Discover Vintage America – January 2012

Treasure found in trash

Q. This old armchair was put on a neighborhood curb for trash pickup, probably because there’s damage to the cane seat. Since I’m furnishing my first apartment, I brought it home. Before I spend money on repairs I’m wondering if it’s worth anything. It has a red paper label with some kind of arch design and the words “Gustav Stickley.” The finish appears to be original. – S.L., Peoria, IL

A. Your chair proves treasures can turn up anywhere. You have a Morris chair made by Gustav Stickley (1858-1942), who’s considered one of the most important furniture designers of the Arts and Crafts movement, along with his five brothers. The symbol on the chair is a joiners compass. Even with the damaged seat it could sell at auction for $2,000 or more.

Q. The enclosed photo is of an old radio that belonged to my grandmother. The inserts are hand-painted oils of ships. When the doors are opened you can see the old radio. There are no markings on the back of the radio. Can you tell me something about it? – C.H., Royal Palm Beach, FL

A. Your radio was made in the 1920s when they were often designed as furniture. Many were housed in elaborate cabinets, such as yours. Without labels or numbers, I can’t find the maker. However, it could sell to a vintage radio collector for $900 or more. Check the Internet for sales and advertising and collector sources.

Q. I bought this four-piece tea set in an antique shop in 1991. On the bottom it’s marked “SAJI, Occupied Japan.” Tell me about it and its value. – L.Z., Kansas City, KS

A. Your tea set was made after World War II by Japanese-American, Sam Naito, who started a wholesale ceramics business named Norcrest China Company. It imported fine dinnerware from Occupied Japan. Your tea set could sell in a shop for around $60.

Q. This silver deer tureen was given to me by friends many years ago. It is 12 inches high and 13 inches wide. It’s stamped “1869” on the bottom. Is it valuable? – M.T., Pittsburgh, PA

A. I found your exact tureen on the Internet. It had no makers’ marks. It’s called an animal presentation tureen. Many were made, briefly, from 1869 to the early 1870s in silver-plate. A dealer would price it at around $950.

Do you need more information on an antique or collectible item? For a personal reply, send a photo, history, size, signatures and $25 to Anne Gilbert, P.O. BOX 740136, Boynton Beach, FL 33437-0136.