Provenance boosts final sale of vintage miniature kitchen items

WHAT: Long ago, children’s toys did not need batteries, make noise, whine, break down routinely, come in a box by mail, or cost a fortune. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, children were dressed like miniature adults and played with small versions of adult tools and implements.

Collecting being what it is, those toys of the past are now avidly collected. Facsimiles of adult tools enchant people who are willing to pay plenty for charm.

When a cluster of items, the tallest of them 3 inches high, came to auction at Skinner early this month, estimate was $300 to $500. The lot consisting of a redware pitcher and two jars, a turned wood mortar and pestle, a carved trencher (wooden platter or bowl for food), a spoon and a tin alphabet plate, plus a pierced tin lantern, brought $3,321. Right there, you learn a lot about demand.

MORE: In addition to charm, items had the appeal of coming from a recognized collection and a significant seller of early American goods. Provenance boosted the bottom line. As did the auction house where they sold.

SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: Boston-area Skinner has sold early Americana for more than four decades and has achieved notable prices for fine examples. More recently, the house expanded into more contemporary and themed sales.

HOT TIP: Any auction, gallery or commercial outlet is only as good as its leading experts. Skinner’s Americana department director and partner, Stephen Fletcher, is a long-timer there and widely respected in the industry. Perhaps you’ve seen him on the PBS “Roadshow.” Plus, he’s a kind, helpful pro. We can vouch for that!

BOTTOM LINE: Final tally on the American Furniture & Decorative Arts sale where the miniatures sold was $2.7 million.

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