Teapot From The Far East? Not Exactly
* Dear Collector: I’ve enclosed a photo of a Japanese teapot that belonged to my mother. My mother was born in 1894, and I believe she received the teapot in the early part of the 20th century.
First of all, it’s not a teapot. Remember the old rhyme, “I’m a little teapot, short and stout…”? Well, your pot is neither. In fact, it’s a coffee/cocoa pot, made sometime after 1921. The cups for this service match the pot, tall, with straight sides. A complete set of this ware (including cups, creamer, sugar bowl, etc.) is now worth about $175 to $250.
* Dear Collector: I have a stock certificate issued in 1907 to my grandfather. Are there collectors of old stock certificates?
The collecting of old stocks and bonds has increased in interest over the last two decades. With more than 5,000 serious collectors in the U.S., and many thousands more worldwide, scripophily is becoming a hot new hobby. Many of the older (pre-1910) certificates were ornately printed in various colors, and these are the ones that the earnest collector seeks out.
* Dear Collector: What is the history of the company that made my little silver cup?
James W. Tufts founded his famous plated silverware company in 1875. Located in Boston, this maker produced many items including mustache and children’s cups, bride’s baskets, dishes, and soda fountain ware before ending business in 1915.
* Dear Collector: I have an old Mad Magazine from September 1955. Any idea of its worth?
Believe it or not, $100!
* Dear Collector: When was my covered vegetable dish made?
The mark you described in your letter is one that was used in the early 1900s by the Steubenville Pottery Company that operated 1879-1959 in Steubenville, Ohio.
* Dear Collector: I have a painting done by Albert Anker called the “Knitting Lesson.” Is it worth anything?
A Swiss, Anker (1831-1910) worked in a variety of mediums: ceramics, photo engravings and oils. Known for his portraits of children and landscapes, he also designed costumes and decorated interiors. Some of his art has auctioned for very high figures. I suggest you have your painting appraised by a competent expert.
* Dear Collector: Could you please tell me when my “Yost” typewriter was made? It has two keyboards and a circular wick instead of a ribbon.
Located at 320 Broadway, N.Y., in the 1890s, the Yost Writing Machine Co. marketed its unusual typewriter with the suggestion that it be used to teach children spelling and punctuation.
* Dear Collector: We collect a Japanese pottery call “Soma Komayaki.” It is mostly mugs, cups, teapots, bowl, etc. We have not been able to find any reference books pertaining to this ware. Please let us know if you know of any.
Made in Soma, Japan, this “Leaping Horse Ceramic Pottery” (named for the horse motif that appears on every piece) has a distinctive crackle finish and has been made since the 1600s. In fact, the craftsman now carrying on this tradition is the 15th in his line. I couldn’t find any price guides for Soma ware. If your collection is large enough, perhaps you’ll consider writing a book.