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Discover Mid-America — December 2004
It appears you have Chinese export silver
Q. I found a silver mug among my great aunt’s things. It is marked
“Barbour Silver Co., Quadruple.” It is beautifully engraved.
It also has the number 2308. Were all cups and mugs engraved with a number
or is that unusual?
—D.S., Kansas City, MO
A. The Barbour Silver Co. was formed in Hartford, CT. In 1898, the
company became part of International Silver Co. Most late 19th and 20th
century silver hollowware (cups, bowls, etc.) were marked with pattern
numbers.
Q. This vase belonged to my late grandfather’s mother. It is marked
“Austria” with a motif I have sketched. He arrived from Austria
around 1890. Does it have any monetary value?
—P.T.M., Staten Island, NY
A. There were over 100 potteries working in Austria in the late 19th
century. My research showed no specific marks such as yours. However,
it was made after 1891 when country of origin had to be marked. Your vase
shows Art Nouveau influences. Similar pieces have sold in shops for $200
or more.
Q. Could you please tell me the value of the following works of art?
Signatures include Picasso, Kathe Kollwez, Honore Daumier, etc.
—J.F., S. Plainfield, NJ
 |
A. Art appraising is a tricky business and requires a hands-on-appraisal
by an expert. While the artist names you mentioned are important, and
could be worth thousands of dollars, they could alsobe fakes or reproductions.
Q. I would like to sell this sterling silver tea set and tray but have
no idea of the worth. On the bottom of each piece is engraved the letters
HC and what appears to be Chinese characters. How and where should I sell
it? —I.H., Glenview, IL
A. You appear to have what is known as Chinese Export Silver, late
19th to early 20th century. The workmanship is extremely fine and it could
sell at auction for over $3,000. Send good photos and description to Kevin
Tierney, Silver Expert, Sotheby’s, 1334 York Ave., New York, NY 10021.
Q. This vase seems to be an incense burner with the lid having small holes.
Some of the handles and top look like winged dragons. It is solid brass.
Any idea of its value?
—F.S., Lower Burrell, PA
A. You are right. You have an incense burner that appears to be Japanese
and bronze, not brass. If it’s very heavy, it is bronze. Also, make
a small knife scratch underneath. If it shows gold, it is bronze, which
most Chinese and Japanese incense burners are. They usually fetch $1,000
or more at auction.
 |
Q. I purchased this ink drawing at an auction and would like to know thevalue.
I believe the people are Greta Garbo and Rudolph Valentino having a “Lovers
Spat.” On the bottom left is a signature and “Copyright 1903
Collier’s Weekly.” Can you identify the artist?
—H. M., Tarentum, PA
A. Sorry but Greta Garbo and Rudolph Valentino weren’t yet born
in 1903 when this art print was made. It is one of many that reproduced
the original pen and ink drawings by Charles Dana Gibson, depicting his
famous Gibson Girl with the pompadour hairstyle. It could sell in a shop
for $70.
Q. My grandparents gave me this vase carved out of some kind of stone.
What can you tell me? —G.H., Kansas City, MO
A. You have a soapstone vase made from the mineral steatite. Usually,
it was used by the Chinese for carvings from the late 19th to early 20th
century. If the carving is detailed and intricate, a shop price would
be around $150.
Q. Can you tell me anything about these 6” high ceramic statues of
two elderly men in Oriental costumes?
—J.L., Chicago, IL
A. Your figurines are Chinese “mud figures” made by the hundreds
in the late 19th to early 20th century, reproduced since then. They depicted
the many occupations of the Chinese, i.e. fisherman, scholar, etc. They
ranged in size from 3” to over a foot high. They were made from common
clay, hence the name “mud” figures. Beginning collectors often
confuse them with early tomb figures. The 19th century figures vary in
price depending on the size and subject — from $75 to several hundred
dollars.
Send
your question about your favorite antique to
THE ANTIQUE DETECTIVE,
c/o Discover Mid-America
104 E. 5th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106
Email: editor@discoverypub.com
> Antique Detective Q&A Archive — past columns
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