Q
& A with the Antique Detective
Q. We have a safe built by Herring Hall and Marvin Safe Co. The model is 1722
and the serial number is 72370. Currently, the safe is open. but we don't have
the combination. It is approximately 5 feet tall, 34 inches deep and 36 inches
wide. Any idea of the age, value and how to obtain the combination? P.D. -
Kansas City, KS
A. The company was founded in 1893, and your safe was
probably made before 1900. Similar safes can sell for several thousand dollars.
Check the Internets for vault specialists who can probably fix your code, based
on the model number and serial number.
Q. Before I put this pair of stained
glass windows up for sale, what should I ask? They are 5 feet x 2 feet. L.F. -
Apapka, FL
A. Your pair of Arts and Crafts-style windows should sell for
$900/$1,200 for the pair. The price is based on what similar windows have sold
for at quality auctions. You can begin with a higher price and go down.
Q. I
bought this pair of chairs at an estate sale 15 years ago. They are in original
finish. The backs appear to be cattail spindles with a sunflower in the center.
Can you tell me age, maker and value? W. S. - Jacksonville, FL
A. Your chairs
date to 1893, and the design period is known as the "Aesthetic Movement."
Similar chairs have sold at auction for $300 each.
Q. I have this dresser
which I believe may be an antique. I can't find any maker's marks on it. Can you
help? S.S. - Grayslake, IL
A. From your photo, you have a dresser in the
American Jacobean style (1650-1690). However, there was a revival of this style
around 1900. Since authenticating of the age requires a hands-on examination of
construction, etc. I suggest you hire a professional appraiser since there is a
difference of thousands of dollars, depending on age. Because of the raised
carving, I would date it c.1900. But all I can go by is the photo.
Q. I have
two Karastan rugs I bought from a house built in 1880. Were Karastan rugs hand
made and done in the 1880s? S.S. - Colorado Springs, CO
A. Karastan rugs and
carpets were the first machine made, "Oriental rug style" introduced in 1928.
Q. I would like to know about this desk. One of the two small inside drawers
is missing. I paid $100 for it. R.B. -Keystone Heights, FL
A. Your desk was
made in the 1870s. Unfortunately, the missing drawer lowers the price. In
original condition, it could sell in a shop for $250/$300.
Q. I've had this
Royal Doulton pitcher for more than 50 years. It is 9 inches high. The
illustration is of a man in a long robe. On one side is the phrase, "Dogberry.
First who think you the most desartless man to be Constable." Inside the upper
rim are the words "Dogberry's watch." The mark says, "Royal Doulton, England."
Any information will be appreciated. L.L. - Lower Burrell, PA
A. Your pitcher
is part of the Dickens ware series made by Royal Doulton to celebrate the 1912
centennial of Charles Dickens' birth. Prices vary depending on the rarity of the
character, condition and form. Your early pitcher could sell in a shop for $400
to $700. I found a more recent version with a slightly different illustration of
Dogberry offered for far less on eBay.
|
Aesthetic Movement chair, $300.
Dickens Ware series pitcher by Royal Doulton, $400-$700.
Jacobean-style dresser.
1870's desk.
Arts and Crafts-style stained glass windows, $900-$1,200 pair. |
