Going by the Numbers Is No Way to Date Items
The mark on the bottom of your dish says “1794,” but does that really mean the dish is more than 200 years old? Probably not.
Early company marks were usually small “pictures.” Some used crossed lines, animal heads, initials or coats of arms.
The date 1794 was used as part of the Royal Bayreuth porcelain factory mark after 1900. The year was included because the factory was founded in 1794.
Many other company marks have confusing numbers. Minton used 1793, the date that it was established. The Edwin M. Knowles Co. has been making collector plates since 1974 but has 1854 in its mark because it purchased the name and history of an older firm.
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Q: I have a pair of wire fan-back chairs. I was told by a friend that they were made during the Depression. Is that true?
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A: Your chairs could date from the 1930s--or as early as the late 1800s.
In the 1870s, the development of technology to make thin steel cables created an inexpensive, durable, lightweight wire material for fencing, outdoor furniture and various small objects. Many wire items were made, including baskets, kitchen gadgets, plate holders, plant stands and all kinds of furniture.
The older the wirework, the more it will show signs of age, such as paint chips, rust, resoldering or broken joints.
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Q: What are “Billikens”? A member of our family received one about 1915 and used it as a kind of good-luck talisman. It is a silly-looking Oriental doll with a pointed composition head and a soft, plush body. There’s a label on his chest that says, “Licensed stamp copyright 1909 by The Billiken Company.”
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A: Your doll was designed by Florence Pretz of Kansas City, Mo. It was manufactured by E.I. Horsman Co., a New York City doll company.
Horsman made Billiken dolls with plush, velvet or pink sateen bodies from 1909 to 1912.
The doll was like a teddy bear with the head of a Chinese deity. It was designed to be a good-luck charm.
Soft Billiken dolls were a big hit for a few years--inspiring popular songs and fashionable jewelry--and then waned in popularity. St. Louis University sports teams are nicknamed the Billikens.
Your doll is worth from $350 to $400 if in excellent shape.
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Q: How can I tell if gold-colored art glass was really made by Loetz? The dealer selling it assures me that most of the pieces were unmarked and that the Loetz wares are easy to identify.
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A: For many years it has been said that a certain type of gold iridescent art glass was made by the Loetz firm in Klostermuhle, Austria.
Collectors easily recognized the American gold iridescent glass made at the turn of the century. Tiffany glass was not as crinkled or strangely shaped. Steuben aurene was a brilliant gold, usually with a smooth finish.
Durand, Quezal and Kew Blas were slightly different from the other glasswares. Loetz’s European designs were more elaborate, often with applied trim or spotted gold finish.
Collectors have said that all the European glass was Loetz. That idea is now being questioned. A new book is being published that pictures similar glasswares made by other Austrian factories in the area.
It will be interesting to see if the new information changes the value of the pieces that are not made by Loetz.
If you wish other information about antiques, include a self-addressed, stamped (55 cents) envelope, and the Kovels will send you a listing of helpful books and publications. Write to the Kovels, the Los Angeles Times, King Features Syndicate, 235 E. 45th St., New York, NY 10017.
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Current Prices
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
* Political giveaway mug, Shakey’s, clear glass, embossed image of George McGovern as knight holding peace shield, 1972, 6 inches: $30.
* Chevron credit card, 1953: $35.
* Mammy doll, black, cloth-stuffed, vinyl, flowered dress, white scarf and apron, bandanna, 1930s, 17 inches: $85.
* Unused stock certificate book, King Productions Inc., black, 26 green bank notes, engraved picture of factory workers, numbered 1-25, circa 1945, 10 by 16 inches: $110.
* Milk glass dish, covered, crawfish finial, octagonal base, tab handle: $200.
* George III silver marrow scoop, with ivory handle, marks of Hester Bateman: $385.
* Elephant pin, trunk wrapped around emerald stone, sterling silver mount, Corocraft, 3 inches: $975.
* European refectory table, oak, drawer in each end, turned legs, central stretcher, late 17th century, 91 by 27 by 30 1/2 inches: $1,100.
* Wedgwood Queensware teapot and cover, globular body, puce enamel, fruiting flowers, leaf-molded spout, double-entwined handle, circa 1770, 6 inches: $1,610.
* 1929 Orange Crush calendar, Earl Chambers artwork with woman in rowboat, full pad, 11 by 24 inches: $1,895.
