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Discover Mid-America — May 2004
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Q. This old plate has a raised image of an old cottage, stable, horse and cart and a farmer. It was once in the “Tabor Opera House” in Leadville, Colorado. On the back is a decal that reads “Genuine hand painted, Legendware, New Bridge Lane, Rockport, Chesaire.” In the center is a dragon/lion emblem. Can you tell me anything about it, including value? It is 14” diameter. D.B. - Dubuque, IA
A. Your souvenir plaque was made in the early 20th century, mass-produced. It could sell in a shop for $25.
Q. I have an antique stool given to my mother 30 years ago from a friend from Mexico. It is four legged with metal claw fee enclosing glass balls. On the bottom is stamped “nut Pat. June 1308.” What is it? J.F. - Romayor, TX (from Discover Mid-America)
A. Your piano stool was made in the late 19th century. It could be shop priced at $150.
Q. This smoking stand is covered with copper on the inside. Can you tell me anything about it? K.T.- East Vandergrift, PA
A. What you have is a humidor, made in the 1920s. It would originally have had a sponge, or something similar that would have been dampened to keep the cigars from drying out. Today you would have to pay around $300 or more in a shop for it.
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Q. This photo of a figurine of my grandmother’s “snow boy”— the name she gave it, is over 100 years old. On the bottom it is stamped “made in Germany.” Would appreciate any information. D. L. S. - Orange City, FL
A. You appear to have a late 19th century, tinted, bisque figurine. It could sell in a shop for $200.
Q. Can you define what this piece of religious, antique art is called and the value? It was given to my grandparents on their wedding day in the 1890s. It is a figure of the crucifixion with small carved religious symbols that my mother had painted silver, along with the frame, in the 1950s. G.B. - Stockton, MO
A. During the 1870s to 90s, it was a popular custom in America to give newlyweds a symbolic, religious gift in the form of an icon. While yours is serious—depicting the crucifixion, with Christ on the cross and small carvings of the spear—others were humorous. Since it was carved by an untrained, unknown artist, it is a form of folk art. A rarity, it could sell at auction for over a thousand dollars.
Q. My husband and I purchased this old shelf clock at an antique show 40 years. On the back it reads “Baltic-F. Kroeber Clock Company Sole manufacturers.” When was it made and what is the current value? M.L. - Southbury, CT
A. Francis Kroeber was a New York clock maker who sold his clocks to the New Haven Clock Company. He gave names to the various styles, i.e. Baltic. Your clock was made in the 1870s‚ 80s. Kroeber’s shelf clocks sell from $700 to several thousand. Yours is quite fine and unique and could sell in a shop for over a thousand dollars.
Q. I have had a “Rub Lite” washboard for many years. What could it bring at a garage sale? M.M. - Staten Island, NY
A. There are many collectors of vintage washboards. Price yours at $35.
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Q. I purchased this old crockery gin bottle at an estate sale. It has a painted red, wood top with a cork and the name “Henkes” on it. The label says “Henkes Geneva Gin.” Can you give me any idea when it was made? C.S. - Kansas City, MO
A. It dates to the 1930s.
Q. This hand-painted porcelain vase, one of three matching, is vibrant blue with gold trim. All are marked “hand painted Nippon.” What is the age and value? P.W. - Ford City, PA
A. Unfortunately you didn’t give me the height or the color of the wreath mark, which would help me date and price your Japanese vases. The colors of the marks indicate the quality. Green is tops, blue, second-grade and magenta, third-grade. It was made from 1891 to 1921. Prices for your style floral decoration range from $350 to $450. .
Q. I would like to have my book, published in “anno 1625” appraised. The title is “Rhenii Gramma Greca” by M. Johannis Rhanii. It is written in Greek or Latin. Who could I contact? It has a hide cover. A.P. - Libertyville, IL
A. Contact “Printers Row Fine and Rare,” 715 S. Dearborn, Chicago, IL. (312) 583-1800. This is their specialty.
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Kansas City, MO 64106
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> Antique Detective Q&A Archive — past columns
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