Q
& A with the Antique Detective
Q. I bought this rocking chair for $85 ten years ago. The back has twisted
spindles as do the arms. It has been painted white and has floral decals on the
back. The seat area has nail holes in a circle, but the original seat is gone,
and I use a cushion. When I purchased this at an auction, they said it was 80
years old. What is it worth? A.P.G., Livingston, TX
A. You appear to have a
ca.1900 oak press back rocker. A similar example, though child's size, is
pictured on page 365 of the Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price List 2007.
If yours had not been painted and had the original seat, it could sell in a shop
for $95 or more.
Q. We have had this carved bird for many years. It isn't
wood and is 9 inches high. Any information appreciated. A.G., Leech-burg,
PA
A While it is difficult to identify the material from your photo, I think
your bird is made from a mineral called soapstone. It was a popular type of
carving in the 19th and early 20th centuries, mostly in China and Japan, as well
as in Alaska and Europe. Yours appears to be Japanese style. It could sell in a
shop for several hundred dollars.
Q. My Swedish grandmother called this item
a "sugar cutter." As the photo shows, a metal blade with a wooden handle is made
to move up and down inside a wood tub with a small drawer. What is the value?
L.D.P., Glenview, IL
A. Your 19th century sugar cutter, as an example of a
kitchen primitive, could sell at auction for $400 or more.
Q. Can you give me
some info on this French tapestry? I bought it at an estate sale in 1980. M.M.,
Pittsburgh, PA
A. Your French tapestry was one of many made in the late 19th,
early 20th centuries as a status symbol for the newly rich. It could sell at
auction for $200 or more.
Q. My mother had this figurine in her china closet.
I would like to know something about it and if it has any value. It is a bust of
a queen, and on the bottom is marked "Stoke on Trent & Wiltshaw &
Robinson." M.O., New Kensington, PA
A. Many commemorative figurines like
yours were popular in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. In 1890, J.F.
Wiltshaw and H.T. Robinson teamed up and made earthenware pottery. Your figurine
appears to be Princess Alexandria celebrating her wedding to Prince Albert
Edward, later Edward VII. It could sell in a shop for $200.
Q. This item was
probably used to carry water. Can you tell the value and its purpose? L.D.P.,
Glenview, IL
A. Your unusual item is a wooden canteen and probably originally
had leather shoulder straps. A similar canteen, without the painted date, sold
at a November Garth's Auction for $900+.
Q. My mother inherited this armchair
from her mother. I believe it is walnut. Not the original seat. It has carved
paws on the edge of the arms. Any idea of age and value? B.S., Boone, IA
A.
Your armchair is in the English Regency style (early 19th century). However, it
is probably a reproduction made around 1900. Since there could be quite a
difference in price, if possible, have a professional appraiser examine it. A
reproduction could sell in a shop for several hundred dollars. An authentic
piece could sell for several thousand.
Q. I have an Atwater Kent console
radio in original condition with sliding doors. This radio was purchased by my
father in 1929. Can you give me the value? J.S., Wilmette, IL
A. Alas! You
didn't send a photo or tell me if it works. Prices vary widely. For example, if
it is in the Art Deco style of the '20s or '30s and the wood graining is
outstanding, the price could be over $1,000. For the run-of-the-mill de-signs,
prices are $200 or more. For more information, check the internet where you may
find your exact radio.
|
19th c. sugar cutter, $400.
English Regency style chair if real, it's worth several thousand
dollars.
Commemorative figurine of
possibly Princess Alexandria, $200.
Painted, wooden canteen, $900+. |
