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Discover Mid-America — March 2008
Questioned the authenticity
of a Duncan Phyfe
Q. This crystal pendant has a reverse carving of Johann Sebastian Bach. It is 1 1/2” long and 1 1/4” wide. I would like to know the age, purpose and value. —T.C., Drexel, MO
A. What you have is a sulphide pendant. From the late 18th century to late 19th, unglazed white porcelain cameos with a cameo head of a famous person or animal that were enclosed in glass. Technically, they were known as “cameo incrustations.” In the 1840s, famous French glass houses such as Baccarat were making them and exporting them to America. By the 1860s, American glass houses were making them. By the late 19th century, cheap imitations were made with the design pressed into a glass object that left an impression that was filled with plaster of Paris and glued onto the surface. From your photo you appear to have one of the late 19th century example with the design filled in with plaster of Paris. As such it would be worth $100 or less. If made of porcelain and antique, the price could be in the several thousand dollars. Contact Seidenberg Galleries, 36 East 12th St., New York, NY, sulphide specialists
Q. I would like to know something about this pair of Chinese pictures of Oriental ladies. They are signed but I can’t make out the signature. —S.J.D., Edeinburg, TX
A. You didn’t give me much to go on, such as what are they painted on or are they prints? What I can tell you is they were done in the 1940s and not Chinese, but of stylized Oriental women. The artist’s signature appears to be “Tolson”. My extensive research didn’t find any matches. Look like they are painted on wood.
Q. When I bought this table the seller said it was Duncan Phyfe. I paid $50 so I questioned the authenticity since I have read there are many good replicas. How do I tell the difference? —J.J., Kansas City, MO
A. Original Duncan Phyfe were made in the Federal Period (1788-1825). Many of the craftsmen who originally worked with him moved to other areas of the country, using his designs. During the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876 more reproductions were made. They are still being made. To answer your question, a good clue is the saw marks. Early pieces have crosshatched saw marks. In one of your photos semi-circular saw marks are visible, making the piece made probably after 1860. It is probably a Centennial table. These are now very collectible so, except for the missing brass toes, and in original, good condition, your repro could sell in a shop for $900 or more.
Q. I would like to know the value of this white bride’s basket with the ruffled rust color rim. It is mounted in a silver plate frame. —P.B.M., Freeport, PA
A. Your bride’s basket, made in the 1880s, could sell in a shop for $250 or more.
Q. I would like to know the age and value of this champleve’ vase that my grandmother had in the 1920s. I have seen prices from $400 up. —M.S., Springhill, FL
A. It is difficult to tell much regarding value from your photo. Price also depends on size, and condition. However, I can tell you it dates from the 1870s.
Q. How old is this dresser set I purchased a few years ago and what is the value? —J.G., Intercession City, FL
A. Your lovely dresser set appears complete, adding to the value. It dates from 1915 to the 1920s. It could sell in a shop for $150 or more.
Q. I’ve been told a hobo stopped at my great grandmother’s house and in exchange for a meal he made this wood decoration of a peacock and a cross, and placed it inside this old bottle. He also signed it “Adam Selico” and dated it 1893 inside. What can you tell me about it? —W.N.A., New Kensington, PA
A. Collectors of Tramp Art, a form of folk art, would love your bottle. The fact that yours is signed and dated adds to the interest. It could sell in a shop for $250 and up.
Q. I have collections of various items that aren’t museum pieces but at least 100 years old. They include pipes, photos, postcards and cigarette lighters. How do you suggest I sell these? —R.H., Sharon, MA
A. Have a conducted house sale. Look in your local or Boston newspaper for people who do such sales. They will price the items, put an ad in papers, etc and supervise the sale, usually for a percentage fee. If you don’t have enough items find a collectibles dealer who, for a fee, will price the items or buy them. They are listed on the Internet, yellow pages, etc.
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> Antique Detective Q&A Archive — past columns
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