Barcelona chairs

Q: Many years ago, I acquired two Barcelona chairs. I was told they are authentic, but I have not been able to find out much about them. — Elaine, Palm Coast, Fla.

A: The Barcelona chair was so named because it was designed by Ludwig Miles van der Rohe for the Barcelona World’s Fair of 1929. The chairs were featured as part of the furnishings of the German pavilion. In New York and Los Angeles, a Barcelona chair often sells in the $2,500 to $3,000 range, if it is authentic and not a knock-off. Your first step should be to have your chairs seen by an expert to determine if they are the real deal.

* * *

Q: My mom recently gave me six old compacts that she acquired during the 1940s. They are in fairly good shape. Even though I plan to keep them, it would be nice to find a good reference book, since I know nothing about this field of collecting. — Jean, Jackson, Tenn.

A: Laura M. Mueller is the author of The Collector’s Encyclopedia of Compacts, Carryalls & Face Powder Boxes, and is a nationally recognized expert. Her guide, published by Collector Books, has been updated and expanded. It features descriptions, sizes, types, patents and other pertinent facts about almost every compact manufactured in America. The user-friendly text is supplemented with 200 dazzling full-color illustrations. If the book has a shortcoming, it is that values are not included.

* * *

Q: I came to this country from England in 1945. A friend sent me a document that appears to be an indenture between a landowner and tenant written on vellum and dated 1633. Is it worth anything? — Mary, Sun City West, Ariz.

A: Old documents such as the one you describe generally sell in the $50-$100 range. There are, of course, exceptions, and to find out its value for certain you need to contact an expert. Gary Ronk is knowledgeable about old deeds, indentures and land grants. His address is 6247 Cove Road, Roanoke, VA 24019.