Category: Treasure Hunt

Hello, Donna!

In September of 1988, I attended a convention that was hosted by The Titanic Historical Society at the Copley Plaza Hotel. The conference included a reunion of a dozen or so of the remaining survivors at the time, all of whom gave fascinating personal accounts of their time aboard — and subsequent escape from — the sinking ship. I bought a program booklet for the conference, which I then had signed by most, but unfortunately not all, of the survivors in attendance. Can you tell me how I can find out what this might be worth? I also have program booklets from the original Broadway productions of Hair and Godspell, as well as a program booklet from the original Woodstock Festival in 1969. Any information would be appreciated.

Best wishes,

Mike

Dear Mike,

I’m going to refer to the Titanic one. But I’m sure the other ones would follow in the same situation.

There are very good reputable auction places that deal with ephemera (paper). I think this is where I would start for an appraisal of what the market would get for these! Keep in mind, Mike, what you have could be very collectible but only to the right market. I also think in an auction they could get fought over. …. There is a really well known ephemera auction house right here in New Hampshire, RR Auction in Amherst.

I wish you luck. Donna

Hi, Donna,

I enjoy reading you in Hippo and thought I should reach out. I have inherited family heirlooms of my husband’s family. While I do appreciate the emotional value, I have no intention of using these.

I am wondering what your thoughts would be on a Copeland Spode dinner set for 12. My MIL had her personal property appraised so I do have monetary values. I have these items but am looking for advice before I do the work of bringing them to a local antique dealer.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you.

Amber

Dear Amber,

I first have to say Copeland Spode is a quality collectible name. It shouldn’t be hard to market it. The pattern of your Copeland Spode dishes is the Marlborough.

Even though you have an appraisal with a monetary value, selling them is a whole different game. Let’s start off by removing any ones with damage, cracks, chips or discoloration. Then the serving pieces will hold the higher values. Plates, cups and saucers are easier to find in any dish set, so they are not as desirable.

I think I would start at an antique shop for the marketing ability today. Then get an offer or put them on consignment. You have to remember appraisals are for replacement value. When selling them you have to leave room for resale again.

No matter what the appraisal is, and I’m sure it’s high, it’s always subject to change. If you want to sell you have to keep that in mind. I would sell as a set so as to not get just plates left.

Amber, I hope this helped and you find a new home for the dishes.

Donna,

I purchased this at a local thrift store for $5. It was on a Saturday morning when they were bringing out new merchandise. I would appreciate any information you may have.

Thank you,

Carrie

Dear Carrie,

Looks like you purchased a mid-century to 1970s-ish watercolor. The beauty of shopping thrift stores is you never know what you might find.

It’s tough to figure out values on watercolors when you can’t distinguish the artist’s signature. Sometimes you have to judge by context and detailing.

The subject of your watercolor is a pleasant relaxing one. Purchasing it for $5 was good if it fits your decor. I would say the value could be in the range of $40.

I hope this helps, Carrie. It was a tiny treasure for you.

Donna

Good morning, Donna,

I bought this lamp at a church summer festival in Maine. I absolutely love the shade! I was wondering if you could give me any information about it. Thanks.

Sharon

Dear Sharon,

Your mid-century lamp (1950s-1960s) appears to be in great condition.

Pretty popular in that day were scenes from the western frontier, cowboys etc. The shade was made from a parchment paper. As it aged it would give the appearance of a wooden shade.

The value of lamps like these would be in the $50 range.

Thanks so much for sharing with us, Sharon.

Donna

Update:

I got this note from Ray describing the use of the cooker stove in last week’s column:

“Hi Donna,

The item in question is a scalding pot that slaughtered pigs would be lowered into to loosen their bristles so they could easily be scraped off.

The water would be brought to a boil or near to boiling, the carcass, usually minus the feet, would be immersed for a short length of time and when hoisted out the bristles (body hair) could easily be scraped off.”

Thanks, Ray!

Dear Donna,

I’m trying to figure out what this brush was for. It’s 5 inches long and looks like it has a feather for a handle. The brush is soft for stenciling, so I’m curious if you can help.

Jen

Dear Jen,

OK I learned something again myself. What you have is called a quill mop artist brush. Could be made of a couple kinds of animal fur. Like squirrel or other soft-hair animals. I think yours is more of a duster brush. I found some with thick brush ends but not as thick as yours. Those for use with a watercolor paint could taper down to making a thin line. Older ones like yours are hard to find and just one can be in the $30 range. So not only do I think we figured it out, but it’s a tiny treasure as well.

Hello, Donna,

My husband and I purchased a property over a decade ago and this “stove” was in an outbuilding where the previous owners used to slaughter and smoke farm animals, like pigs. We have puzzled for years about how this stove/cooker was used. Any ideas? No need for estimating a worth since we are not looking to sell it, but we would love to know how it was used back in the day.

Thank you.

Gail

Dear Gail,

I have to say you got me! This is not anything I know a lot about.

I did some research, and I believe your stove is from around the early 1900s, judging from the style and cauldron on top. Now my opinion is if it was used for smoking meat it would have another grill part on top or a cover to hold in the smoke. Wood or coal would go into the bottom.

I did find a couple similar styles that were actually used for laundry as well. So maybe it started off as one thing and was used for others. It could have also been made to fit the family’s smoking meats need.

It’s an interesting piece, I’m glad you’re holding on to it. It could become useful again for another purpose.

Thanks for sharing, Gail, I wish I could have been more helpful.