Category: Family Fun

Dear Donna,

I was ready to put this in a yard sale this summer. My sister said “no, it could be worth a lot of money.” She said to ask you. Hopefully you can help resolve this.

Thank you, Donna,

Ann

Dear Ann,

Corningware can be very collectible. It’s been around since the 1950s, made in Corning, New York. Some pieces can be worth more than others; the age of the pieces, rarity, pattern and condition all are factors. I have seen some pieces with values into the thousands. Tough to believe for cookware pieces, but true. I grew up with Corningware and my mom used it a lot. I remember the blue and white pattern in the cabinets.

Your pattern French Spice was in production from the 1970s to the late 1980s. Your 5-quart with the cover would be in the $50 range. Having the cover is a bonus. Uncovered would have less value.

So your sister was right in checking!

Thanks for sharing, Ann, and good luck finding it a new home. Maybe worth keeping now?

Hello, Donna.

The photo of the spoon I sent you is from my family. My mom had it and used it for serving mashed potatoes. Now I have inherited it and I too use it a lot.

My question is how can I keep it from looking like this? It has such a pretty design, but covered by all the tarnish. I have cleaned it a couple of times but never keeping it that way.

Would you have any advice for me?

Thank you, Donna,

Sue

Dear Sue,

You probably know I have a smile on my face right now. I enjoy knowing the old is still being used!

Unfortunately unless they have recently come out with a magic cleaner and non-tarnishing product all silver-plated items when exposed to air tarnish.

My only suggestion would be to make sure it’s completely dry after washing it. Then wrap in a paper towel and put away in an air-tight zip-close bag.

Sue, I know this sounds like a lot of work but it will preserve the polished clean finish longer. Not a cure! Just a temporary fix!

With sterling and silver-plated ware it will always be an ongoing battle. Air is an enemy — that’s why they have flatware boxes for them.

Sue, I hope it gives you an idea. Glad to know you use it as well. Thanks for the question. Good luck!

Dear Donna,

We live in Manchester and thought to share a piece with you. This is an ashtray from 7-20-4 Cigar. My dad, who has long passed, had it on our table for many years. It was heavily used by him. Some corners have pieces missing but that was from use. Would this still have value?

Terry

Dear Terry,

What a nice piece of Manchester’s history. Also your memory of it as well. Sweet piece of the 10-cent 7-20-4 cigar memorabilia.

The history of the R.G. Sullivan Cigar Co., located originally on 724 Elm St. in Manchester, goes back into the late 1800s. It’s an interesting story worthy of research for locals. Now the 7-20-4 cigar is still being produced by a new owner Kurt Kendall along with others.

7-20-4 memorabilia is very collectible locally and by cigar collectors nationwide. Condition and the item’s rarity count as usual. But even though you have chipping on the rim, Terry, I think the value would be in the $50 range still.

Nice piece of local history as I said. Most of all though is your memory of it with your dad.

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.

Dear Donna,

We were given this carved duck several years ago. Wondering an approximate value now. It is signed and has a company name on it also.

Any help appreciated.

Thank you.

Mary

Dear Mary,

As always I thank you for the added photos, it really helps.

Your carved and hand-painted duck decoy is a Canada goose by the Big Sky Carvers from Montana.

The makers were around from the 1980s to 2010, when they merged with another gift store company.

Falling into the collectible market, decoys are always evaluated by age, maker, artist and quality of work.

I found several Big Sky Carvers decoys to compare yours to. So safe to say it’s in the $200 range in the collectible market.

Nice gift you got, Mary, thanks for sharing with us.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.