Q & A with the Antique Detective

Q. Can you help me find out more about this hall tree? It has an oak veneer finish with a solid oak trim. It is missing the mirror. J.D.D. - Kansas City, MO

A. What you actually have is a wardrobe (closet) made in the 1870s. Since most houses didn't have built-in closets, this served the purpose. The arch motif suggests the Gothic revival style and is American Victorian. If it had the original mirrors, the shop price would be over $2,000.

Q. I have six ceramic mugs and 12 goblets each with the figure of a nude lady. I have researched and determined they were made in the 1940s, '50s by an artist named Dorothy Kindell in California. Any idea of value, rarity, etc.? P.D.S. - Natrona, PA

A. Dorothy Kindell is mentioned as a California potter who worked in Laguna Beach, California. I found your mugs with her name impressed selling for $235 shop price for the set of mugs. They are known as the "stripteaser".

Q. I received this table from my grandmother, 50 years ago. It was given to her by a woman who would have brought it from Europe. The marble top is removable. I would appreciate any information. J. T. -Highland Park, IL

A. Your American Victorian Renaissance revival table was made around 1860-1870. A shop price could be $350/$400, according to the Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles 2006 Price Guide.

Q. I have a 1936 leather-bound copy of Gone With The Wind. I have spent several years trying to find the value. I believe it to be a first edition. On the front page under the title it says "International Collectors Library American Headquarters, Garden City, NY." E.M. - Washington, KS

A. I'm afraid I have bad news. If your book was a first edition, it would have the publishing date, May 1936, on the first page and "first edition". Many editions were published by dozens of publishers after that. A price for an authentic 1st edition, with the original dust jacket and in good condition would have a value of $4,000/$7,500. Your book could sell in a used book shop for $25 or more.

Q. I bought this green and gilt, molded ceramic lamp several years ago at an estate sale. It is 21" high and very heavy. There are no marks. Any idea of age or origin? Slight damage to one leaf and some chips. A.S. - Lower Burrell, PA

A. Your lamp was mass produced, made in America in the 1940s, '50s. A dealer would probably fix the damage and shop price it at $75 or more.

Q. Enclosed photos of a set of cake dishes, cups/saucers, sugar and creamer. On the bottom is written, "Carlisle Ware, Burgess Bros., Longton, Made in England". They belonged to my grandmother; 19 pieces. Any information appreciated. L.M-Staten Island, NY

A. Your cake set was made from 1891 to 1915 in a Japanese, Imari-style pattern. It could sell in a shop for $900 or more.

Q. Please give me the value of these two vases. They are marked on the bottom "Roseville USA. 123-9". B.M. - Lower Burrell, PA

A. Your pair of Roseville vases was made in 1945 in the Freesia floral pattern. Each could sell in a shop for over $100.

Q. I am unsure how this 3-foot leather and brass sword and sheath came to my family. It has the following words etched within a 2-inch oval on the hilt: "Prosser and Cullum Swordcutter & Belt Maker to the KING & HRH Duke of York Charring Cross London". Can you date this and evaluate? R.R. - Deerfield, IL

A. For an expert opinion contact, Garth Vincent who deals in antique arms at The Old Manor House Allington, Nr Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2DH, UK. Or email: garthvincent@aol.com. My research only turned up approximate dates when the firm was in operation: roughly 1730-1830.

American Victorian Renaissance revival table, $350-$400.

Roseville vases, Freesia floral pattern, $100 each.

1940's mass-produced ceramic lamp, $75.