Category: Treasure Hunt

Dear Donna,

I got this flower ceiling light at a local consignment store. I have a question about whether it should be re-wired. Also can you give me an idea if I got a deal on it or not?

Thank you, Donna.

Phil

Dear Phil,

Your chandelier looks to be in good clean condition.

Let’s address the wiring first. I always say if there is any wear on the cord or where it makes an electrical contact, then definitively yes, it should be re-wired. Better safe than sorry, right? If it’s clean and still not hard but a pliable cord then maybe just leave it.

If your chandelier is an older one from the 1940s-1970s and in working order I would say the value is in the range of $250.

It could also be a reproduction of an older one. You could tell by the electrical cord, screws, paint or if there is any maker’s name on it.

So, Phil, depending on what you paid for it, I would say you got a little treasure. Nice piece. Thanks for sharing with us and I hope you get to use it with minimal or no repairs.

Dear Donna,

I’m checking with you for advice. I have inherited this pair of sterling silver marked Gorham candlesticks. They are in good condition but in need of cleaning. Should I clean and what would you recommend if yes?

Ann

Dear Ann,

Good question, to clean sterling silver or not! Gorham has been around since the early 1800s. Gorham Silver, later Gorham Manufacturing Co., was a very well-known producer of quality silver — not just candlesticks but many other items as well. The company was located in Providence, Rhode Island, and had a long and interesting history.

Cleaning silver is to me a personal choice. It needs to be done correctly. There are many cleaning and polishing products you can use. Just follow the instructions and never use anything abrasive. A hint for cleaning is don’t bother unless you want to keep doing it. The exposure to sir, sun etc. will tarnish it again. So if you’re just going to keep them for family history, pack them in cloth and an airtight bag and store away. Sterling silver is beautiful and reflective, but a lot of work keeping that way as well.

The value of your pair of weighted Gorham candlesticks is in the range of $250+. (Weighted silver is a thin coat of silver over sand or cement, mostly used in the base for stabilizing.) Nice treasure to inherit! Thanks for sharing.

Hello, Donna,

These paper dolls are special to my heart. My Mickey is missing an arm. I am not ready to sell but would like to know if they have value. I’m hoping to pass along and hope they still qualify as safe to play with. Mickey and Minnie have been played with through a couple of our generations in the family.

Thank you, Donna, for your input.

Camille

Dear Camille,

Who doesn’t love Mickey and Minnie Mouse in any form!

Your paper dolls are an earlier set, but there have been many sets since. Hard to believe so many made it through time, with children who heavily played with paper dolls in general. Even in my earlier years in the 1960s I loved my paper dolls.

Camille, I found a few sets like yours and values were in the $20-$70 range. If they were in uncut and used condition they would be higher, but in used really loved condition I would say the lower end of value. The clothes would be valuable to a collector who might have missing ones.

As far as passing along, yes let another generation experience the fun of imaginary play. We need more of that these days!

Thanks for sharing with us, Camille. I hope they find a new family home. Even though older things hold a high value if they were never used, memories are always priceless!

Dear Donna,

I can’t tell you how this ended up in my mom’s kitchen drawer. It says Jabel and it’s dated 1916. Can you share any information about it with me? Keep it or throw it away?

Thank you, Donna,

Lee

Dear Lee,

I’ve got to say I’m smiling thinking of how many unusual items are found in estates. Would like to know the original story of how it got there!

I remember my mom having a junk drawer in our kitchen. It too had anything and everything in it.

Your piece is a Jabel Rings stone gauge for sizing. Jabel was in Newark, N.J., opening in 1916.

The tool works by placing the gemstones in holes and round flats to determine a size. If you look really close you should be able to see carat sizes on one side and millimeters on the other side. It’s a very neat and helpful jeweler’s tool. How that works and how it got into your mom’s kitchen? Hmm, maybe to use for stripping herbs?

The value of your little treasure is in the $50 range. I hope this was helpful, Lee.

Dear Donna,

I have an old rug, 4’ by 6’, that I need to sell. I have loved it but now moving to Utah and won’t have a space for it. Can you give me any information and advice on where to start?

Thank you so much if you can help.

Clayton

Dear Clayton,

I’m no rug expert by any means! It is a very specific field. I have come across many, though, during my years.

Your rug looks to be Turkish and has nice colors and design. It should also be hand woven and knotted. If the condition is the same all around as in the pictures, without areas of wear or tears. I would say marketing it won’t be a problem.

To find a buyer you might want to bring it to specifically a rug dealer for a quick turnaround, knowing ahead of time you won’t get the full value. They have to resell it so need room.

If you want as much as you can get and have the time I would say as long as condition is as I stated the value should be in $400 range.

So there are a couple options, Clayton, Good luck marketing it and with your move. Thanks for sharing with us.

Dear Donna,

These boards were used all the time in my home growing up. My mother shared with me that some were her mother’s. I thought possibly I could pass them along to my girls. Could you share any information? Are they still safe to use today?

Thank you, Donna.

Lee

Dear Lee,

The best part of your story is the memories of the boards being used!

Lee, bread boards have been around for so many years. All, I’m sure, were heavily used for bread making, pastries, light chopping, etc.

Cutting boards and bread boards all have value in today’s market, depending on age, condition, even shapes, etc.

Values run from $10 to several hundred dollars on some. Most common ones are in the $40-to-$100 range.

If you want to pass them along, Lee, you can clean them with a mild detergent and rinse well, then re-coat them with a safe food oil for use.

For just decorative use and collecting, I would leave them in the original patina (natural age discoloring). They are a very attractive kitchen collectible.

So no matter what you do, Lee, you have great memories and a treasure with your boards. Thanks for sharing with us.