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Discover Mid-America — June 2006
Marked with a beehive
Q. This ceramic figurine of a horse is marked on the bottom “Royal
Crown Derby English bone china.” What can you tell me? —D.M.,
Cheswick, PA
A. Your porcelain figurine is a paperweight. Royal Crown Derby began making paperweights in 1981. Prices vary widely. You might want to check eBay.
Q. I was given this vase many years ago. The giver told me it was valuable. It is 10” high and has no marks. Any information appreciated. —R.J.F., Freeport, PA
A. From your photo you appear to have a Japanese, Satsuma style vase made in the early 20th century. Satsuma ware was made in both porcelain and earthenware. I can’t tell from your photo which yours. You need to have a hands-on appraiser since it could be worth from $500 to several thousand dollars.
Q. I have a curio cabinet that originally belonged to my husband’s grandmother. Can you recommend an appraiser who is honest and has reasonable fees? —C.B., Lake Forest, IL
A. Ask your local museum, historical society or your personal property insurance agent whom they use.
Q. I would love to know something about these pieces of matching jewelry that belonged to my mother-in-law. Each link contains a raised head of a woman. —D.F., Antioch, IL
A From your photo your bracelet consists of hand-carved stone cameos. You didn’t mention if the links are gold, which would add to the value. This type of jewelry was popular in the 1870s. Cameos were also carved from shells, onyx.
Q. I would like some information about this pen and ink drawing of a man and woman. I can’t read the artist’s signature. —H.M., Tarentum, PA
A. Your print was done by the famous artist Charles Dana Gibson around the turn of the late 19th century. The woman is typical of the popular “Gibson girl” with her Pompadour hairstyle. Hundreds of these prints and others by the artist were made. It could sell in a shop for $75 or more.
Q. This photo shows two dressers marked “Kindel, Grand
Rapids.” What is the value and age?
—G.A., Kansas City, KS
A. Your pieces were probably made in the 1920s when there was a revived interest in 18th century style American furniture. These pieces are going up in price as authentic pieces are mostly in museums and private collections. When they do come to market, prices can be in the high five figures. More if they can be attributed to a maker. Your Chippendale highboy could sell at auction for around $1,500, the chest for $800.
Q. We bought this pair of cups with saucers a few years ago. They are marked with a Beehive and the words “Royal Vienna.” Can you tell me anything about them? —E.W., Allegheny Township, PA
A. The Royal Vienna porcelain factory produced quality porcelains from 1749 to 1864. The mark was a blue beehive. However, reproductions made ever since. Your chocolate cups should be examined by an expert, since a single cup and saucer dating to the 1860s, could sell in a shop for over $350.
Q. I acquired this fruit bowl many years ago. I was told it was German silver with a Mulberry porcelain inlay. Can you tell me the age and worth? —H.G., Sarver, PA
A. The mark on the bottom is one of the many Villeroy-Boch marks, placing it in the late 19th century Germany. Similar bowls sell in shops for several hundred dollars. However you need to let a silver expert authenticate the metal and evaluate it.
Q. I would appreciate any information on this dresser that has no marks. It needs refinishing. —B.H., Chicago, IL
A. Your dresser dates to 1912 to the 1920s. There should be a maker’s mark somewhere on the inside or back of drawers. It is a hodge-podge of styles, typical of the mass produced furniture of that period. If It was professionally refinished it could sell in a shop for $200 or more.
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104 E 5th St., Suite 201
Kansas City, MO 64106
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> Antique Detective Q&A Archive — past columns