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Discover Mid-America — June 2005

To Bad Art Glass scenic lamp isn't signed

Q. I have an almost complete set of Geisha Girl dishes. Can you please guide me to the right books for further research? — A. L. H., Freeport, PA

A. Elyce Litts, P.O. Box 394, Morris Plains, NJ, 07950, authored the book Collector’s Encyclopedia of Geisha Girl Porcelain published by Collector Books. Unfortunately it is out of print, but can be acquired if you contact a used bookstore or the author.

Q. Is this ceramic elephant figure worth anything? It us marked “Made in Japan.” — M. M., Staten Island, NY

A. Your ceramic figure, made in the 1920s, ‘30s, could sell in a shop for $30 or more.

Q. We bought this set of 12 spoons in England and were told they are “Apostle Spoons.” On the back they are marked E.P.N.S. There are two different types of male figures forming the handles. Do you know anything about these spoons? — S.B., Hutchinson, KS

A. Apostle Spoons have quite a history. They were first made in 1528. Sets comprise all of the 12 Apostles, each identifiable by the emblem the finial figure carries. Few full sets survive. A single spoon from 1620 can sell for $3,500-$4,000. Authentic spoons should be marked with the English leopard’s head in the bowl and the other marks along the back. The marks on yours stand for electroplated nickel silver (silver plate). The process of electroplating didn’t come into popular use till 1840. Hopefully, you didn’t buy the mismatched set for more than a couple of hundred dollars.

Q. This beautiful lamp with the painted scene on shade and base has no signature. Both the base and shade light up. Any information appreciated. — J.E.H., Tarentum, PA

A. Too bad your reverse painted Art Glass scenic lamp isn’t signed. There were many makers in the early 20th century. Yours could sell at auction for $600 to $900.

Q. We own this object we call a “French Fireplace.” It comes in three pieces, and the top that lifts off has a figure of a cherub. We would be interested in your opinion as to its age and value. — J.R.W., Evanston, IL

A. Your antique French parlor stove was made in the late 19th century and could sell in an architectural antiques shop for $2,000 or more.

Q. I have a set of Rosenthal china, serving pieces, and coffee pot with creamer and sugar. It is marked on the bottom “Rosenthal, Selb Germany, Pompadour under a crown with a V.” Can you tell me what it is worth? — J.R.L., Staten Island, NY

Q. This oval, china plate with the fish painting is marked “Victoria Karlsbad, Austria.” My mother gave it to me in 1961. What can you tell me about it and the value? — F.M.S., Bound Brook, NJ

A. In the late 19th century many porcelain manufacturers made game bird and fish motif sets with a platter and plates. Yours could have a shop price of $100 or more.

Q. Could you give me information and value of this tilt top table with inlaid wood star motif? — L.B., Ormond Beach, FL

A. You have a fine example of parquetry wood inlaid furniture, popular in the mid-to-late 19th century. The star motif suggests it was made in 1876 to celebrate the American Centennial. It could sell at an American auction for $2,000 or more.

A. In mint condition it could sell in a shop for around $500-$600.

Q. Enclosed a picture of a porcelain vase with gilt handles and rim, floral motif. It is marked on the bottom “J.P.” over the initial “L.” Under that it is signed “Wallace.” What can you tell me about it? — C.A.S., Evanston, IL

A. The J.P. stands for J. Pouyat; the L for the French porcelain made in the Limoges factory. The name Wallace refers to the artist who hand painted it in the late 19th century. It was used to hold rose petals. A shop could price it at $75 or more.


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THE ANTIQUE DETECTIVE,
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104 E. 5th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106

Email: editor@discoverypub.com


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