Category: Treasure Hunt

Hi, Donna.

Here’s a photo of a desk that has been in our family since the 1920s. Can you tell us anything about it? We were living in Michigan at the time.

Thanks.

Judi

Dear Judi,

Nice clean piece of furniture. It could have even been manufactured in Michigan.

It looks like a secretary desk or butler’s desk. This is why the front drops down. The piece dates from between the early 1900s and the 1930s. It’s walnut and, as I said, very clean and in great condition. Looks great where you have it.

Values are tough because demand dictates everything. But if I appraised it for insurance purposes, I would say in the $1,000 range. Not sure it would market for that. But to me it’s worth that. It has stood time well.

I hope this was helpful, Judi, and thanks for sharing with us.

Donna

Hi, Donna.

Our daughter got these two pieces about 20 years ago in Somerville, Mass. and was told they were antiques. We can’t find any markings. The bureau hardware is not original to the bureau.

She has moved to the West Coast and asked us to sell these pieces. We don’t know what prices to ask. Any assistance will be much appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

Vikie

Dear Vikie,

The box in the photo is an antique blanket box in an original painted finish. Being from the 1800s and in the original finish does give it value. Prices have changed so much because of the current generation having minimal need for such pieces. Looking at it that way, I would say you still could sell it in the $100+ range.

The chest of drawers is not as old and in tough shape. The value would be if someone needs one and is willing to give it TLC to fix it.

Thanks for sharing with us, Vikie.

Hi, Donna.

I have two of these tiny little plates. They are 3 inches long by 1 7/8 inches wide. As shown on the bottom they are by Nippon and are hand-painted. What are these and do they have any value? They were from my grandmother, who would be 120+ now. Thank you.

Janice

Dear Janice,

Your Nippon dishes were most likely part of a larger set. They could have been used for bone dishes or for other things.

Interesting story of these dishes: Lots were hand-painted here in New England. The blanks were shipped in and local artists would paint the pattern. Then they were shipped back to complete a set.

The value really depends on the detailing. Some can have full scenes on them in detail. Simpler patterns like the ones you have would run about $10 each today.

I hope this was helpful, Janice, and that you still find use for them today. Idea: soap dishes?

Donna

Hi, Donna.

My name is Karen and I am unsure of what I have. It came to me in a collection of decorative spoons but it definitely does not look like a spoon. On the reverse side it says D. Peres Germany. It has a few brown spots around the tail and where the screw is located which connects the two pieces together. It is approximately 5 1/2 inches from top to the bottom. I would be very interested in knowing what it is.

Thanks.

Karen

Dear Karen,

You made me smile today! The first time I saw one of these I also thought, What are these for?

What you have, Karen, is an egg slicer. That’s why it’s in the form of a chicken. It is a plated material on the coating so you can find brown spots or even chipping of the plating. They were also made in sterling silver, which would be of higher value. What a novel idea to slice your hard or soft boiled egg with this kitchen tool.

The value is not high for the piece but priceless for an education. They run in the $15 range. Karen, thanks for sharing.

Donna

Dear Donna,

I was wondering if you have any information on this item that was my parents’. I believe it is made from heavy tin or something similar. It has a beautiful floral picture on it. I hope you might know something.

Thanks.

Joanne

Dear Joanne,

What you have here is a handled mid-century hammered aluminum tray.

There were several different companies that made them with the same look — flowers, scenes, hammered or plain. Most pieces you see are utilitarian in some way. The more common pieces you find in most homes bring about $20.

I hope this was helpful, Joanne, and you still have a use for your piece.

Thanks for sharing.

Donna

Hi, Donna.

I have this Huckleberry Finn clock made by Century. The clock tells time, and the fishing pole bobs up and down and the fish area lights up as the fish move around. The case is cast metal and I think my grandfather told me it was from 1940. It’s in perfect condition. What would something like this be worth?

Thank you.

Janice

Dear Janice,

How fun is that! Your clock is from the mid-century and produced by the Century Works company of New York. There are a couple different designs and styles. The style you have, Janice, in good working condition brings around $200+. Animated clocks are tough to find in good running condition. So the ones that are hold their value.

Sweet piece, Janice. Thanks for sharing with us.

Donna