Category: Treasure Hunt

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.

Dear Donna,

We have a partial set of encyclopedias, with just one missing. Is there any interest in these? Would love to see them reused at a good home. All are in good clean shape with no smell.

Thanks.

George

Dear George,

Not sure what the secondary market will bring these days for an incomplete set. I would think being from the late 1950s into the ’60s these Golden Book encyclopedias would have some interesting information.

I think as far as value goes the missing one would be important for a sale. The value of a complete set would run in the $75 range. But to give them away you just have to find the right place. If it were me, I might try a used book store, a donation store or possibly an afterschool program. It could be tough, though, to find the right one. I hope this helps you, George, and wish you luck. Thanks for sharing with us.

Dear Donna,

Looking to find a value for our hanging ceiling lamp. Not sure of the age. I believe it’s all there and original other than re-wiring and cleaning often for the hanging glass. It’s not very large but can light a room brightly.

We love it and are not looking to sell it. It’s been here since we bought the house in the 1950s, if that helps.

Thank you, Donna.

Celeste

Dear Celeste,

You are making my job easy today.

I would say your small chandelier ceiling light is probably from the 1930s or 1940s. This is judging by the style.

It appears to be in great condition and clean. Doing the wiring over I always say is a great thing to do. It doesn’t take away from the value. As long as it’s done properly, it’s for safety. Chandeliers are collectible for people restoring houses to as close to original as they can. They also are just pleasantly attractive for decorators.

As far as a value, Celeste, if there is a maker’s name that would help with valuing it. But if it’s not marked the value still would be in the $400 range. So keep using and enjoy your treasure.

Dear Donna,

I have several of these metal figures. They belonged to my grandfather. Do you think they are safe to allow my son to use in play?

Thank you, Donna, for your help.

Tina

Dear Tina,

Your question is a good one.

Your figures are Lincoln Logs people. They were made from the early 1900s to the 1940s.

They are made from a metal with lead base. They are cold painted to give the details. After years and lots of use the paint cracks and chips. So my thought is that to play with them would be a safety issue. Collecting them and displaying them is fine. This is only my opinion, though! Lincoln Logs have been around for many years. I think everyone as a child played with them. The figures just made them more fun.

Lincoln Log figures in good shape with minimal to no damage are collectible. Values run in the range of $6 to $10 and up. So maybe a collection for your son would be fun. Now look for more!

Thanks for sharing, Tina.

Dear Donna,

I bought these old bingo cards at the end of the flea market season. I’m hoping you can help me find the missing pieces. I would like to give the old set for a gift.

Thank you ahead, Donna,

Carla

Dear Carla,

I have to say this was a bit of fun to find out for you.

I believe unless these are reproductions they are from the 1930s. But because they are decorative, reproductions are popular as well. I would think if they’re original they should be thin and even have an old cardboard smell. Not sure without seeing them in person.

What you’re looking for is red wooden markers. Then wood numbered markers as well. I think rules of the game would be good too. A playing card from 1 to 75. One I saw was in a dark navy box from Milton Bradley.

Carla, I think finding the cards was the easy part. Now your hunt is on for the rest. A complete set even with the cards will be in the $25-$30 range.

I hope you succeed in your hunt. I would try thrift stores, flea markets, antique shops etc. or even online.

Thanks for sharing and always for passing on older items.