May 3, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. Can you evaluate a small collection of Blue Chrysanthemum Sprig? – Bo, Erie, Pa. A. Lucky you to have pieces of this really rare glass. The Northwood firm produced a blue opaque version of this pattern which was also made in custard glass. Here are prices being realized today on this glass treasure: butter dish, $1,250; cruet, $1,200; pitcher, in inches, $1,100; condiment tray, very rare, $750; fruit bowl, $600; celery vase, $550; salt and pepper shakers, pair, $450. Remember, prices on this line are influenced by the amount of gold trim still intact on the design.

Q. What is a “fairing”? – Kate, Greensboro, N.C.

A. Whatnot shelves sagged under the weight of the fairing during the reign of Queen Victoria. Sold at fairs and gatherings, these low-cost brightly colored pottery treasures were made in England and on the Continent. Glass and china figures, ornaments, early-to-beds, nodding figures and hundreds of other whimsical novelties opened the eye and the purse of souvenir loving Victorians. Fairings sold at fairs in the 1800s at a very small cost. Today you can expect to pay $250 for a trinket box featuring a monkey in a high hat.

Q. Any tips on recognizing early Oriental rugs? – Addie, Portsmouth, Va.

A. In the 17th century, Oriental rugs were not used on the floors, but were placed on tables. Today, antique examples that can run between 100 and 400 years old are really of museum quality and can cost into the thousands. Remember, all carpets were hand made. Children were used in making them because their fingers were more nimble. Pennies a day were what they were paid for their efforts. Various knots, which created the rug, were used according to the country which made them. Sheep’s wool was used and it was colored by vegetable dyes. Europeans preferred 7- by 9-foot examples as Americans chose 8- by 10-foot carpets. Persia had the largest output and many Indian made rugs used Persian designs. Excellent copies are being imported today and even experienced buyers are being fooled. Buyer beware.

Q. Can you list values on cigar box labels? – Joe, Walnut Creek, Calif.

A. Labels of paper with colorful lithographed illustrations adorned early wooden cigar boxes. Today they are eagerly sought and many bring high returns. Here are some values on today’s market: Uwanta Cigar, inner box label showing American Indian and horse, $2,000; Sandow showing strongman lifting horse, inner box label, $1,350; Aero, featuring hot air balloon, outer box label, $500; Lone Trail Cigars, inner box label featuring American Indian portrait, $450.Current Prices

– Painting, oil, colorful landscape by Anthony Thieme, framed, $13,225.

– Blue Willow, baking dish, marked Japan, $50.

Write to Charles Mather in care of the Herald-Standard at Crown Syndicate Inc., P.O. Box 99126, Seattle, Wash. 98199 or call 206-285-1888.