Q
& A with the Antique Detective
Q. This ceramic figurine of a horse is marked on the bottom "Royal Crown
Derby. English bone china." What can you tell me? D.M. Cheswick, PA
A. Your
porcelain figurine is a paperweight. Royal Crown Derby began making paperweights
in 1981. Prices vary widely. You might want to check eBay.
Q. I was given
this vase many years ago. The giver told me it was valuable. It is 10" high and
has no marks. Any information appreciated. R.J.F., Freeport, PA
A. From
your photo, you appear to have a Japanese, Satsuma-style vase made in the early
20th century. Satsuma ware was made in both porcelain and earthenware. I can't
tell from your photo which yours is. You need to have a hands-on appraiser since
it could be worth from $500 to several thousand dollars.
Q. I would love to
know something about these pieces of matching jewelry that belonged to my
mother-in-law. Each link contains a raised head of a woman. D.F., Antioch,
IL
A. From your photo, your bracelet consists of hand carved stone cameos.
You didn't mention if the links are gold, which would add to the value. This
type of jewelry was popular in the 1870s. Cameos were also carved from shells
and onyx.
Q. I would like some information about this pen-and-ink drawing of
a man and woman. I can't read the artist's signature. H.M., Tarentum, PA
A.
Your print was done by the famous artist Charles Dana Gibson around the turn of
the late 19th century. The woman is typical of the popular "Gibson girl" with
her Pompador hairstyle. Hundreds of these prints and others by the artist were
made. It could sell in a shop for $75 or more.
Q. This photo shows two
dressers marked "Kindel, Grand Rapids". What is the value and age? G., Kansas
City
A. Your pieces were probably made in the 1920s when there was a revived
interest in 18th c.-style American furniture. These pieces are going up in price
as authentic pieces are mostly in museums and private collections. When they do
come to market, prices can be in the high five figures. More if they can be
attributed to the maker. Your Chippendale highboy could sell at auction for
around $1,500, the chest for $800.
Q. We bought this pair of cups with
saucers a few years ago. They are marked with a Beehive and the words "Royal
Vienna". Can you tell me anything about them? E.W., Allegheny Township,
PA
A. The Royal Vienna porcelain factory produced quality porcelains from
1749 to 1864. The mark was a blue beehive. However, there have reproductions
made ever since. Your chocolate cups should be examined by an expert since a
single cup and saucer dating to the 1860s could sell in a shop for over
$350.
Q. I acquired this fruit bowl many years ago. I was told it was German
silver with a mulberry porcelain inlay. Can you tell me the age and worth?
H.G., Sarver, PA
A. The mark on the bottom is one of the many Villeroy-Boch
marks, placing it in the late 19th c. Germany. Similar bowls sell in shops for
several hundred dollars. However, you need to let a silver expert authenticate
the metal and evaluate it.
Q. I would appreciate any information on this
dresser that has no marks. It needs refinishing. B.H., Chicago, IL
A. Your
dresser dates to 1912-1920s. There should be a maker's mark somewhere on the
inside or on the back of a drawer. It is a hodge-podge of styles, typical of the
mass produced furniture of that period. If it was professionally refinished, it
could sell in a shop for $200 or more.
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