Dec 13, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. What is meant by “transfer printed” pottery? – Drew, White Mills, Pa. A. This form of decorating began in the mid-18th century, and mass-produced items could be turned out eliminating the more costly hand decoration. Transfer printing involved inking a copper plate, which has been engraved then transferred either onto a sheet of paper, or a sheet of glue, “bat,” this type being known as bat-printing. These sheets are then pressed onto the surface of the object, and the design is fixed by firing. Usually only two colors such as blue on white were used on early examples. A mid-19th century English footbath imprinted with a cottage scene can cost $2,500 today. Beware of reproductions.

Q. Can you list prices on a box of old tools? – Henry, Elgin, Ill.

A. Before the Civil War, most tools were hand-made. Some have a crude primitive look while others evidence skilled workmanship. What determines the price is scarcity, usefulness as well as portability. If a specimen has a manufacturer’s mark, this is a plus. Condition is crucial to get top dollar in this field. Here are some values: goose-wing ax, hand wrought, circa 1800, $275; plane, original box, marked Fulton, New York, N.Y., 1893, $125; Saw, Henry Disston, Company, Philadelphia, Pa., No. 68, $75; screwdriver, Millers Falls Company, No. 852, $50; wrench, Ellis, pat. 1903, with pivot head, $375.

Q. Are early store photos of children with Santa rare? – Ed, Tulsa, Okla.

A. The first department store holiday photos of children visiting Santa were in black and white, and usually they were printed on a postcard. Smiles in the photos are rare as the child seems many times terrified by the make-up on Santa. They were offered mainly to draw in the parents to make a purchase in the toy department from the staggering inventories offered. Posed with a varying array of props the today such photos are thought to have a certain charm and collectors seek them out. Many times a child was posed in a sleigh or in some cases in an early airplane. A live donkey was also used with the child astride as Santa held the reins. Expect to pay $10 and up for a postcard.n Royal Doulton, figure, The Orange Lady, No. RN 1759, $275.

– Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio, mug, plastic, flasher eyes, 1960s, $30. Railroad, pass, annual, Santa Fe, 1922, $10.

– Stained Glass, window, green and purple grapes on clear, $3,000.

– Furniture, hail chair, Chippendale, mahogany, George III, $6,000.

– Teddy Bear, limited edition, copy of bear saved on the Titanic, $200.

– Bronze, figure of bird, Austrian, cold painted, 1920, $300.

– Bohemian Glass, vases, white on ruby overlay, 1868, pair, $1,700.

– Matchbox, paper, advertising Cunard Line, l950s, $10.

For more information or to get your questions about antiques answered, 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.