Q
& A with the Antique Detective
Q. I inherited this 3-inch high glass vase with the raised figure of a little
girl. Somebody told me this is a "Mary Gregory" piece. It has unusual shades of
red and gold. What can you tell me about it? E.S. Wilmette, IL
A. You
appear to have a Victorian Art glass toothpick holder of Amberina glass with an
enameled "Mary Gregory" decoration. The name supposedly came from a Mary Gregory
who worked for the Boston & Sandwich Glass Co. in the 1880s. Colors
frequently came in cranberry, blue, green and amethyst. Reproductions have been
made over the years. Your piece could sell at auction for as much as $200.
Q.
When my family moved into an old farm house in 1946, this piece of furniture was
in the attic. As you see, the back is mirrored and has a chocolate-colored
marble. The piece has pegs rather than nails. Can you give me any information on
this? B.D. Schwenksville, PA
A. You have a wonderful example of what was
one of the most popular pieces of Victorian furniture an Eastlake style
sideboard, made in the late 19th century. It could sell in a shop for $2,000 or
more, in good condition.
Q. I have this double-faced, Disney ceramic cookie
jar. One side is Pluto; the other, Dumbo the elephant. On the bottom it says,
"Dumbo Pluto USA 23L Walt Disney." I received this as a wedding shower gift in
1947. Any idea of value? A.G. Kansas Leechburg, PA
A. Prices can range from
$145 up.
Q. I have a set of dishes with this floral pattern and
gold-patterned rims. The back of the plate reads: "The French Saxon China Co.,
Sebring Ohio. National Brotherhood of Operative potters Union Label. 22 K gold,
USA." Can you give me the history and value of these dishes? D.B. Apollo,
PA
A. The company began in Sebring, Ohio, as the French China Co. (1900) and
turned into the French Saxon China Co. It was bought in 1984 by the Royal China
Co. To find out the value of your dish pattern, write and send a photo to
Replacements LTD, 1089 Knox Road, PO Box 26029, Greensboro, NC. 27420.
Q. Can
you tell me about this chair, and how much could I get for it? M.S. New
Kensington, PA
A. Your rococo-style Victorian armchair made in the 19th
century was probably part of a "parlor set." It could sell for $300 or more in a
shop.
Q. This glass milk bottle is 19 inches high, and the bottom is etched
with an "x" design and leaves. In the center are leaves and "1776". Who could I
contact to learn more about it? N.J.W. Lake Villa, IL
A. Contact the
National Association of Milk Bottle Collectors, c/o The Milk Pond, 18 Pond
Place, Cos Cob, CT. 06807.
Q. I would like to know the value of this tin
Houdini ad. J.R. Hanover, MA
A. My best advice is to send info and photos
to Swann Auction Galleries, 104 E. 25th St., New York, NY, 10010. They held an
auction of magician posters. Famed magician Harry Houdini was well represented.
One of his posters sold for $6,500 at their Oct. 26, 2006 auction. It was the
same subject as yours, only in paper.
Q. These two vases were a wedding gift
to my grandparents in the 1880s or earlier from Buffalo Bill's parents. They
have no date or marks. What are they worth? B.P. Easton, KS
A. Your lovely
Victorian vases were made in America in the late 19th century, and the motifs
are transfer prints, not hand painted. Many similar ceramic vases were made at
that time. A shop would probably price the pair from $250 and up.
|
1880s "Mary Gregory"
toothpick holder, $200.
19th c. Eastlake
sideboard, $2,000.
1880s transfer print vases, $250.
Disney Pluto-Dumbo cookie jar, $145. |
