Collecting: Silver spoons

Q: I inherited several spoons from a great aunt. Each is marked “sterling” and engraved with “Lois” and the years 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902 and 1903. What can you tell me about them? — Gloria, Buffalo, N.Y.

A: Souvenir spoons were especially popular during the Victorian era. I suspect that the spoons in your collection were purchased and given to mark a birthday. They look quite stunning in the photos you provided, and I recommend you proudly display them in your home. I have seen spoon holders that would be perfect to showcase your collection.

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Q: I saw a sterling Art Deco dresser set on a recent “Antiques Roadshow” on PBS that was appraised in the $1,200 to $2,000 range. It caught my attention because I have the identical set, and when I took it to several dealers in my area I was only offered a few hundred dollars. What’s the deal? — Susan, Cleveland

A: To paraphrase Ira Gershwin, what you see on the “Antiques Roadshow” ain’t necessarily so. I truly wonder where some of the so-called experts get many of the values they spout each week on that broadcast. Remember, dear reader, something is only worth what someone else is willing to pay in cold, hard cash. What someone is willing to pay and what a self-proclaimed expert thinks it’s worth can often be two quite different things. Watch “Antiques Roadshow” for what it is, entertainment. For true values, monitor eBay, the online auction site that accurately reflects the marketplace in real time.

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Q: I have 14 Spanish prints dated 1877 and 1878. I suspect they were originally illustrations for a gentleman’s magazine serial. They were treasured by my grandfather, and they seem too special to simply give away or donate randomly. — Patricia, Ormond Beach, Fla.

A: Hand-colored Victorian prints have never been more popular. To find out the value of the ones that you have, I suggest you contact AskART in Ormond Beach, 386-673-6264.