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Discover Mid-America — September 2007
Find a good expert
Q. I found this at a garage sale and I’m not sure what it is. It reminds me of a Holy Water font. It hangs on the wall and is in three pieces. It is white porcelain and on the back is “Italy, handmade, K.B.N.Y.” Any ideas? —V.M.C., Kansas City, KS
A. You have a “lavabo.” Its original purpose was for priests to wash their hands before performing a religious ceremony. However, these days they are used as decorative accessories when they come to market. New ones are being made for that purpose. Antique examples can sell for several thousand dollars. Recent pieces such as yours can sell in shops for $300 or more.
Q. Can you find out something about this churn? It is metal and has original painted sides. What could it sell for? —J.T.S., De Kalb, MO
A. Lucky you! There are collectors of antique kitchen items. Your 1910 butter churn appears to have been made by Dazey. Contact Butch & Dea Allen, 1605 Oscar, St. Joseph, MO 64505-1228. (816) 279-1495. They specialize in collecting and selling primitive kitchen items. Yours could sell in a shop for $400 or more.
Q. Enclosed a picture of an article I hope you can identify and tell me what it was used for. The case is black leather. Printed on it is “Made in Paris for Sachs, N.Y.” —B. G., Piscataway, NJ
A. You appear to have a men’s travel case for cologne, etc., early 2oth century. It could sell at auction for $175/$250.
Q. I acquired this wicker rocker from my great aunt. On the bottom is the label "Heywood & Morrell Roleg Co. #8 Chicago, IL". Can you evaluate it? —L.S., Hartley, IA
A. Late 19th century wicker rockers such as yours can fetch from $1,000 to $2,500 in a shop.
Q. We acquired a large theater poster, “The Ten Commandments” starring Charleton Heston — 27” wide x 41” long — when we operated a theater. I came across it and others while cleaning our basement. Where would I sell them and what value? They are in excellent condition. —F.S., Vandergrift, PA
A. Contact Heritage Auction Galleries who specialize in movie posters, 3500 Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75219-3941. For all information on selling, email: Mail@emovieposter.com.
Q. I would like to know the value of my Steiff toy lion. It is 27” long. It is from Germany and between 45-50 years old in mint condition. —I.W.H., Glenview, IL
A. Your Steiff lion could sell in a shop for $500 or more.
Q. I have had this jardinière and stand for several years. The lady I bought it from said she had varnished it. However, the colors show through. It’s in good condition. What can you tell me about it and the value? —J.R., Kansas City, MO
A. You have a piece of American Art pottery. The raised design and style are called “majolica.” Unfortunately, there is no maker’s mark but there is an artist’s signature (initials). Since there were many potteries working at that time (1900-1912) making this style of pottery, I wasn’t able to come up with a maker. Since it’s in good condition (without the varnish) your Jardinière could sell for $3,000 or more; you should find a restorer who can remove the varnish without destroying the surface. Next find an American Art Pottery expert (dealer) who can identify the maker.
Q. Enclosed a photo of my “Clabber Girl Chewing Tobacco” metal sign. What could it be worth? —A.B., Scituate, MA
A. Similar late 19th to early 20th century tin ad signs can sell for $500 and up at specialty auctions. Send photo, measurements, etc. to: Advertising tin expert, James Julia Auctions, 203 Skowhegan Road, Fairfield, ME 04937. Go to www.Juliaauctions.com.
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> Antique Detective Q&A Archive — past columns
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