Category: Treasure Hunt

Hello, Donna,

I have this glass-front cabinet with the attached label on the back. It belonged to my mom and dad and they used it as a “china closet.’ I know that they purchased it at a second-hand furniture store in Vermont in the early 1950s. It is in good condition, other than some dust from storage after they passed. It has lovely turned legs and the overlay designs on the side, glass doorknob. The glass is clear glass, I believe original to the piece (not a mirror as the picture might suggest). We are now downsizing and I would like to know if it has value as a vintage or antique item.

Thank you in advance for any insight you might share with us.

Marie

Dear Marie,

Your china cabinet is most likely from the 1930s or 1940s. It does look to be in good original condition. It’s not considered an antique yet but getting there. To be considered an antique it has to be at least 100 years old.

China cabinets from that era are the most desired out of tables, chairs and buffets etc. The more popular ones would have glass on all three sides. I think the ones like yours would be more desirable to be repurposed and painted.

The values are tough because you really have to find that right buyer. It would be in the $75 range, leaving room for negotiations. I also would try to sell it myself, trying like Facebook Marketplace or a yard sale.

Marie, thanks for sharing and good luck finding a new home for the cabinet.

Donna

Dear Donna,

I came across this paper in my grandmother’s attic. It’s interesting and very old, as you can see.

Can you give me any information on whether it has a value?

Thank you, Donna.

Helene

Dear Helene,

I think what you have, from the photos you sent, is a section of the newspaper. It could also have been the first of many inserts to come through the year to get ready for the 1876 celebration. The Haverhill Gazette paper from Haverhill, Mass., has a 200-year history.

The value on such ephemera (paper) pieces varies with the collector. If you’re from that area it would be fun to have if a ton of them didn’t survive the times. Finding them in an attic is common. You can find lots of old newspapers this way, as they were used as insulation.

I’m just giving you a value on pieces like yours, Helene. Some ephemera can be very valuable. Your paper section would be in the $10 range to a specific collector. Priceless, though, for all the articles and advertising in it!

Thanks for sharing with us, Helene.

Dear Donna,

This blow dryer belonged to my mom. I can remember her using it on my sister and my own hair. It still actually works, although I wouldn’t want to use it. The heat from it is pretty intense. Does anyone collect such items?

Thank you, Donna, in advance.

Denise

Dear Denise,

OK, can I start with that my mom also had one and used it on my hair as well. LOL

This handheld style has been around since the early 1900s. Yours is from the 1950s ish.

Can you believe hair dryers have been around since the late 1800s, when they were invented?

There were several manufacturers and colors of a similar style to yours. Different colors, stainless steel, and with stands as well.

The values today I would think are for decorative and nostalgic reasons, and some repurposing reasons as well. I personally wouldn’t want to use it either. The heat is intense and I can’t even imagine the electrical cost! Also the cord could have age drying damage to the wiring.

Values are in the range of $30+ in good clean working condition. Some styles bring a little more for unusual colors, bases etc.

Denise, thanks for sharing and putting a smile on my face.

Hello, Donna,

At a recent yard sale I purchased a bag of jewelry. In it was this letter necklace. It’s marked Tiffany & Co AG 925. Can you help with a value?

Thank you, Donna.

Beverley

Dear Beverley,

Nice treasure you found!

Your Tiffany & Co necklace is from the 1990s era. The 925 confirms it’s sterling silver.

The marking looks authentic. Remember so many reproductions were made to pass off as the real well-known quality made ones.

The value is in the area of $125-ish. My suggestion, though, is to not clean it yourself. You don’t want to damage it in polishing. If you are looking to resell it, you could go to a jewelry store and ask for help with that. They can provide you with the right products. They might even clean it for you.

Beverley, thanks for sharing with us. Good luck with your treasure.

Hello, Donna,

I was going through a china cabinet and found this plate. I’m not sure where my mother got it; it may have come from her mother.

I’m wondering if it’s worth anything. Any information will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Kathleen

Dear Kathleen,

What you have found is a piece of Pickard China in the Bird of Paradise pattern. Yours is from the early 1900s and from Bavaria.

Being a dinner plate as always makes it part of a set. The higher-value pieces would be the serving pieces and unusual pieces, in good clean condition with no damage.

Today people collect them for the makers, designs and colors. Pickard has a long history and there are collectors.

My suggestion would be to go to a local antique shop. Even though the appraisal value might seem high for a plate, around $40, selling it may bring a substantial amount lower. Remember the buyer then has to find another purchaser.

Another option is to market your plate on your own.

I hope this helped and good luck with your treasure.

Donna

Dear Donna,

I have a hanging tapestry that is approximately 7 feet by 4 feet, and a wall-mounted one that is about 5 feet by 4 feet. Both have backing sewn on the rear.

According to family lore, the tapestries were acquired by my grandfather in the early 1930s when the Roxy Theatre chain in NYC went bankrupt during the Depression. Allegedly, they were “antiques” at that time. They were given to his son, my uncle, and were stored in a duffel bag for more than 50 years. My uncle gave me the weavings and we have had them on the wall since about 1985, but know nothing about their origin or provenance beyond the family tale. My uncle could provide no further info and is now deceased.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Ron

Dear Ron,

Thanks for all the information.

I can tell you, Ron, that your tapestries are from the late 1800s or early 1900s. Most are made in other countries such as England, France and a couple others.

They were made en masse for years. Larger ones like yours could have easily been used in a theater for decorative purposes.

I have had many throughout my career. I think you would be safe going to an antique shop for help. Or a consignment shop. Most larger ones in good clean condition can run up to $200. They are not an easy sell. Whoever buys or sells for you needs room financially to find the final buyer.

I hope this helps, Ron, and you find a new home for both tapestries.

Thanks for sharing with us.