Q
& A with the Antique Detective
Q. I found this at a garage sale, and I'm not sure what it is. It reminds me
of a holy water font. It hangs on the wall and is in three pieces. It is white
porcelain and on the back is "Italy, handmade, K.B.N.Y. Any ideas? V.M.C.,
Kansas City, KS
A. You have a "lavabo." Its original purpose was for priests
to wash their hands before performing a religious ceremony. However, these days
they are used as decorative accessories when they come to market. New ones are
being made for that purpose. Antique examples can sell for several thousand
dollars. Recent pieces, such as yours, can sell in shops for $300 or more.
Q.
Can you find out something about this churn? It is metal and has original
painted sides. What could it sell for? J.T.S., De Kalb, MO
A. Lucky you!
There are collectors of antique kitchen items. Your 1910 butter churn appears to
have been made by Dazey. Contact Butch & Dea Allen, 1605 Oscar, St. Joseph,
MO 64505-1228, 816-279-1495. They specialize in collecting and selling primitive
kitchen items. Yours could sell in a shop for $400 or more.
Q. Enclosed is a
photo of my Clabber Girl Chewing Tobacco metal sign. What's it worth? A.B.,
Scituate, MA
A. Similar late 19th to early 20th century tin ad signs can sell
for $500 and up at specialty auctions. Send photo, measurements, etc. to
Advertising Tin Expert, James Julia Auctions, 203 Skowhegan Road, Fairfield, ME
04937. Email www.Juliaauctions.com.
Q. Enclosed is a picture of an article I
hope you can identify and tell me what it was used for. The case is black
leather. Printed on it is, "Made in Paris for Sachs, N.Y." B. G., Piscataway,
NJ
A. You appear to have a men's travel case for cologne, etc., early 20th
century. It could sell at auction for $175-$250.
Q. I acquired this wicker
rocker from my great aunt. On the bottom is the label "Heywood & Morrell
Roleg Co. #8 Chicago, Il. Can you evaluate it? L.S., Hartley, IO
A. Late 19th
century wicker rockers such as yours can fetch from $1,000 to $2,500 in a
shop.
Q. We acquired a large theater poster, The Ten Commandments starring
Charleton Heston, 27" wide x 41" long, when we operated a theater. I came across
it and others while cleaning our basement. Where would I sell them and what is
the value? They are in excellent condition. F.S., Vandergrift, PA
A. Contact
Heritage Auction Galleries that specializes in movie posters, 3500 Maple Ave.,
Dallas, TX 75219-3941. For all information on selling, email:
Mail@emovieposter.com.
Q. I have had this jardinière and stand for several
years. The lady I bought it from said she had varnished it. However, the colors
show through. In good condition. What can you tell me about it and the value?
J.R., Kansas City, MO
A. You have a piece of American Art pottery. The raised
design and style are called "majolica". Unfortunately, there is no maker's mark,
but there is an artist's signature (initials). Since there were many potteries
working at this time (1900-1912) making this style of pottery, I wasn't able to
come up with a maker. In good condition (without the varnish), your jardinière
could sell for $3,000 or more. You should find a restorer who can remove the
varnish without destroying the surface. Next, find an American Art Pottery
expert (dealer) who can identify the maker.
|
Clabber Girl tin sign.
1910 butter churn. |
