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Discover Mid-America — April 2004

Q. Enclosed, a picture of a painting I bought at a yard sale years ago. It appears to me to be an oil painting, and signed Andrew Loomis. Any info appreciated. K.F. - Weymouth, MA

A. We should all be so lucky. You have a story illustration by Andrew Loomis 1892-1959, American illustrator. Similar illustrations can sell for $6,000 and up. If you are interested in selling, send photo and info to Roger Reed, Illustration House Auctions, 110 West 25 Street, New York, NY 10001. They specialize in art by American illustrators.

Q. Please have a look at this photo of my Royal Worcester porcelain vase. It has gilt, dragon handles and a scene. The mark is a crowned medal with a 51 in the center. What can you tell me about it? T.J. - Staten Island, NY

A. Your royal Worcester vase was made between 1871 and 1891. It could sell in a shop for over $500.

Q. I found this Edison-Dick mimeoscope made in 1915 at an auction. My research indicates it was used as a tracing table on which stencils were used or made, and then put on the mimeograph machine to run copies. Has original label “A.B. DickCo., Chicago, USA. Patents Oct. 13, 1914; December 1915. Serial No. 5516. How can I find out more about it and value? R.W. - Anderson, MO

A. Your unique example would be of interest to George Glastris, Science and technology expert at Skinner auctions, for possible consignment. Send a photo and description to him: Skinner Auctions, 63 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116.

Q. This blue glass, covered jar, overlaid with some kind of ornate metal has a music box attached to the underside of the cover. Can’t figure out the tune. What do you think it was used for? M.P. - Staten Island, NY

A. You appear to have a 19th century European candy or cookie jar.

Q. This old wood trunk/chest has lots of black metal hardware and leather handles. A seal on the top says Abraham and Straus, Fulton St., Brooklyn , NY. Can you tell me anything about it? M.T. - Dunellen, NJ

A. Your trunk is an important piece of retail history. In the 1880s the department store of Abraham and Straus was the largest dry goods store in New York. The trunk was probably used to ship merchandise. Its value is historical as well as monetary. Contact the Brooklyn Museum who might be interested in displaying or buying it. It could sell at auction for over $500. Today it is known as part of the Federated Department Stores.

Q. Do you have any idea what this ornate, six-legged table is worth ? How old is it ? M.J. - Ford City, PA

A. Your American, Victorian, renaissance revival centre table was probably made in the late 1870s. It is a handsome example and could sell at auction for over $1,500.

Q. I found this victrola in an old how. The finish is original. The center of the cover inside, has a picture of a dog and “Victrola.Victor Talking Machine Company. Camden, NJ. His Master’s Voice.” It will play, but not well. There are lots of needles and 78 records with it. What would be the value for it as-is? J.E.B. - Sarver, PA

A. In working condition it could sell at auction for $500 or more.

Q. This ceramic cheese dome on a dish has been in our family for generations. It could be Austrian. Do you have any idea of age and value? No marks. R. H. — New Kensington, PA

A. It is difficult to tell much about your covered cheese dish. However , one of the clues is the lack of identifying marks.. It was probably made in the middle 19th century, since such dishes were popular. The design suggests Germany, or as you noted, Austria. It could sell for $300 in a shop.

Q. I have a Bulova ladies watch with a black stone on the winding and red stones inside on working gears. Mint condition. Printed inside: “Pat. June 10, 1924, Bulova 14K(white gold), rolled gold plate, New York.” We would like any information. F.J.D. - Braintree, MA

A. Your lady’s wristwatch was made in the Art Deco style, currently popular with collectors. The price depends on working condition and the number of jewels. Take it to your local jeweler to find about the jewels. It could sell for $800 up, depending on the jewels, etc.

Q. Like many others we hope this is a “hidden treasure.” It is a small, colorful weaving. C.H. M.A. - Weymouth, MA

A. You have a Caucasian bag face. It is impossible to tell the age from the photo. This could have been woven in any of the Middle East countries. If done in the 19th century it could sell at auction for over $600. It decorated the bags travelers used traveling by camel. They are still being made.

Send your question about your favorite antique to
THE ANTIQUE DETECTIVE,
c/o Discover Mid-America
104 E. 5th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106

Email: editor@discoverypub.com

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