Category: Treasure Hunt

Hi, Donna,

I’m wondering if you can provide any information about this desk bell that I purchased at an antique shop several years ago. It’s made entirely of metal. It’s 5.25 inches tall, the base is 4.25 inches across, and the bell is 3 inches in diameter. I’m wondering about its age and value. It’s in very good condition, and it still works! Thank you.

Peter in Manchester

Dear Peter,

Your Victorian Era (late 1800s) service bell was probably used a lot back in its time. Any situation where you would have needed service is what it was for. Countertop bells would be in hotels, stores, etc. Bells are still used today, although most are electric.

Some antique bells are plain, some fancy. I think yours is in the middle but very pretty. I would say the value is in the $90 range. Thanks for sharing with us, Peter.

Donna

Dear Donna,

I have a quilt that I believe my mom’s mother made. This would make it from the 1940s I think. It’s smaller than a full-size bed. I think it’s in great shape for the age. Can you give me any information on caring for it and possible value?

Thank you, Donna.

Elaine

Dear Elaine,

Nice piece to have from your family.

Your quilt appears to be made from old clothing scraps. It wasn’t uncommon to create a quilt from fabric within the home.

Quilt values are in their patterns, age, condition, and whether or not they are hand stitched, among other factors. Some quilts were made from old feed sack material, using everything to create warmth. We might use quilts today for decorative reasons but back in the day they were needed.

There were quilts that were made and signed by the many people participating. Each piece would have its own folky design — animals, figures, embroidered then signed. All put together to complete a quilt.

Your quilt, Elaine, is a typical homestyle quilt, made sturdy to last. I think as for care it should be fine on delicate or possibly dry cleaned.

As far as value goes I think it would be in the $75 range. I hope it stays in your family. Nice piece! Thanks for sharing with us.

Dear Donna,

I have a quilt that I believe my mom’s mother made. This would make it from the 1940s I think. It’s smaller than a full-size bed. I think it’s in great shape for the age. Can you give me any information on caring for it and possible value?

Thank you, Donna.

Elaine

Dear Elaine,

Nice piece to have from your family.

Your quilt appears to be made from old clothing scraps. It wasn’t uncommon to create a quilt from fabric within the home.

Quilt values are in their patterns, age, condition, and whether or not they are hand stitched, among other factors. Some quilts were made from old feed sack material, using everything to create warmth. We might use quilts today for decorative reasons but back in the day they were needed.

There were quilts that were made and signed by the many people participating. Each piece would have its own folky design — animals, figures, embroidered then signed. All put together to complete a quilt.

Your quilt, Elaine, is a typical homestyle quilt, made sturdy to last. I think as for care it should be fine on delicate or possibly dry cleaned.

As far as value goes I think it would be in the $75 range. I hope it stays in your family. Nice piece! Thanks for sharing with us.

Hello, Donna.

Can you provide me with a value on my family’s Navy suit? I think it was my dad’s brother’s. It is in relatively good shape with some white spots on it. Being in a box in the basement I believe did that to it. I have no use for it but would like to find it a home.

Thank you for your time, Donna

Denny

Dear Denny,

World War II U.S. Navy uniforms like this are still not too hard to find these days. Finding them in good condition is key to the value. Also the caps for some reason are harder to find. Again, though, they need to be in good clean condition.

I can give you an approximate value but you will have to decide on the condition. If the white spots brush off and it isn’t mold this is how it will need to be. You can try brushing softly to see if you can remove them. Be careful; the material is wool, and you don’t want to create a spot cleaning them. Also there should be no tears or worn spots. A typical clean uniform, jacket, shirt, pants, usually goes for around $70 and the hat brings another $25-ish.

Thank you for sharing, Denny. I hope you find the uniform a new home.

Note: You might wanna try a military collector or a local antique shop in your area.

Dear Donna,

I came across this bank of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. I believe it’s copper and is in great shape. Can you provide me with a possible value? I purchased it at a local consignment store for $7. I thought this might be valuable.

Derek

Dear Derek,

Your bank is one of many; they were made for many years. Most are of different historical sites in the United States. They were very popular and I bet even today you can find more modern versions. The banks are made from pot metal. This means a mix of metals with a copper, bronze or brass wash.

The banks are great souvenirs of visits to places. You can also find themed ones like banks, presidents, cars, etc.

Finding one for $7 is a tiny treasure. The value on them varies with the subject of each one. Yours is in the range of $30. So, Derek, you did well. I hope this is the beginning of a collection for you. Thanks for sharing with us.

Note: If you find these banks and the wash/plating is chipping off, don’t buy them! Not many have value if they are damaged and worn.

Dear Donna,

I am hoping you can provide me with some advice. I am looking to purchase a three-strand pearl necklace. My son is getting married in May and I would like to give his wife pearls. My question is how do you know if buying an antique or older set, what to look for. Or should I look for a new set?

Thank you, Donna, for any advice you can share.

Linda

Dear Linda,

Great idea buying an antique set of pearls. I also think you have a bit of time for your search. Either way you go you want to get the best quality for your investment.

I think I might start off by researching what you want to look for in pearls. Remember educating yourself is the best way before any purchases. Then I might connect with a couple local jewelers. They have experience with older pearls and new ones as well. They could keep an eye out and let you know if an old set comes in. And even provide newer ones as well.

My history with real pearls is limited but I can share a couple signs with you. You want to make sure they are all individually strung in between each pearl. You want them, if older, not to be scratched or tarnished, and if strung on chain, that it be real 14KT or 18KT gold.

Linda, I think it’s a great wedding gift either old or new. I wish you luck on your journey finding the right set. Thanks for sharing.

Donna Welch has spent more than 35 years in the antiques and collectibles field, appraising and instructing. Her new location is an Antique Art Studio located in Dunbarton, NH where she is still buying and selling. If you have questions about an antique or collectible send a clear photo and information to Donna at footwdw@aol.com, or call her at 391-6550.