Antiques column
Q. How early were wing armchairs made? – Ben, Utica, N.Y. A. These “super sitters” date back to 1825, and a really fine early chair can cost $70,000. An American Classical Revival wing armchair usually had leaf-carved arm supports. Tapering legs should be ribbed with an acanthus carving. The deep wings of the chair were designed to protect the occupant from drafts. Most were used either in the bedroom or sitting room and not the parlor. New England usually featured vertical rolled arm supports. If you have an opportunity to purchase an example, be sure to check to see if the legs are solid. You can expect to find a reasonable amount of wear due to the age of the piece.
Q. Are tobacco cards with old-time stage actors valuable? – Charles, Medford, Ore.
A. A collecting passion developed for these insert giveaways when they were issued both here and in England in the 1880s. More than 2,000 images are available in sepia tones and others in color. Most were made by Allen and Ginter but alas due to the great volume produced, most sell for $1 to $3 dollars each. Cards that came with Between the Acts Cigarettes numbering 500 different figures can sell between $3 and $8 apiece. Presidential candidates fetch $15 to $30 each. Animal cigarette cards that were included with Hassan Cork Tip cigarettes are priced at under $3 each.
Q. Does anyone collect advertising cookbooks? – Tess, Berlin, Md.
A. Cookbook collectors are usually good cooks and they like all types of cookbooks. Many early cookbooks were published as advertising premiums and were given away when you purchased the product advertised. These usually are still in the affordable class. A Karo “Corn Products Cookbook” can be had for $10. A volume put out by Bakers Chocolate sells for $25. Calumet Baking Powder issued one with a Kewpie cover, and this is valued at $30. Fleischmann’s Yeast offered one in 1910, and this today brings $35. Arm and Hammer’s contribution “Good Things To Eat” printed in 1932 fetches $8.Current Prices
– Toy, Spider-Man Scenes Machines Van, Hot Wheels, No. 2842, mint, $75.
– Meissen, porcelain figure, “The Good Mother,” Model E69, $2,500.
– Glass, lusters, cut with crystal prisms, 6 1/2 inches tall, pair, $800.
– Original Art, “People in the Sun,” Edward Hopper, charcoal, 1960, $170,000.
– James Bond, Thunderball Paint Set, English, 1965, $200.
– Noritake, salt and pepper shakers, river scene, 2 1/2 inches, $20.
– Jewelry, brooch, human hair weaving under glass, 1870s, $450.
– Book, child’s Little Girl Who Curtsied, M. Baker, Duffield, 1926, $50.
– Piano Baby, bisque figure, black child, 12 inches, $1,000.
– Oriental Rug, Persian, southern, Afshar, 60 by 80 inches, 1900, $1,500.
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.