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 New York cabinetmakers. That state's John Henry Belter and J. and J.W. Meeks in New Orleans are best known, though factories in Cincinnati and Grand Rapids produced attractive examples. I suggest a minute inspection of the table, from all angles, for a maker's mark or label.

On www.liveauctioneers.com, we found similar tables sold at auction ranging from $600 for one not as elaborately carved, to $4,100 for an elaborately carved mahogany version with carved heads.

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 Margaret Mitchell classic.

We checked with Joan Lindsey, president of the National Button Society, and she contacted several button dealers. All agree that the buttons probably date to the 1939 movie classic, but no one had more info.

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 $12.99 each. "Out on the Porch" is a personal favorite, loaded with rustic antiques and calm scenes. "The Collectible Teapot and Tea" shows 12 months of teapots and settings, from Royal Winton to Lefton and contemporary pots. "The Secret Garden" has seasonal vistas, as well as garden antiques.

"Cynthia Hart's Victoriana," $13.99, is a classic. Lively with Victorian die-cuts and frou-frou, it comes, this year, with a book of days, postcards, and a desktop calendar. A stand-up gallery calendar, "Handbags," $15.99, is for the Judith Leiber, Birkin and vintage Lucite lover. In all, there are 313 photos.

AUCTION ACTION: An important German silver Hanukah lamp made by Thomas Tubener in Halberstadt around 1713 will sell this month at Sotheby's. Part of a Judaica sale, it is named the Wertheimer-Oppler lamp for previous owners. Estimate is $300,000- $500,000.

COLLECTOR QUIZ

QUESTION: When did the first Mickey Mouse electric desk clocks debut? Who was the maker?

a. 1943

b. 1939

c. 1933

d. 1949

1. Westclox

2. Lux Clock Co.

3. Bradley

4. Ingersoll

ANSWER: Ingersoll made several versions in 1933. The same year, a (now) very scarce English wind-up version was also made. Source: "Character & Novelty Clocks & Watches," by Jim and Merlyn Collings (Collector Books, $29.95).

 

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(c) 2010 Danielle Arnet