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Discover Mid-America — July 2005

The scalloped rim bothers me

Q. Can you suggest an insurance “ballpark” value for a small wooden bench with a Brown Shoe Co., decal showing Buster Brown and his dog? It is five feet long and fragile. I found it in a turn-of-the-century mercantile/hardware store in Angleton, TX. —L.H., Florida (for Antique Shoppe publication)

A. Your child’s bench is a piece of advertising memorabilia. I was unable to find any prices or listing for this exact object. However, other Buster Brown items (i.e. a hobby horse) have sold at auction for $500 to $1,750. For insurance purposes I would suggest a figure in between.

Q. I have been trying to find information on my grandmother’s hand painted, mouth blown, pitcher and six glasses. I believe it could have been a wedding present in 1916. The pitcher and six glasses have a thumb print design and white, yellow and coral enamel flowers and leaves painted on all pieces. Any information will be appreciated. —P.B., Kansas City, KS

A. Your late 19th/early 20th century lemonade set could sell in a shop for $250 or more.

Q. What could this altar be worth? The figures of Mary and Jesus, just taken down from the cross, are painted and with a carved and painted grotto-niche trimmed in gilt. Under the statue is a communion set and the crucifix is nickel-plated. The entire altar is oak and has a pair of brass candelabra. It was purchased in 1909 for $600. —T.F., Ford City, PA

A. Similar altars sell for $900 to $1,200.

Q This vase was a wedding gift from a friend in China. He indicated that it is very old. It is 14” high with raised flowers. The bottom has words engraved in Chinese letters. Do you have any thoughts about the value of the vase? —B.S., Wilmette, Ill

A. Your friend is right. I have identified the Chinese marks as dating to the Quing dynasty. Qianlong (1736-1795). However, the scalloped rim bothers me. I haven’t seen any antique Chinese vases with such a rim. I suggest you contact the Christies Asian ceramics specialist for an estimated value. Send picture of vase and marks to Christie’s Auction Estimates Service, 20 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY, 10020.

Q. I am interested in knowing something about this flowered porcelain bowl and its six smaller ones. It is marked “hand painted Nippon.” —R.B., Glenview, IL

A. Nippon china was made in Japan from 1891 to around 1921. There are many patterns and marks. Your nut bowl set was made in the early 20th century. Those with an attractive pattern, such as yours, can sell in a shop for $200.

Q. This planter came from the Atlantic Terracotta Co. It has been in my family for years. Can you price it? —J.L., Staten Island, NY

A. The New York Atlantic Terracotta Co. was founded on Staten Island around the turn of the 19th century. Your urn appears to be quite large. This type of antique garden ornament is currently much in demand especially with its connection to Staten Island history. It could sell for over $1,000 to a dealer specializing in antique garden accessories. Ask around.

Q. This sculpture of a woman and a bird came from my husband’s grandfather’s house. The seated woman appears to be made from brass with hands and face of ivory. Bird brass. It is marked “Menneville” on the dress and “France” on the marble base. What do you know about it? —T.D.M., Pittsburgh, PA

A. It took a bit of doing but I finally tracked down your French sculptor known only as E. Menneville. He worked in the 1920s in the Art Deco style. The most recent pricing came from Clars Auction Gallery in Oakland, CA. The piece, similar to yours sold for $1,900. However, at could sell for more than that to a collector of Art Deco sculpture.

Q. I have an 8-piece china tea set made in England. On the back it reads, “To Her Majesty The Queen Mfg. of ceramic tablewear Johnson Brothers (Hanly) Ltd. Stoke-On-Trent England Coaching Scenes. Made in England. Ironstone.” On the right side it says, “To H.M. Queen Elizabeth. The Queen Mother. Mfg. of Ceramic Tablewear.” Is it worth anything? —J.H., Natona Hts., PA

A. Johnson Brothers, a Staffordshire pottery maker, opened in the 19th century in England. Among the many patterns made was coaching scenes. Your set was made in the 1960s and ‘70s. It could sell in a shop for $200.

Q. Can you tell me if these pieces from my mother’s vanity set have any value? It has blue rhinestone trim and is a green plastic. —R.S., Libertville, IL

A. Your partial vanity set from the 1920s and ‘30s, and could sell in a shop for $50 to $80.

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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