Q
& A with the Antique Detective
Q. I was given this decanter about 15 years ago. It is ceramic and marked
with a Villeroy & Boch stamp and the word "Mettlach" and the letters CC
engraved on the bottom. The lid is pewter and ceramic and has raised scrolling
figures and German writing all around. What is it worth? P.T.-Brackenridge,
PA
A. Your stoneware jug is 19th century and could sell in a shop for $700
and up.
Q. This is one of two matching vases, ceramic, with copper Egyptian
motifs bolted onto it. History and value please. Vase size is 4 1/2" x 11" high.
T.J. - Chicago, IL
A. Your vase was made around 1885, probably in America, in
the popular Egyptian motif. This was when the Egyptian excavations began. It
could sell in a shop for $700 and up. Have a professional appraiser evaluate
it.
Q This Edison Phono-graph and cabinet are in very good condition. It was
made in 1927. I would like to know the value. Includes 89 records and an
information book. J.M.M. - Cheswick, PA
A. It could sell in a shop for $800
or more.
Q. I am curious about this ceramic vase. On the bottom it is marked
"Roseville USA" and has a raised pink flower and green leaf motif. P.W. -
Chicago, ILL
A. Roseville pottery prices have risen dramatically in the past
couple of years. Your charming basket could sell in a shop for $150-200.
Q. I
have a Hull planter 10" x 7" with the orange peel texture on the outside. The
outside is white with the butterfly design on the inside and little pink and
blue flowers. The bottom is marked "Hull USA" with a C inside a circle and two
1's in the Hull name and 56-B7. Can you tell me anything about this? R.B.
-Kansas City, MO
A. You should know that most Hull pieces are being
reproduced. That said, your piece, if authentic, was made in the 1930s and could
sell in a shop for $80 or more.
Q. This pocketbook was brought from Japan
some 70 years ago. The beige grained leather is embossed with scenes in bright
colors. I was told this type of work stopped being made in the 1940s. Does it
have any monetary value? M.M.-Staten Island, NY
A. A vintage clothing shop
could price it at $125.
Q. This porcelain vase is over 100 years old with no
markings. Any idea of its origin or value? S.J.- Harahan, LA
A. Your early
20th century American centerpiece bowl probably had a paper label and as a set
included candle holders. Shop price could be $50.
Q. I think this is one of
the first electric mantle clocks made by Seth Thomas, probably in the 1940s,
since they were still making wind-up clocks in the '30s. Information inside the
back door includes: "Seth Thomas Clocks, Division of General Time Instruments
Corp., Thomaston, Conn., USA. Model #E702-000. Westmin-ister Chime Clock.
#4808". Can you place a value on it? B.L.-New Kensington, PA
A.
Westminister Chime shelf clocks, such as yours, were made by the Seth Thomas
Clock Company from around 1910 to the 1920s. Prices vary; some can be valued
from $700 to over $3,000. Hire a professional clock appraiser.
Q. This is one
of three chairs with a sticker reading, "Nicholas & Stone Co. of Gardner,
Mass. Windsor chairs." Are they of any value? J.M.S. - Leechburg, PA
A. You
have reproductions of the famous "Hitchcock" chair, originally made in 1825 and
known as "painted fancy chairs." Yours were made anywhere from the 1920s to the
'40s. They could sell in a shop for $75 and up.
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