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Discover Mid-America — April 2006
Take a closer look
Q. I know little about this fruit basket display. Each piece of fruit
is blown glass, wax coated and hand painted. The glass dome is 36”
high and fits into a groove in the wood base. The basket is wicker. Can
you tell me anything about it and value? —R.J.C., Bradenton, FL
A. Your domed display was one of the many lady’s crafts popular in the mid-19th century. It could sell in a shop for several hundred dollars.
Q. This covered cheese plate confuses me. The stamp says Meissen but the symbol seems to be from England. Could you figure out what this piece is worth and the age? —J.A.S., Falls City, NE
A. Take a closer look at the names on the bottom. “Carro Meissen” is the name of the blue and white Meissen style pattern. The other name reads “Staffrordshire England” where the piece was made around 1890. It could sell in a shop for $250.
Q. I am the owner of 18 pairs of porcelain Dorothy Doughty birds that I am considering selling. Can you suggest the best way to do it? —B.M., Chicago, IL
A. There are many ways. First know the retail value (shop) then cut that in half for your asking price. You could check on the Internet or the library for collector’s clubs or try eBay. Or, run an ad in this publication.
Q. What can you tell me about this cookie jar marked “Little Red Riding Hood?” No other marks. An antique shop owner told my sister-in-law it had matching bowls and was worth $2,700. —N.L.P., Payson, UT
A. Talk is cheap. Your cookie jar was made by Cronin China Company and sold by the Pottery Guild of America. The Pottery Guild was in business from 1937 thru 1946. Your jar, listed under Pottery Guild of America, on the Internet, under Red Riding Hood cookie jars, has a shop value of $100/150. Many pottery companies made Red Riding Hood cookie jars, often using the same molds. Your jar is pictured on the cookie jar website.
Q. What is this porcelain object and what was it used for? It is 2 3/4” high and 6 3/4” long, marked “Germany.” It is like a cup with a long spout. —B.S., Freeport, PA
A. Your object is an invalid feeder. It allowed the sick person to suck soup or liquids through the spout. It was made in the late 19th century and could sell in a shop for $50 or less.
Q. I inherited this secretary from my uncle in 1946 but know it is older. It has no markings. I would like to know the history, maker and value. —A.W., Skokie, IL
A. Your secretary is in the “modern gothic” style made around 1875-85, probably by one of the many Chicago furniture makers working at the time. Look inside the drawers for a maker’s name. Or, could have had a paper label. It could sell at auction for $2,000 or more.
Q. This lamp is 21” high and weighs about 6 pounds. The female figure is gold color. The shade is green glass. I can find no marks. Any information appreciated. It has been in the family at least 60 years. —T.R.T., Ford City, PA
A. The weight offers a clue that the figure is bronze. Make a tiny scratch. If it shows bright gold, it is bronze. It is in the Art Deco style. It may have had a paper label. Similar lamps sell at auction for over $1,000. Have it looked at by an appraiser specializing in Art Deco from the ‘20s, ‘30s.
Q. We are interested in any information about this red cash register. It measures 6” high x 4” w x 5” deep. —J.A., Hollister, MO
A. Your child’s toy cash register was made in 1931.It has been reproduced. A vintage example could sell in a shop for $50 or more.
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The Antique Detective, c/o Discovery Publications
104 E 5th St., Suite 201
Kansas City, MO 64106
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> Antique Detective Q&A Archive — past columns
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