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Discover Mid-America — January 2007
Don’t forget to
‘restore the handle’
Q. Enclosed a photo of a tapestry of two figures, man and woman, in 18th century costumes. Behind them a medieval castle, 32” x 40”. The background is an oil painting but everything else is needlework combined with silk and velvet. What is the value and where can I sell it? —B.G., Lauderhill, FL
A. It is very difficult to figure out exactly what you have from the scanned photo. However, similar needlework tapestries were made in the late 19th century. Generally, they sell at auction for $350 and up, depending on the quality, subject and condition. You could sell it on eBay. It is most important to have a quality photo no matter where you try to sell it.
Q. I would like some information about this Anniversary Clock I inherited from my grandparents. The name “Adoria” is in the center. On the back of the clock is inscribed “Jahresuhren-fabrik G.m.b. H. Germany” with two elephants standing on their hind legs, front feet resting on the clock. The clock was recently repaired. The gentleman who did the work said it dates back to 1906 and could be worth $300-$400. Any information you could provide would be appreciated. —S.L.G., Natrona Heights, PA
A. German 400-day clocks are also known as anniversary clocks or torsion clocks. They have a spring-driven movement, an anchor escapement and a rotary torsion pendulum. They run for one year on a single winding. Anton Harder in Germany invented the clock around 1880. Your clock repairman was correct as to date and value for your clock.
Q. These antique gas lamp glass globes come from our former residence on eastern Long Island, “The Anchorage.” The home was constructed in 1882. I was quite taken with the workmanship to make such fine patterns on such a frail surface. I would like to sell them. What would be a fair price and where should I sell them? —S.M., Palm Beach Gardens, FL
A. Similar Victorian etched glass globes have sold for $125 each and up. Try eBay.
Q. Please give me an appraisal for this famille rose six-sided flowerpot. It is Chinese, 19th century, and has a nobleman in each panel. —A.F., Gurnee, IL
A. You didn’t describe the marks on the bottom of your cachepot or if who identified the marks was an expert in the field? So many Chinese fakes and reproductions exist and continue to be made that it is impossible to make a proper evaluation from a photo. You didn’t mention size or describe the marks. Assuming it is authentic, and around 10 inches high, it could sell at auction for $900 or more. Hire a professional appraiser.
Q. I bought this unusual piece at an estate sale for $8. It was covered with mud. The little handle is broken off. I have the piece. The back is flat and I’ve been told this is an oil lamp that hung on the wall. It is 7 inches high. The design and markings are so unusual, I couldn’t find anything on the Internet. Please help. —D.A., New Kensington, PA
A. As Sherlock Holmes once said, “You didn’t know where to look.” From your photo, the bottom is marked “Holland” and “Gouda.” The design is in the Art Nouveau style so it was made during the end of the 19th to early 20th century, and is pottery and signed. In good condition, it could sell in a shop for over $200. Restore the handle.
Q. This chair was my great grandmother’s and I am 64. Some wear on top spindle from the rope tied to it as she made her way from Iowa to Kansas to homestead. Can you give me more information on it? —A.B., Grandview, MO
A. Your Eastlake style side chair made in the 1870s is certainly a family treasure with a history. However, sentimental value is not reality. A shop price could be $250.
Q. We recently bought this old chair at auction in NE Oklahoma and through a limited Internet search. I think it may be a Louis XIII. The “barley” turnings on the arms and legs are typical of the era. The upholstery is worn and may be original. Please identify and appraise the value. —S.B., Grove, OK
A. Without a hands-on examination this chair can’t be properly evaluated. This type of chair was reproduced in quantity around 1900. The value depends on whether it is a period piece or a repro. Anything can happen in the world of antiques. Spend money and have a pro examine it. As a reproduction, it could sell in a shop for $900 or more.
Q. These pictures are of a tureen dish with lid, ladle and platter. It is marked on the bottom “Homer Laughlin Semi-Vitreous China an American Beauty.” What can you tell me about it and the value? —M.E.M., New Bethlehem, PA
A. You have a wonderful early example of Homer Laughlin china made around the end of the 19th century. The company was formed in 1874 in East Liverpool, OH. In 1886, the company created fine, quality china. It was elaborate and the most extreme design was American Beauty, produced for the mass markets. He is most remembered for his Fiesta ware in 1935 that has long been collected. The company still is in business producing commercial ware. Your tureen with the accessories could sell in a shop for $150 or more.
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> Antique Detective Q&A Archive — past columns
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