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Discover Mid-America — January 2005
Your beautiful chair is c. 1825-30
Q. This vase was made from a shell from WW 11 in Germany. My father-in-law
brought it back. It has the word “Verdun” on the side and various
numbers. Can you tell me the value?
– R.K., Apollo, PA
A. Your vase made from a shell casing dating to World Warand the famous
battle of Verdun. It could sell to a collector of military items for $300-$400.
If you wish to sell it, check the various price guides for dealers or
clubs specializing in such objects.
Q. This lamp, with the boy and girl figures in 18th century costumes and
a glass shade trimmed with metal garlands of roses, has no markings. Is
it worth anything? – D.M., Staten Island, NY
A. Your lamp was made in the 1920s when French-type figurines were
popular. It could sell at auction for $800-$1,500.
Q. I have a 12 place setting of Noritake dinnerware. Do you know the age
and value? – P.M., Kansas City, MO
A. The words, “Made in Japan” on the back of your piece indicate
it was made probably in the 1920s, before WW11. It could sell in a shop
for $1,600 or more.
Q. We have six of these side chairs, purchased in a second-hand store
in Baltimore in 1900. They have cane seats. I’ve never seen anything
like them and wonder about age, etc. – J.R.C., Evanston, IL
A. Your beautiful chair was made in America, c. 1825-30. You are fortunate
to have a set of six. Similar sets sell at quality auctions such as Skinner
and Sotheby’s for as much as $2,500-$3,000 for six.
Q. Enclosed is a picture of my Fiesta ware collection from my great aunt.
She bought it in 1936 and grew up in East Liverpool, OH where it was made.
I have an eight-piece dinnerware set with three serving pieces as well
as a coffee pot, creamer and water pitcher. Can you evaluate them and
tell me if it is safe for my kids to eat from them as I did? – A.A.G.,
Northbrook, IL
A. Safety-wise, what you are referring to was the fact that the red
glaze, made in 1937, used depleted uranium oxide. Its use was discontinued
when the U.S. needed the material to develop the atomic bomb, not because
it was a health hazard. Eating from red glaze pieces is harmless. As to
value, your cobalt blue coffee pot could sell in a shop for $235 and red
mixing bowl for $375. You’ll find more prices in Warman’s Price
Guide and a new book, “Collecting American Dinnerware” by Joe
Rosson. Published by House of Collectibles, Instant Expert Series
Q. The rocker pictured here belonged to my grandmother and is approximately
90 to 100 years old. As a child I remember it had a black horsehair cushion
and back. The wood was black or a dark color. I would like to know age,
maker and value. My children would like to keep it in the family. –
E.J.N., Glenview, IL
A. Your rocker is similar to the styles made by the Tobey Furniture
in Chicago around 1906. A shop price could be $300.
Q. What kind of sofa is this? It has swags carved on the back and on flowers
on the claw feet? We bought it in 1973 and were told it was old. –
S.S., Kittanning, PA
A. Though your sofa is in the Empire style (1815-1825), it was actually
made around 1870. Similar examples have sold at auction for over $3,000.
Q. I have never seen anything like this vase that belonged to my great
grandmother in the antiques shops I have visited over the years. The rose
color neck shades into the shoulder. It has gilt handles and is white
with painted birds and gilt trim. – V.L.R., Orlando, FL
A. Your Victorian Art glass vase made in the late 1880s and is known
as “peachblow” even though the color appears rose. Three American
companies and two British companies made such vases. The gold tracery
and birds lead me to believe it is British, possibly made by Webb Glass.
It could have a shop value of $1,000. However, you need to show it to
an expert on the subject since values vary widely depending on maker.
Q. This was my doll carriage as a child in the 1940s. The base is wood
and the hubcaps have the name “Biltrite” on them. What can you
tell me? –D.C., Manville, NJ
A. Your doll buggy could sell for $150 at auction.
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your question about your favorite antique to
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104 E. 5th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106
Email: editor@discoverypub.com
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