centuries in the
Orient pattern. It could sell in a shop for
$300 or more.
Q. I have some Japanese netsukes that
were given to me. I would like to find
the value. How can I go about this?
R.R.- Marshfield, MA
A. Begin by taking good quality photos,
describe what they are made of, and list
any signatures. Send information to:
Asian Expert, Skinner Auctions, 63 Park
Place, Boston, MA 02116.
Q. This rocking chair with the unusual
carved back belonged to my stepfather.
I would like to know something about
it. C.L.C. - Apollo, PA
A. You have a hand-carved, oak rocking
chair made between 1893 and 1905.
It is typical of the pieces made in the Chicago furniture companies of John
A. Colby & Sons and the Tobey
Company. Look for a label under the
seat. It could sell in a shop for $400
or more.
Q. I have a child’s
petticoat, hand
sewn around 1800.
It was discovered
in a ship
captain’s trunk in
Marshfield, Mass.
Where can I go
to have it dated?
M.T. - Marshfield,
MA
A. Take it to a
textile curator at
the Marshfield
Historical Society
who will guide you
from there.
|
