Discover Mid-America — March 2004

Q. This pair of table lamps, figures of a man and woman in 18th century clothes are of porcelain, covered with bronze. The name on the man is “Sans famille”. The woman has the name “La Grace de dieu”. They are about 20” high. Can you tell me anything about them?
H.L. - Dunnellen, NJ

A. Your gilt-porcelain lamps were probably made early 20th century in France, since the titles are in French and translate to “without family” on the man, and “the grace of God” on the woman. They are copies of bronze sculptures and could sell at auction for $600 or more for the pair.

Q. This pair of bisque wall figurines is marked with blue crossed arrows. They are 12” high; one a lady, the other a man. I want to sell them on Ebay but not sure of value or what to call them. R.Z. -Staten Island, NY

A. Your late 19th century bisque wall plaques were made by one of the many German factories. The fact that they have no country of origin marks would date them before 1870. However, this type of work was also made in Japan with faked German marks after World War 11 and sold at questionable auctions around the country in the 1970s and 80s. Prices vary for plaques such as yours. At auction they can sell from $350 to $600 a pair.

Q. This small, army kit of operating instruments was made and marked by Fred Maslem & Co., Brooklyn, NY, dated June 16, 1917. It is in the original box. Are collectors for this type of thing? If so what value?
P.J.L. - Sturgis, MI

A. There are indeed collectors. Skinner Galleries, (63 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116) holds Science and Discovery auctions. Contact their expert, Jane D. Prentiss, for evaluation and consignment.

Q. Can you tell me anything about this upholstered armchair? The curved arms end in scroll feet. F.K. - Morton Grove, IL

A. From your photo your chair dates to the Art Deco period, 1925 to the early 1940s. It is probably European and could sell at auction for over $500.

Q. I have a collection of 19th century glass paperweights and marbles I inherited years ago (I’m 75). Who could be interested in buying them and evaluating? None are signed. J.H. - Little Egg Harbor, NJ

A. Your beautiful weights appear to be American. Send photos and descriptions to American glass expert Martha Hamilton, Skinner Auctions, 63 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116.

Q. I recently discovered several fountain pens in a drawer of an old family desk, in our basement. They are marked “Conklin”. Are they worth anything? D.C. - Evanston, IL

A. Depending on rarity, eye-appeal and condition, your pens could sell in shops for $150 to over $700. Gold and gold filling add to the value. For information and dealers check Ebay under antique pens, Conklin.

Q. This vase has been in our family for some time. Can you tell us its origin and value? M.J. - Superior, NE

A. From your photo you appear to have a Chinese porcelain, famille verte, double gourd vase. Unfortunately your photo of the reign marks isn’t clear enough to date it. It should be seen, hands-on by an expert. Since age is the determining factor in evaluating it you could send clear seal mark photo to Ms. Edie Hu, Chinese Ceramics Dept. Sotheby’s, 1334 York Ave., New York, NY, 10021. It is worth several thousand dollars.

Q. I bought what I learned is a figural napkin ring at a garage sale for $15. It is a dog on his hind legs looking at a bird on top of the holder. It is marked “Rockford, silver plate”. Did I find a winner? E.S. - Staten Island, NY

A. You sure did. You’d have to pay over $400 for it in a shop.