Author: Donna Welch

Dear Donna,

I have a couple of hangers I’m looking to find out more about. They say ‘The Belmar Mfg Co.’ I thought they were very interesting when I bought them at a local thrift store. Any information and a value would be helpful.

Nichole from Weare, N.H.

Dear Nichole,

They are sweet hangers, and having the advertising papers still on them is amazing for the time that has passed and having been used. The Belmar Co. goes back to the late 1800s in Canton, Pennsylvania. They have quite the history in Canton as being one of the largest industries for a long period of time.

Who would think hangers could have such history? This company was owned by a woman first and started in a barn. The hangers were first made just for men’s trousers, then women’s as well. The value would be in the $20-to-$30 range each. I found others in this range that were in bad condition. But I’m not sure how strong the collectible level is for hangers these days. The history is good and that counts for something.

Donna Welch has spent more than 30 years in the antiques and collectibles field, appraising and instructing, and recently closed the physical location of From Out Of The Woods Antique Center (fromoutofthewoodsantiques.com) but is still doing some buying and selling. She is a member of The New Hampshire Antiques Dealer Association. If you have questions about an antique or collectible send a clear photo and information to Donna at [email protected], or call her at 391-6550 or 624-8668.

Dear Donna,
Can you possibly tell me what this is and what it was for? It is solid wood and 3.5 inches. I recently found this in a barn and thought it was interesting.
Ellen

Dear Ellen,
What you found is called a bung. I have seen many in the tops of old milk cans. I think, though, that they were used also in barrels such as whiskey, bourbon, etc., tapered like yours to be pounded in to fit tight and secure and prevent leaking. You can almost make out the ring around it.

Not all bungs are wood; they can be rubber, wax, cork or, I am sure these days, a lot of other materials as well. Yours is most likely an older one and looks to be in great condition. The value is in the $10 range, as they are not that easy to find in good condition. This is not a huge financial treasure for you, but it sure will make a fun story to share.

Dear Donna,
I have this sign from The Concord Dairy. I’m not sure what to do with it and am wondering if you could help with a value. It’s a big one, 8’x4’, and it could be a plywood. I’m not sure of the age.
Carl

Dear Carl,
My first thought for you is if you market it in Concord, I think you might find collectors. The size is an issue, but it appears to be in good shape.
The Concord Dairy was around from the early 1900s till the 1970s, when it was bought out by Weeks. I hope you can find a buyer within the state. As I said, size is an issue for some collectors who prefer smaller items, but a restaurant or business might like it for wall coverage. And it’s a good piece of history within the state.
Carl, I would advertise that you are looking for a home for it. I think I would start off with a value at $200 and see where that goes. Thanks for sharing and I hope you find it a new home.