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Discover Mid-America — May 2008
Missing drawer lowers the price
Q. We have a safe built by Herring Hall and Marvin Safe Co. The model is 1722 and the serial number is 72370. Currently the safe is open but we don't have the combination. It is approximately 5' tall, 34" deep and 36" wide. Any idea of the age, value and how to obtain the combination? -P.D., Kansas City, KS
A. The company was founded in 1893 and yours was probably made before 1900. Similar safes can sell for several thousand dollars. Check the Internets for vault specialists who can probably fix your code, based on the model number and serial number.
Q. Before I put this pair of stained glass windows up for sale, what should I ask? They are 5' x 2 1⁄2 ft. -L.F., Apopka, FL
A. Your pair of Arts and Crafts style windows should sell for $900/$1,200 for the pair. The price is based on what similar windows have sold for at quality auctions. You can begin with a higher price and go down.
Q. I bought this pair of chairs at an estate sale 15 years ago. They are in original finish. The backs appear to be cattail spindles with a sunflower in the center. Can you tell me age, maker and value? -W. S., Jacksonville, FL
A. Your chairs date to 1893 and the design period is known as the "Aesthetic Movement." Similar chairs have sold at auction for $300 each.
Q. I have this dresser, which I believe may be an antique. I can't find any makers marks on it. Can you help? -S.S., Grayslake, IL
A. From your photo you have a dresser in the American Jacobean style (1650-1690). However, there was a revival of this style around 1900. Since authenticating of the age requires a hands on examination of construction, etc. I suggest you hire a professional appraiser since there is a difference of thousands of dollars depending on age. Because of the raised carving, I would date it c.1900. But all I can go by is the photo.
Q. I have two Karastan rugs I bought from a house built in 1880. Were Karastan rugs handmade and done in the 1880s? -S.S., Colorado Springs, CO
A. Karastan rugs, carpets were the first machine-made "Oriental rug style," introduced in 1928.
Q. I've enclosed photos of our "Grand Bride" cook stove, model 35820, I acquired the photos through research of the Grander Stove Company's 1920 catalog. Any information about the stove and value appreciated. -M.C.N., Cambridge, MD
A. Similar stoves, in good condition, are fetching over $2,000 on eBay.
Q. I would like to know about this desk. One of the two small inside drawers is missing. I paid $100 for it. -R.B., Keystone Heights, FL
A. Your desk was made in the 1870s. Unfortunately, the missing drawer lowers the price. In original condition it could sell in a shop for $250/$300.
Q. I've had this Royal Doulton pitcher for over 50 years. It is 9" high. The illustration is of man in long robe. On one side is the phrase "Dogberry. First who think you the most desartless man to be Constable." Inside the upper rim are the words "Dogberry's watch." The mark says "Royal Doulton, England." Any information will be appreciated. -L.L., Lower Burrell, PA
A. Your pitcher is part of the Dickens ware series made by Royal Doulton to celebrate the 1912 centennial of Charles Dickens birth. Prices vary depending on the rarity of the character, condition and form. Your early pitcher could sell in a shop for $400 to $700. I found a more recent version with a slightly different illustration of dogberry offered for far less on eBay.
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