Worldly dish has quite a story
Dear Collector,
Enclosed is a photo of a dish that has been in the family for many years (1905). It was brought from Scotland. There is a signature on the front and marked on the back with an anchor with initials “AL.”
Not a product of Scotland per se, your relish dish (I tend to lump together most plates, bowls, platters and other tableware that I can’t otherwise identify as “relish dishes”) was manufactured in France by A. Lanternier of Limoges, sometime near the end of the 19th century. It’s interesting to note that there’s been a longstanding relationship between these two countries going back centuries called the “Auld Alliance.” Sold as blank white ware, a large portion of this factory’s output ended up decorated by outside amateurs, albeit gifted amateurs. Perhaps this process explains the Scottish connection, to which is now added an American link. Relish dishes of this vintage are valued at $50 to $75.
Dear Collector,
My husband’s hobby was buying out small estates and keeping some of the more interesting items. Among several oil paintings he found in a garage loft is this portrait of a beautiful young lady by Abbey Altson. I’ve tried to do research on the Internet and found very little and conflicting information. One site refers to this artist as male, while another as a female!
For such a respected artist, there are only minor mentions about Abraham “Abbey/Aby” Altson (1864-1949) in most of the art references. An Australian (who may have been born in Kentucky), he studied in Europe before returning down under and excelling in Belle Époque portraits in the style of a Classicist. His works are exhibited in a number of museums, including the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. I urge you to contact a reputable appraiser, who’ll help you place an insurance value on your painting.
Dear Collector,
I have two Beatles trays in excellent condition. What would they be worth today?
While this tray was reproduced in the 1970s, the original can be dated to 1963, when Worcester Ware, who specialized in tin trays, mass produced them. Bearing the WW sticker on the reverse or designated as being “Made in Great Britain,” beneath George Harrison’s facsimile signature assures the authenticity of your items, which have a listed value of $20 to $40 each.
Dear Collector,
Can you identify the maker of this Junior typewriter that I bought at a yard sale?
Advertised as “fitting in an overcoat pocket” your machine was patented in 1901 by Charles Bennett. I notice some of the keys have been replaced with substitutes fashioned from wood. This could greatly affect the $400 value assigned to a typewriter in tip top condition.
Dear Collector,
Enclosed is a photo of a Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clock. Can you help me find information on it?
Adamantine, meaning unyielding or firm, pertains to the process of applying a celluloid veneer on a clock’s wood case, thereby making it more durable and resistant to damage. Your circa 1880s timepiece is adorned with three half-pillars, which makes it slightly more valuable than one with two half-pillars, and more valuable still than one with a single half-pillar or no pillar at all. Your clock, in working order, is worth $250.