Author: Donna Welch

Dear Donna,

What can you tell me about these tiny drink umbrellas? They have tags on them that say ‘Made in Japan.’

Thanks.

George

Dear George,

I can start by saying I remember going to Asian restaurants and begging my mom for one in my milk!

These novelty drink umbrellas were very popular mid-century. Yours were made in Japan, but they were invented in Hawaii. They started off to provide shade in a drink so the ice wouldn’t melt too quickly. They were perfect-size accents for Barbies and other similar dolls.

The value on them original with the bands seems to be under $2. A box full like you have is probably in the $30 range. Priceless, though, for the memories!

Thanks for sharing, George, and have fun with them.

Dear Donna,

We dug this out of my parents’ estate attic. It’s all complete but no papers or box. We are looking for a value, if any. Can you help? Thanks.

Andrew

Dear Andrew,

Your aluminum mid-century tree appears to be in good shape. I grew up with one in my family!

There are a few different makers, styles and colors in aluminum trees. The value is higher if you have a complete one with the original box. We used to have ours in a big bag so my mom didn’t have to reset it every year!

It was a treasure to find, though, Andrew. Values are in the range of $200 and up. You can also find electric color wheels for them. The value on them in working condition is in the $40 range and up.

So no matter what you’re going to do with your tree, keep or sell, it’s a treasure. Hope this was helpful and thanks for sharing with us. It’s a memory for me and lots of others I’m sure.

Dear Donna,

Can you give me any information on this Occupied Japan tea set?

Thank you.

Barbara

Dear Barbara,

Your set is moriage (which means hand painted with a raised enamel) dragonware. Being marked hand painted in occupied Japan gives you the time frame it was made (mid 1940s).

They made lots of dragonware earlier and even up to date. The history is an interesting one.

Having the tea set with teapot is better than just cups and saucers. As with everything, you want no damage or scratching. So if in good clean condition I would say the value is in the $100 range.

Thanks for sharing, Barbara.

Donna

Dear Donna,

Would you be able to give me a value on my hippo? He is in great shape with all original tags. He is a Steiff, the tags say. I got him in the 1970s when I had my first daughter. Looking to find out more about him.

Thank you, Donna,

Rita

Dear Rita,

Someone gave you a collectible at the time of your baby. Your Steiff Hippo Mockie was made in the 1950s.

The Steiff story is a very interesting one. They started way back in the late 1800s with Margarete Steiff. Today the older ones are very collectible and can be a very expensive collection. I have seen many in the thousands of dollars. Your hippo (so cute) in the condition it’s in prices around $60.

Sweet gift someone gave you. Keeping it in this shape is like money in the bank. Thanks for sharing your treasure, Rita.

Dear Donna,

I have over a dozen rolls of this used/old paper. Toss or keep? Do you know if anyone would have a use for it?

David

Dear David,

My logic always is there is someone who might have a use for it.

Your wallpaper is from a really good company. It’s been around since the 1800s. I think judging by the pattern it looks to be from around the 1960s or 1970s.

The nice part is you have so many rolls that I’m thinking it could be useful if someone is looking to do a complete room.

Old wallpaper has a collectible market. Age, pattern and condition all factor into the pricing. I have seen many early fragments or partial rolls bring really good money.

Because you have a good amount, if it’s in good condition I would say the value is in the range of $200+. Now you just have to find a collector or a renovator who could use it. Possibly an antique shop could help with that.

David, thanks for sharing.

Dear Donna,

I hope you can answer a question for me. I have a few wooden animals that appear to be hand-carved. This horse is my favorite.

How can you tell the age of it and who might have carved it? There is no name or date visible.

Thanks for your time, Donna.

Anna in Brookline

Dear Anna,

Hand-carved animals have been made for so many years. It is tough without markings to figure out the exact age and who made them.

In your photos you can see a natural age patina (this is a natural coloring that develops over time). You also can see crackling of the original varnish (finish).

What you’re looking for in each animal you have is detailed craftsmanship. Sometimes by looking at them all you can see they could all have been made by the same carver.

Your horse appears to be from around the early 1900s to 1940s. I would say the value is in the $75 range.

Horses are very collectible, even today!

Thanks for sharing, Anna, and I hope this helps.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo