What might my tea cart be worth?
Q: I have a tea cart that was made in Grand Rapids by the Paalman Furniture Co. It was originally painted black, but has been stripped and refinished. I would like to know more about it. — Teresa, Ancramdale, N.Y.
A: During the first three decades of the past century, Grand Rapids, Mich., was home to at least a dozen companies that specialized in the manufacture of furniture and accessories. Your tea cart was probably made during the 1920s, and from your photo appears to be crafted of oak.
Prices vary from region to region. To find out how much your tea cart might be worth, I suggest you contact antique- and used-furniture dealers near where you live.
A good reference book that can provide you with general information about furniture from this period and the companies that produced pieces such as your tea cart is Furniture of the Depression Era: Furniture & Accessories of the 1920s, 1930s, & 1940s by Robert W. and Harriett Swedberg (Collector Books, $19.95).
Q: My husband started collecting salt and pepper shakers in 1936. He now has about 120 sets and would like to sell them. — Frances, Carbondale, Ill.
A: There are at least three dealers who buy and sell salt and pepper shakers, including Helene Guarnaccia, 52 Coach Lane, Fairfield, CT 06430; Carol Silagyi, P.O. Box 151, Wyckoff, NJ 07430; and Larry Carey, The Salt and Pepper Man, P.O. Box 329, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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Q: I have a large collection of mail-order catalogs. Does anyone collect them? — Steve, Waco, Texas
A: Judith Hesson buys and sells Christmas mail-order catalogs, especially ones issued by such major companies as Sears, Montgomery Ward, Penney and Spiegel. Write to her c/o Hesson Collectibles, 1261 South Lloyd, Lombard, IL 60148.
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Q: I have several pieces of English transferware that is probably from the 1860s. Is there a club or group so I can meet others who find this type of collectible fascinating? — Beth, Fenton, Mo.
A: Transferware refers to a process known as transfer printing that was used to copy designs onto ceramics. Judith Siddall is president of the Transferware Collector’s Club, 734 Torreya Court, Palo Alto, CA 94304.