Styling Adds Punch and Value to Victorian Table
Danielle Arnet
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Circa 1713 German silver Hanukah lamp
Q: Are these antiques from my mother's home valuable? If not, we'll donate them.
A: Where the goods end up is your call. But based on photos sent, at least two items have great promise for success at auction.
One, a large, beautifully carved Victorian center table, stands out for its sheer style. It's in the Rococo Revival style popular in the mid-1800s, and dates from that time. The wood appears to be walnut, though it must be seen firsthand.
Many such oval tables are on the small side. Based on items in the photo background, this is a big one. That boosts value. At one point, the table may have had marble at the top.
Cabriole legs, typical of the period, are ornately hand carved, with handsome shells at the four top corners. Collectors love fine carving. The drop apron below the top has elaborate center cartouches, and there are scrolled feet. There is a detailed center carved urn at bottom center.
Center tables were made by many
On www.liveauctioneers.com, we found similar tables sold at auction ranging from
If you decide on auction, shop it to good regional houses known for selling good Victorian furniture.
The other item worth second looks is the mantel clock. It could be French or American (too little can be determined from a photo), but it looks very, very good.
Q: I was left this ring by a great, great, great grandmother. Any info?
A: The item seen in rather unclear photos is a mourning ring. Judging from the image (a photo?) inset in the center, it seems to date from the 1930s or '40s. Clothing, glasses and hairstyle point to that time. The frame may be a form of black plastic. Perhaps the ring is not as old as you think.
Q: I inherited my mother's button box, in which I found blue leather buttons embossed with the words, "Gone with the Wind." How do I get them appraised?
A: Seen in an image, the reader's small buttons are mini-books printed with the title of the
We checked with
Lindsey suggests you visit the NBS website, www.nationalbuttonsociety.org, and look for a state or regional club in your area. Perhaps a local source will know more. Keep digging.
Q: What are these? I bought them at a long time ago because I liked them, but I can't figure their purpose.
A: Good for you for buying what you like! Smart collectors know that's the first rule of collecting.
The small fish-shaped blue and white ceramics with covers are mini-servers or ramekins. Artisan made, they were popular table items of the 1950s and early '60s. Imagine them with Danish tableware and you get the picture. Don't heat anything or put food in them, as glaze content is unknown.
2011: Indulge a collecting passion throughout the coming year through calendars from Workman. The first four are
"
AUCTION ACTION: An important German silver Hanukah lamp made by
COLLECTOR QUIZ
QUESTION: When did the first
a. 1943
b. 1939
c. 1933
d. 1949
1. Westclox
2.
3.
4.
ANSWER:
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(c) 2010 Danielle Arnet