Antiques column
Q. I collect bisque figures but can never find the country of origin. Any data? – Ty, Bath, N.Y. A. Factory style numbers are all you will probably ever find on early pieces of “bisque.” The term “biscuit” or “bisque” is applied to pottery or porcelain in a once fired but unglazed state. A craze for bisque swept through both England and America between 1850 and 1900. Bisque of the 18th century was undecorated, but imperfections were apparent and a bit of coloring concealed any imperfections. Figures sold in pairs for about $2 at the time. The more “gold beaded” decoration on bisque figures, the more they are in demand. As bisque is very fragile, perfect figures are scarce. Small nodding figures of comic characters from Germany are in demand and a set of six of “Our Gang” boxed lists for $1,400. Most bisque figures are in the $75 to $150 price range according to detail.
Q. I think my stained glass panel is Mucha. Your thoughts? – Joe, Trenton, N.J.
A. Alphonse Mucha was a Czech-born graphic artist who trained in Munich. Vienna and Paris. He designed clothes, jewelry, furniture and even wallpaper. He is best known for his colorful posters, which also featured theatrical personality Sarah Bernhardt. These designs today are considered the epitome of the Art Nouveau style. In 1904 he moved to New York City where he worked with the “glass magician” Louis Comfort Tiffany. Interlacing shapes and stylized floral motifs were a favorite style for him. From your photo I believe your panel is a Mucha piece from 1899 and would be valued at $3,500.
Q. Can you give values on early egg cups? – Toni, Cold Springs, N.J.
A. These popular collectibles can be made from porcelain, glass, wood, papier-mache, ivory and even straw, and date back prior to 1840. The early examples are scarce and command high figures. Those bearing a steamship or railroad name are in demand as well as Art Deco, and well-known figural varieties. Here are some values on today s market: a bucket type with a figure of Donald Duck from the 1940s, $50; Noritake Azalia Pattern, hand-painted design, $40; a double cup made for the United States Line by Lamberton, $100; a bucket type featuring the Katzenjammer Kids, $100; a figural egg cup showing Disney’s dwarf Grumpy, from 1937, $175; a bucket type featuring Cardinal Thick in a red robe by Goebel, 1960s, $150.Current Prices
– Lladro, porcelain figure, Indian Brave, No. 3562, limited edition, $4,500.
– Depression Glass, butter dish with lid, green, Doric and Pansy pattern, $500.
– Books, “Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln,” Nicolay and Hay, New York, 1905, set, $350.
– Furniture, window seat, Regency, mahogany, turned and scrolled ends, $12,000.
– Civil War, prison ball and chain, river type, $500.
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.