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Discover Mid-America — April 2005
This iron object is a ‘Betty’ lamp
Q. This statue of a little girl, 13 3/4” high, was an anniversary
gift to my parents in 1922. It is ceramic with a dull glaze. No country
is named on the bottom. There is an impressed mark on the base with wavy
lines in a circle. A number 10404 is molded on the base. Can you provide
any additional information? — J.O.C., Skokie, IL
A. From your photo you may have a stoneware figure made by Royal Copenhagen,
Denmark. If it was made after 1890, there should be a country of origin
mark. Possibly, it had a paper label originally. It could be sold in the
secondary collectibles market. Contact the Bradford Museum in Niles, IL
to have it authenticated. To learn its value, you will have to hire a
professional appraiser.
Q. I have a Lone Ranger wristwatch. Since I live in Pittsburgh where
can I find the value? — K.R., Pittsburgh, PA
A. Check the yellow pages for “appraisal societies-personal property?”
Ask for a person to appraise collectibles.
Q.
This porcelain candy dish had raised mythological figures on the cover
and around the sides. It is marked “N” in blue. It belonged
to my great aunt and is approximately 60 years old. Information and value
appreciated. — L. E., Staten Island, NY
A. You have a Capo-D-Monte style porcelain candy dish. It could have
been one of the many copies made in Hungary, Germany, France and Italy.
Since there is no country of origin mark, it was made before 1890. Similar
pieces sell in shops for $200 or more.
Q.
Can you evaluate and identify this oriental vase? — B.F., Woodstown,
NJ
A. Your Japanese porcelain vase with the Geisha and gilt trim is known
as Satsuma. It was exported in great quantities to the U.S. in the 1920s
and ‘30s. Your vase could sell in a shop for over $100.
Q. We found this hand carved, wood figurine with applied flowers in
my mother-in-law’s home. It is 11 1/4” high. Does it have any
value and can you give me any information? — S.I.C., Cowansville,
PA
A. Your Chinese wood carving of a praying woman with applied floral
carving appears to be several hundred years old. Since it could be worth
hundreds of dollars, you should have it professionally appraised.
Q. This oak china cupboard folds up. Open, it is 55” high x 26”
wide and 11” deep. When folded, it is about 6” thick. What can
you tell me? — L.M., Kittanning, PA
A. Your cupboard dates late 19th century and is known as “Patent”
furniture. Look for a patent mark. Novelty furniture was popular at this
time. It could sell in a shop for $800 or more.
Q. Someone told me this iron object is a Betty lamp. It apparently hangs
from a chain and was made to hold some kind of fluid. What can you tell
me? — T.C., Houston, TX
A. Your Betty lamp was used in frontier areas. It was made of many
materials including iron, tin, copper and pottery. Bear or animal fat
was used. A twisted rag served as a wick. Prices range from around $100
for iron to several hundred for pottery.
Q. This oil painting of poppies and pussy willows is signed K. Riemer
and the date around 1887 or ‘88. Can you tell me the value? —
A.S., Natrona Heights, PA
A. I was unable to find any listings or information on your artist. As an amateur painter you painting could sell in a shop for $200.
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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