News & Events

Mid-America News
Show Calendar
State Event Calendars

Regular Features

The Antique Detective
Antique Detective Q&A
Antiquing in Colorado
Common Sense Antiques
Editor's Notebook
Helpful Hints
   for Collectors
Is This An Antique?
Reflecting History
Traveling with Ken

Directories & Classifieds

Auction Block
The Finder: Unique Shops
Lodgings Directory
Heirloom Recipes
Museum Directory
  Aviation Museums
Wineries in the Heartland
Books for Collectors

Classifieds

Web Links

2004 Best Of
  Reader Survey

Discover Mid-America — December 2004

It appears you have Chinese export silver

Q. I found a silver mug among my great aunt’s things. It is marked “Barbour Silver Co., Quadruple.” It is beautifully engraved. It also has the number 2308. Were all cups and mugs engraved with a number or is that unusual?
—D.S., Kansas City, MO

A. The Barbour Silver Co. was formed in Hartford, CT. In 1898, the company became part of International Silver Co. Most late 19th and 20th century silver hollowware (cups, bowls, etc.) were marked with pattern numbers.

Q. This vase belonged to my late grandfather’s mother. It is marked “Austria” with a motif I have sketched. He arrived from Austria around 1890. Does it have any monetary value?
—P.T.M., Staten Island, NY

A. There were over 100 potteries working in Austria in the late 19th century. My research showed no specific marks such as yours. However, it was made after 1891 when country of origin had to be marked. Your vase shows Art Nouveau influences. Similar pieces have sold in shops for $200 or more.

Q. Could you please tell me the value of the following works of art? Signatures include Picasso, Kathe Kollwez, Honore Daumier, etc.
—J.F., S. Plainfield, NJ

A. Art appraising is a tricky business and requires a hands-on-appraisal by an expert. While the artist names you mentioned are important, and could be worth thousands of dollars, they could alsobe fakes or reproductions.

Q. I would like to sell this sterling silver tea set and tray but have no idea of the worth. On the bottom of each piece is engraved the letters HC and what appears to be Chinese characters. How and where should I sell it? —I.H., Glenview, IL

A. You appear to have what is known as Chinese Export Silver, late 19th to early 20th century. The workmanship is extremely fine and it could sell at auction for over $3,000. Send good photos and description to Kevin Tierney, Silver Expert, Sotheby’s, 1334 York Ave., New York, NY 10021.

Q. This vase seems to be an incense burner with the lid having small holes. Some of the handles and top look like winged dragons. It is solid brass. Any idea of its value?
—F.S., Lower Burrell, PA

A. You are right. You have an incense burner that appears to be Japanese and bronze, not brass. If it’s very heavy, it is bronze. Also, make a small knife scratch underneath. If it shows gold, it is bronze, which most Chinese and Japanese incense burners are. They usually fetch $1,000 or more at auction.

Q. I purchased this ink drawing at an auction and would like to know thevalue. I believe the people are Greta Garbo and Rudolph Valentino having a “Lovers Spat.” On the bottom left is a signature and “Copyright 1903 Collier’s Weekly.” Can you identify the artist?
—H. M., Tarentum, PA

A. Sorry but Greta Garbo and Rudolph Valentino weren’t yet born in 1903 when this art print was made. It is one of many that reproduced the original pen and ink drawings by Charles Dana Gibson, depicting his famous Gibson Girl with the pompadour hairstyle. It could sell in a shop for $70.

Q. My grandparents gave me this vase carved out of some kind of stone. What can you tell me? —G.H., Kansas City, MO

A. You have a soapstone vase made from the mineral steatite. Usually, it was used by the Chinese for carvings from the late 19th to early 20th century. If the carving is detailed and intricate, a shop price would be around $150.

Q. Can you tell me anything about these 6” high ceramic statues of two elderly men in Oriental costumes?
—J.L., Chicago, IL

A. Your figurines are Chinese “mud figures” made by the hundreds in the late 19th to early 20th century, reproduced since then. They depicted the many occupations of the Chinese, i.e. fisherman, scholar, etc. They ranged in size from 3” to over a foot high. They were made from common clay, hence the name “mud” figures. Beginning collectors often confuse them with early tomb figures. The 19th century figures vary in price depending on the size and subject — from $75 to several hundred dollars.

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