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Discover Mid-America — July 2004

How do I find a reputable appraiser?

Q. I have a black glass pear and some apples. Steuben is etched on the bottom. What can you tell me about them? TLC - Vinton, OH

A. It took a bit of doing but finally, in an old catalogue of Frederick Carder designed Steuben glass, I found your fruit. It was made in 1932 and the pattern number is #7474. Individual pieces could sell at auction for over $200 each.

Q. I purchased this large walnut china cabinet at an estate sale in Iowa. What can you tell me about it? LC - Kansas City, KS

A. Your china cabinet with hutch appears to be French Provincial style. However, without examining it, I am unable to date it. They have been reproduced ever since they were first made in the 19th century.

Q. I have many antiques I would like to have appraised. How can I find a reputable appraiser and what could I expect to pay? V.R. - Kittanning, PA

A. There are several ways to find a reputable appraiser. (1) Ask your insurance company or bank who they use for estate/insurance appraisals. (2) Check the Yellow pages under antiques appraisers personal property. They should be also listed under the name of an appraisal society, i.e. American Society of Appraisers. Fees vary with areas and include travel time, examining items time and research time. They should furnish you with a typewritten signed appraisal. Fees can range from $75 an hour, up.

Q. Can you evaluate this grandfather clock, c. 1910-1920? It is marked Herschedes/
Cincinatti, Ohio. B.J. - Northbrook, IL

A. Your tall case Herschede clock could sell in a shop for over $2,000.

Q. I have a piece of furniture that was made by my grandfather. I think it might be tramp art. It measures 15x24x11. S.C. - Bolton, MO

A. Your wonderful desktop is indeed tramp art, with fine chip carving.
Similar pieces sell at auction for $1,500 or more.

Q. My mother bought this colorful china vase at the 1930s Chicago Worlds Fair. Does it have any value? It has no markings. R.J.F.- Woodstown, NJ

A. Your vase was made in Japan and is called Satsuma. It probably originally had a paper label. Such pieces were made for export in the 1920s and ‘30s. Since you didn’t mention size, I can’t put a value on it. However, a similar vase could sell for several hundred dollars.

Q. My husband got this toy motor grader as a child. It is marked Adams Motor Grader, Charles William Doepke Mfg. Co. Where is a good place to sell it ? T.R. - Spring Church, PA

A. Your motor grader could sell at a country auction for over $200...the best place to sell it.

Q. What is the value of this humidor? It has no markings to tell the year it was made. J.E. - Staten Island, NY

A. Your humidor is in the Duncan Phyffe. It appears to have been made in the early 20th century when cigar smoking was newly popular. It could sell in an antique shop for around $400 or more.

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

> Antique Detective Q&A Archive — past columns