News & Events
Mid-America
News
Show
Calendar
State Event Calendars
Regular Features
The
Antique Detective
Antique
Detective Q&A
Common Sense Antiques
Refurnished
Thoughts
Traveling with Ken
Good Eye
Books
for Collectors
Directories
& Classifieds
The
Finder: Unique Shops
Lodgings Directory
Museum Directory
Aviation Museums
Wineries in the Heartland
Classifieds
Web
Links
Archived Features
Antiquing
in Colorado
Dealer Profile Archive
Editor's
Notebook
Heirloom
Recipes
Helpful Hints
for Collectors
Is This An Antique?
Past
Cover Features
Reflecting
History
Discover Mid-America — July 2007
An unusual wooden canteen
Q. I have an Atwater Kent console radio in original condition with sliding doors. My father purchased this radio in 1929. Can you give me the value? —J.S., Wilmette, IL
A. Alas ! You didn’t send a photo or tell me if it works. Prices vary widely. For example if it is in the Art Deco style of the ‘20s, ‘30s and the wood graining is outstanding, the price could be over $1,000. For the run-of-the-mill designs more common, prices are $200 or more. For more information check the Internet where you may find your exact radio.
Q. I bought this rocking chair for $85 ten years ago. The back has twisted spindles, as do the arms. It has been painted white and has floral decals on the back. The seat area has nail holes in a circle but the original seat is gone and I use a cushion. When I purchased this at an auction they said it was 80 years old. What is it worth? —A.P.G., Livingston, TX
A. You appear to have a c.1900, oak, press back rocker. A similar example — though child’s size — is pictured on page 365 of the Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price List 2007. If yours had not been painted and had the original seat it could sell in a shop for $95 or more.
Q. We have had this carved bird for many years. It isn’t wood and is 9” high. Any information appreciated. —A.G., Leechburg, PA
A. While it is difficult to identify the material from your photo I think your bird is made from a mineral called “soapstone.” It was a popular type of carving in the 19th and early 20th century, mostly in China and Japan as well as in Alaska and Europe. Yours appears to be Japanese style. It could sell in a shop for several hundred dollars.
Q. My Swedish grandmother called this item a “sugar cutter.” As the photo shows a metal blade with a wooden handle is made to move up and down inside a wood tub with a small drawer. What is the value? —L.D.P., Glenview, IL
A. Your 19th century sugar cutter, as an example of a kitchen primitive, could sell at auction for $400 or more.
Q. Can you give me some info on this French tapestry I bought it at an estate sale in 1980. —M.M., Pittsburgh, PA
A. Your French tapestry was one of many made in the late 19th, early 20th century as a status symbol for the newly rich. It could sell at auction for $200 or more.
Q. My mother had this figurine in her china closet. I would like to know something about it and if it has any value. It is a bust of a queen and on the bottom is marked “Stoke on Trent & Wiltshaw & Robinson.” —M.O., New Kensington, PA
A. Many commemorative figurines like yours were popular in the late 19th to early 20th century. In 1890, J.F. Wiltshaw and H.T. Robinson teamed up and made earthenware pottery. Your figurine appears to be Princess Alexandria celebrating her wedding to Prince Albert Edward, later Edward VII. It could sell in a shop for $200.
Q. This item was probably used to carry water. Can you tell the value and it’s purpose? L.D.P. -Glenview, IL
A. Your unusual item is a wooden canteen and probably originally had leather shoulder straps. A similar canteen, without the painted date, sold at a November Garth’s Auction for over $900.
Q. My mother inherited this armchair from her mother. I believe it is walnut. Not the original seat. It has carved paws on the edge of the arms. Any idea of age and value? —B.S., Boone, IA
A. Your armchair is in the English Regency style (early 19th century). However, it is probably a reproduction made around 1900. Since there could be quite a difference in price, if possible have a professional appraiser examine it. A reproduction could sell in a shop for several hundred dollars. An authentic piece could sell for several thousand.
Have a question about a favorite antique?
Send
question and photo(s) to:
The Antique Detective, c/o Discovery Publications
1501 Burlington, Suite 207
North Kansas City, MO 64116
Or
email, with photo(s) to
publisher@discoverypub.com
> Antique Detective Q&A Archive — past columns
©2000-08 Discovery Publications, Inc.