Questions & Answers by Anne Gilbert

As seen in The Antique Shoppe Newspaper, September, 2005

Q. I read with interest your recent article on Japanese wood block prints. I have a wood block triptych by Toyokuni 111(Kunisada) and would like to sell it. I know there are many fakes on the market so I’m not sure where I should start. Do you have any suggestions?
T.S. -Salt Lake City, UT

A. You are right about fakes. You need an expert in the category to authenticate . Begin by sending a good photo and any documentation to a major auction house that handles Japanese wood block prints, such as Sotheby’s. Check on the internet for info or write to :Oriental Art Expert, Sotheby’s , 1334 York Ave., New York, NY 10021

Q. This stereopticon viewer is over one hundred years old. On it is printed “Manufactured by Underwood & Underwood, New York. Pat. June 11, 1900. I have 154 viewer cards of Egypt, Yellowstone Park and Holland total. What is the value and where should I go to sell this?
G.N. - Cheswick, PA

A. Your viewer could sell in a shop for $225 or more. Each of the views could go for $30 each. The most expensive view cards have some historical importance, like Civil War, historic place and they can sell for $100 and up, each. To sell take to an antique show and offer to a dealer or run an ad.

Q. I would like to know the value and age of these two lamp shades that have marbleized stained glass. They are about 7 1/2” long.
M.B. -Wilmette, IL

A. Your outdoor sconces are in designs popularized by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in his Prairie style houses, in the early 20th century. Many have turned up in Illinois in your area. They could sell in a shop for $200 a pair, or more. The style is also known as Arts and Crafts. . This 19” tall table has a 24” diameter top with a 12” plate in the center. On the bottom of the plate it says, “Spring”, “Czechoslovakia”. There is also a mark of an arm holding sword. Any information appreciated. D.M.- Skokie, IL A. The plate was made around 1918 by Rudolf & Eugen Haidinger, in Czechoslovakia, as was the table. Table with plate could sell in a shop for $250 or more.

Q. This 19” tall table has a 24” diameter top with a 12” plate in the center.On the bottom of the plate it says, “Spring”, “Czechoslovakia”. There is also a mark of an arm holding sword. Any information appreciated.
D.M.- Skokie, IL

A. The plate was made around 1918 by Rudolf & Eugen Haidinger, in Czechoslovakia, as was the table. Table with plate could sell in a shop for $250 or more.

Q . My son brought this weird looking table home from the trash somewhere. I never saw anything like it. I think someone just threw it together. Any idea of age or style?
L. J.S. -Apollo, PA

A. Congratulations to your son for having a “collector’s eye.” Even though your plant display table appears to be in need of restoration, it dates to 1810-20s, is in the Sheraton tradition with Duncan Phyffe influences. Seek out a professional restorer. In good condition it could be worth several thousand dollars.

Q. Enclosed are photos of an antique bedroom set we have been told is “Eastlake style. It includes a wash stand with marble top, bed and chest of drawers. What is the value?
W.B. - Van Horne, IA

A. Your furniture is in the late Eastlake style(1868-1888). In the 1970s, 80s the high headboard beds were eagerly sought and costly. These days your set could sell in a shop for $1,500.

Q. I would like to know the value of my “Huckleberry Hound” stuffed toy. He is 17” tall and has printed on his neck, “ (c) H.-B. Ent. 1956.
J.S. - Lufkin, TX

A. The newest “Hake’s Price Guide to Character Toys” evaluates you toy at $85 in top condition.

Q. I found this picture years ago . It is black and white and appears to be of George Washington and his family. Can you tell me anything about it?
M.F. - Leechburg, PA

A. You appear to have a black and white engraving of the Washington family. The original was a stipple engraving, c. 1798 after the painting by Robert Savage. However there are slight differences in the poses of the people in your engraving and the original. Also, have you ever taken it out of the frame ? The original has the title, name of artist, date, etc. In good condition, with the printed information, it could sell for over $1,000 at auction.

Q. We would like to sell this stove. It has 20 mica windows, 8 doors. The crown is brass and is nickel plated throughout. It was professionally restored when we bought it. It has printing that says, “No. 24 Abram Cox Stove Co., Phila. Radiant Novelty”. What is the value?
M.F. - Crete, NE

A. You have an important , American architectural antique. My rough estimated value of $2,000 isn’t good enough. Send photos to Sotheby’s Americana expert, 1334 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021

Q. Can you please tell me what this two tiered pottery piece is and the value ? It is marked “Calif Orig USA”.
G.N. - Kansas City, MO

A. Your dish was probably made in the 1930s,40s, by one of the many California china manufacturers working at the time. It could sell in a mall show for $10-$25

If you have any questions, you can Email us at antshoppe@aol.com

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