Author: Donna Welch

Hi, Donna,

I enjoy reading your column in the Hippo and was wondering if you could identify this tool I “inherited” from my father. He thought it might have been used to help fuse to sheets when putting up tin ceilings.

Thanks.

Larry

Dear Larry,

Your dad was right! It is a copper-tipped soldering tool from the early 1900s. They were used for soldering but I’m not sure it was on tin ceilings. More like radiators, heavy metal repairs, etc. and possibly tin ceilings as your dad said.

I found them all over the place in prices. It seems they are desirable for decorative reasons now. Most, and I mean 90 percent of them, were in the range of $25. Ones signed by the maker bring a little more.

I hope this was helpful, Larry, and thanks for sharing with us.

Dear Donna,

Just saw the Hippo paper with the Victorian chair. That makes me think one of mine may be Victorian. Am attaching photos. The red one I think may be Victorian. Got it at a yard sale a million years ago! The green one has been in my family forever. Can’t seem to Google info on green one. The poor chair’s springs are starting to poke through. Any information greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Martha

Dear Martha,

You are right, the red one is Victorian, late 1800s. It’s actually called an Eastlake chair. Most likely could have started with another chair and settee. Your green chair is in the 1920s range and in poor condition really has not much value.

Chairs are a tough market sometimes. Also on most common ones the values are low. Your Eastlake chair would be in the $50 range if you find the right buyer. The nice part for you is it looks to be in good original condition.

I hope this was helpful, Martha.

Dear Donna,

Do you know anything about this toy clown set? I recently bought this for my daughter at a flea market. Examining it closer I’m not sure if it’s not just for decoration. I’m hoping she can play with it. The vendor told me it was old but in new condition. Any information you could give me would be appreciated.

Thank you, Donna.

Tammy

Dear Tammy,

What you bought is a collectible Schoenhut clown. The German company started in Philadelphia. Good catch in wondering if it’s a toy. It actually came out in the 1990s as a souvenir. So depending on how old your daughter is, be careful. Schoenhut has been around since the late 1800s, first bringing quality-made toys like pianos, animals, circus toys, etc. Some of the early toys can bring a high value in today’s market. But even today there are collectors for any of the pieces, even souvenir ones like yours.

I would say items made as souvenirs are really more for show than for full-on playing. So careful play, as I stated.

Now on the up side, Tammy, depending on what you paid for it: The value of your clown set is in the range of $50. So maybe this could be the start of her collection.

Thanks for sharing, Tammy.

Dear Donna,

Can you help me out with this tool? My sister thinks it’s for measuring melted candy. I found it in my dad’s tool box. So not sure how it could be for candy.

It is numbered 1-13 and marked U.S. Standard. So it measures something. Just what?

Thank you in advance, Donna.

Kimberly

Dear Kimberly,

You are right, it is for measuring. There is a temperature tool for candy that can look similar but has a glass thermometer.

Now you have to figure out how an early 1900s jeweler’s ring sizer got into your dad’s tool box. It was made to slide a ring onto so you could determine the size of the ring. Very helpful tool in the right hands.

The value on them in good but used shape runs around $50 plus. Simpler ones less, fancier ones a little more.

I hope, Kimberly, this helped answer the question. Have fun with it now!

Dear Donna,
Can you give me any information on this old wafer box? It has a glass top and is in good condition. It’s got some printing on the side as you can see.
Any help would be appreciated.
Tami

I have to say, Tami, I have seen many antique boxes of this style with the glass lids. This particular one was an education for me too.
Your antique Polish starch wafer box was originally for Christmas Eve wafers. The story starts in Poland and other countries. The wafers were like sheets of the same ingredients in the communion host. They had religious imprints on them. It was a Christmas tradition to share with family. I believe it still could be today as well. The story is a very interesting one.
The value on a box like yours is in the range of $80+. Depending on graphics and size, values fluctuate. The story behind it is priceless and humbling.
The contents were called Oplatki Polish wafers. They can still be found for purchase today.
Tami, I want to thank you for sharing with us a nice story.

Donna Welch has spent more than 35 years in the antiques and collectibles field, appraising and instructing. Her new location is an Antique Art Studio located in Dunbarton, NH where she is still buying and selling. If you have questions about an antique or collectible send a clear photo and information to Donna at footwdw@aol.com, or call her at 391-6550.

Hi, Donna.

I have attached some photos of antique furniture (with a grape leaf design) that belonged to my mother which I inherited. From my search on the internet, these pieces of furniture don’t appear to be very valuable, but I don’t know who would want them. Are there antique dealers who would quote me a price and come and pick these items up?

Thanks.

Doug

Dear Doug,

Your pieces are from the Victorian era (late 1800s) and a couple from the early 1900s. They all look to be in good clean condition.

The problem you’re facing is it’s a tough market! When Victorian collectors purchase furniture they prefer heavily carved ornate pieces and pieces with highly unusual designs.

Even though I would say the sofa and chairs you have look solid and clean, I think the value total for all would be under $300. As I said, tough market for resale, so for you to sell it to a furniture dealer the value would be low.

Doug, I might try a local marketplace online to get the most you can. Or try reaching out to an antique shop in your area to see what they might offer.

I hope you find a new home for them Doug. I hope this helps.