Q
& A with the Antique Detective
Q. Can you give me any information about this pressed tin decoy? It has
wrinkles on the sides imitating wings and tail feathers and favors a mallard.
R.S.-Utica, MO
A. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tin decoys
were made by small manufacturers such as the Mason and Dodge decoy factories in
Detroit and the C.W. Stevens Factory in Weedsport, N.Y. Stamped tin examples
vary widely in price depending on condition. At recent auctions they have sold
from $300 to over $800.
Q. I have been unable to find much information about
this porcelain plate, except it is marked "Made in China", and the pattern is
known as "a thousand faces." H.A.N.- Botler, PA
A. The pattern, known
sometimes as "Scholars or Poets 1000 faces", was not only made in China, but by
such Japanese manufacturers as Kutani and Noritake. Your Chinese plate was made
for export in the 1930s. Shop prices vary from $50 up.
Q. This chair has been
in our family for over 70 years. Would like to know age and value. It has a
carved head on the top. R.J.W. - Jacksonville, FL
A. Your "face chair" was
popular at the end of the 19th century. Many types were made. Yours could sell
in a shop for $300 or more.
Q. What value would you place on this ceramic
cookie jar/bank marked "Smiley, 60, Shawnee, USA"? There are chips on the rim on
the inside and a hairline crack. P.D. -Ford City, PA
A. In good condition,
your "Smiley Pig" would have a shop value of over $550. It might be a good idea
to have it professionally restored.
Q. This pitcher with an attached goblet
and stand is marked "Barbour Silver Co., Quadruple and 54". The goblet has
broken off and not attached to the stand. The pitcher is heavily engraved on the
spout and holder. Can you identify and evaluate it? P.J. -Kansas City, MO
A.
The Barbour Silver Co., Hartford, Connecticut, opened in 1892. Your ice water
pitcher with repousse-type engraving was made between then and 1898. It could
sell in a shop for $300 or more.
Q. I would like to know if these cups and
saucers, with gilt interiors and gilt and floral trim on the exterior, have any
value. My aunt gave them to my mother, and I know they are at least 100 years
old since I am 80. They have a blue crown mark and the word "Meissen" on the
saucers and a beehive mark on the bottom of the cups. Any value? M.O.-Tarentum,
PA
A. The beehive mark denotes the Royal Porcelain Manufactory of Vienna
1864. The proper marks for Meissen are the familiar crossed swords. My thinking
is that Meissen is the name of the pattern. Many other firms used the beehive
mark. Your cups and saucers probably date to the late 19th century and could
sell in a shop for around $250 each. Have an expert do an examination.
Q. Can
you tell me anything about these two hanging candlestick holders of iron? I
received them from my husband's grandparents who are of Irish and Swedish/Danish
descent. There are no markings. L.J. -Deerfield, IL
A. From your photo, the
figures appear to be wearing Scandinavian costumes. The candlesticks are
probably early 19th century, and the pair could sell in a shop for $150 or
more.
Q. This desk and chair belonged to my great aunt who lived in New York
City in the early 1900s. The inlaid decorations on each are of light wood and
mother of pearl. I would like to know origin, date and value. L.M. - Evanston,
IL
A. From your photo, the furniture was made around 1912-1920, American.
Look for a maker's name stamped inside a drawer. The set could sell in a shop
for $500 or more.
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