Q
& A with the Antique Detective
Q. I have a question about my mother's reverse glass painting. It depicts the
"old" Connecticut State House (since moved). It has tinsel and mother-of-pearl
insets that you mentioned could be a sign of 1970s reproductions of the gaudy
late Victorian reverse paintings. It is 3 x 2 inches. No signature. Is it worth
a professional appraisal? My father paid twenty five cents in the 1920s at a
garage sale. J.S., CT
A. I think it would be of interest to the Historical
Society in the Connecticut State Capital, especially since the building was
moved. It is hard to put a price on it since it is unique. You could donate it
or offer it to the Historical Society for $500 or more. It dates to the late
19th century, obviously before the building was moved. On the other hand, many
could have been made. The Society might even have one.
Q. This chair and sofa
have the label "Karpen Bros. Furniture Co., Chicago." We have had the set since
before the 1950s. How old is it? L.A., Hastings, MN
A. Your Karpen parlor
set was made around 1929.
Q. My mother left me this vase that has oriental
designs. It is 12.5 inches high and has no marks. Any information on age, value
and origin? R.F., Woods-town, NJ
A. Your ceramic vase is Japanese Satsuma
ware. From your photo and the fact it is unmarked, it could date to the mid-19th
century. It could sell in a shop for $900 or more. Hire a professional
appraiser.
Q. I would like to know the value of this Currier & Ives
print, "The Life of a Sportsman. Camping in the Woods." It also says, "Entered
according to act of Congress in the year 1872 By Currier & Ives in the
office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington." V.M., Lakin, KS
A. Your
Currier and Ives print could sell at auction for over $1,000 if in perfect
condition and not a restrike (made after the original printings in 1872).
Unfortunately, you have foxing (brown stains) on the title. The good news is
that the print is in an old rustic frame. A professional restorer could put it
right. Check with a close city art museum for who restores their artwork.
Q.
I have been carrying this round, brass object with a square hole for 20 years.
It is the size of an American nickel and has engraved symbols on it. What do
think it is? J.L.G., Apollo, PA
A. I am returning the Chinese coin that you
sent. Since it has Chinese symbols, I suggest you show it to a coin dealer who
can date and evaluate it.
Q. These two wedding top figures have been in the
family for quite awhile. They are 4.75 inches high. They are marked "Made in
Japan". What can you tell me?
A. Your toppers were made in the 1920s to early
'30s. From your photo, they appear to be chalkware. There are collectors of
wedding toppers. Yours could sell in a shop for $100 or more.
Q. Could you
tell me what this cast iron bull terrier dog bank is worth? J.N., Vandergrift,
PA
A. A shop could price your Boston bulldog still bank from $400 to $450.
Q. My husband inherited this silver, and we know nothing about it. There are
17 pieces. Many are marked "F.B. Rogers Silver Co.: William A. Rogers By
Oneida." E.W., Sarver, PA
A. You have silver-plated pieces made around
1929. Obviously, they vary
in price. Pay a local antique dealer to appraise
them.
Q. Can you advise me of the value of toys from Burger King and
McDonalds? I've collected from 1998 through 2003. Still in their original
wrappers. N.W., Plainfield, NJ
A. You'll find all the information you need
in Hake's Price Guide to Character Toys. Cost is $35.
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