Category: Treasure Hunt

Hi, Donna.

I really enjoy your column in the Hippo. I’m reaching out for some advice about an antique bottle my husband found at a construction site. He doesn’t recall the exact location, but it was likely in Massachusetts.

Based on our research, it appears to be a hand-blown, triple-chamber liquor or apothecary bottle. It has no seams or markings, a couple of bubbles in the glass, and slightly asymmetrical tops — suggesting it was handmade. There are no cracks or chips, but the metal has oxidation. Also, one of the wires has detached from the base (although it is still there).

Do you have any insight into its value or where we might sell it? We’re downsizing and looking to find the right buyer.

Thank you in advance for your time and expertise!

Best,

Jackie from Nashua

Dear Jackie,

I have to say you have done my job. You are right: This is a liquor decanter. It’s a three-way blown glass one but there are even four-way ones out there as well. The tops would have been glass pourers and many times got lost along the way.

The ones I found out there were French and unfortunately the values were low, in the $30 range. But what a fun find for your husband. I am always amazed to find an antique still in good condition.

I hope this was helpful or a confirmation for you. To market it I would try a local antique shop in your area. Thanks again, Jackie, and good luck.

Donna

Dear Donna,

I have a question on whether they still make the houses for incense like this. I can remember the tiny log cabin they went into. I found these at a consignment store. Any insight helpful.

Carrie

Dear Carrie,

I’m smiling because years ago someone wrote in about the cabin. You can still find the older log cabin for the incense and even now they are made. Try looking at a White Mountains gift shop or even a New Hampshire rest area. Buying a newer one would probably be in the $10 range. To find older ones could run a bit more. But they are out there — you just need a treasure hunt! Thanks for the smile, Carrie, and good luck with your search.

Good morning, Donna,

I am wondering what is the worth of these dishes and if you are interested or know someone who would be. Doing thorough cleaning and these have been stored over 20 years.

Thank you!

Carol

Dear Carol,

Mass-produced large dish sets from the 1930s and 1940s seem to have made it through time, most only being used during holiday occasions and the rest of the time being stored in china cabinets.

There are many different companies and patterns. 24kt gold designs are not uncommon and this doesn’t seem to affect values. So many were made that the value usually is in serving pieces. All need to be in perfect condition with no chips, discoloration, cracks etc.

In today’s use anything that’s not microwave safe is not welcomed often. Using china cabinets seems to be a thing of the past as well.

With all this, Carol, I would say the value of a set like this would be in the $50 range. But finding a market could be tough. Most people, like yourself, are always cleaning out!

I hope you find a new home for them.

Thanks for sharing.

Hi, Donna,

I enjoy your column in the Hippo and am wondering if you would have any insight into a piece of artwork I own. It is an artist’s proof by Irving Amen (see pictures with signature) called ‘Rythms’ (first “h” is missing?) but I cannot find a similar picture anywhere online. I am wondering if it ever went beyond an artist’s proof.

If you have an idea of what it might be worth, or who I could talk to if this isn’t your department, I’d appreciate it.

Much thanks!

Adele

Dear Adele,

Art being a really specific field, I did some research and educated myself.

Artists’ proofs were done of the original just as limited editions. Unlike limited editions there were not many made, and this makes them more valuable. Some proofs can have color changes and items just a bit off from an original, which can also give them a higher value.

It’s tough to determine values on proofs without comparing them to other proofs from the artist. Even then there can be a difference in values from one proof to another, depending on subject and exactly how many proofs were made.

I found lots done by Irving Amen in the range of $100 to $300. Not many duplicates out there either. This could be why you didn’t find an original.

Adele, I think that to be certain, I would contact a large auction house that sells artwork. Possibly Bonhams Skinner in Massachusetts — they have specific departments just for artwork. This way you will know for sure.

I wish you luck, Adele, and hope I gave you insight. Thank you so much for sharing and giving me some education too.

Donna

Hello, Donna,

My question is, does anyone have a use for these old keys? My wife said I should ask before I throw them away.

Van

Dear Van,

I’m not saying this without a chuckle. Your wife is right! Antique keys can be very useful and even collectible.

My suggestion to you would be to bring them to an antique shop. The value of a lot like yours won’t make you rich. But they can be so helpful to people who have antiques, for unlocking furniture pieces, boxes, etc. — besides having a decorative and crafters market as well.

When I had my shop we always had a key box under the counter. Often we were asked to see if we might have one to help open something. We would lend them out and many times came back successful.

So, Van, sometimes the value on them can be priceless to someone who needs one. A value to you should be in the range of $10 to $15 for the lot.

Thanks for checking with us first!

Dear Donna,

I recently picked this up and fell in love with it. There is no information on it or markings. I am wondering if you can give me any help on age or value. Not looking to sell it, just curious Thank you for any information.

Deb

Dear Deb,

Let me start off by saying it always makes me smile to hear of people enjoying older items.

Your pin is considered costume jewelry. Costume jewelry is made to have an expensive appearance to it. It can be tough to identify without a maker’s mark. Signed pieces usually bring higher prices, all makers varying. Also sometimes older pieces are made the same way today so it can be tough.

Looks like your swan pin is a mixed metal with silver tone finish. I think it’s safe to say 1960s range. Could even be a bit more modern as well.

The value is in the range of $10 to $15 but if you love it priceless!

Thank you for sharing, Deb, and enjoy your pin.

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 [email protected], or call her at 391-6550.

Featured Image: Courtesy photo.