Q
& A with the Antique Detective
Q. Going through my recently deceased grandmother's home, I came across a cache
of what appears to be vintage cigarette posters printed by the Milan Bulovic Art
Company of Chicago. They appear to be very old. I would like to find out their
value. They are approximately 33" x 18". A.B., Northbrook, IL
A. Your posters
were made to advertise JOB cigarette rolling papers. In 1838, a French
craftsman, Jean Bardou, created the first booklet of rolling papers. His
initials, separated by a diamond, were referred to as JOB. In the 1890s, the
company hired Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha to design their advertising
posters. There are collectors of anything related to rolling papers, as well as
Art nouveau posters. Contact Swann Galleries , 104 East 25th St., N.Y., 10010.
Email Swann@Swanngalleries.com. Reproductions could sell for $200-$300 at
auction, authentic posters for several thousand dollars.
Q. This is some
sort of blanket with "made by J. Denholm, 1839" woven into it. How much could it
be worth? W.M., Ford City, PA
A. Your jacquard coverlet could sell for $300
to $500 in a shop.
Q. This heavy glass celery dish feels like it is hand cut
and is a pale green color. I think it is around 125 years old. Can you give a
value? M.E., New Ken-sington, PA
A. If not a reproduction, your celery dish
could sell in a shop for $50.
Q. Can you tell me the value of this pine
armoire? It has a removable top. The metal decorations appear to be copper or
brass. It is rural. I bought it at a flea market for $100 in 1978. Did I pay too
much? E.L., Sko-kie, IL
A. Lucky you. Your Arts & Crafts style armoire
(1900-1918) could sell at auction for over a thousand dollars. Much more if you
can find a maker's label. Send a photo to John Toomey Gallery, 818 North
Boulevard, Oak Park, IL. 60301. Their auctions specialize in 20th century
items.
|
Cigarette rolling paper poster.
Celery dish, $50. |
