Antiques column
Q. Can you evaluate my Roseville Pottery bowl? – Jo, Tulsa, Okla. A. The firm dates back to 1890 when George F. Young began operations in Roseville, Ohio. The firm relocated to Zanesville in 1898 and early production consisted of utilitarian stoneware and decorated flowerpots. Artware that was slippainted began to be produced in 1900 with the name Rozanne, Rookwood and Weller with two other Ohio potteries as the competition. Many of the Weller employees left Weller to join Roseville. This is why lookalikes appear at this time in production. Even though it was mass-produced, Roseville has a host of collectors. Your bowl in the Baneda pattern lists for $400.
Q. Has the American art market suffered lately at auctions? – Pat, New Hope, Pa.
A. After an initial uncertainty due to global problems, the American painting market has rallied. A stream of record prices has been reported for American artists. Any painting featuring the Stars and Stripes just seems to fly out of auctions and private collections. Norman Rockwell’s “Rosie the Riveter” from 1943 sold for $4,959,500 at auction. The sale was made in May 2002. American Western Art has also fared well with other artists besides Remington and Russell doing fine. Currently there is a great deal of interest in Modernist artists as well.
Q. Can you list prices on Santa Claus giveaways? – Pauline, Trenton, N.J.
A. Along with the celluloid buttons picturing Santa and given away in department store Toylands, manufacturers also made small lithographed prints for children to paste into scrapbooks. Coffee companies and farm machinery stores were just two of the firms issuing these cards. An early celluloid button today sells for over $100. One from the 1930s can cost $50. A Lions Coffee paper print lists for $225.
Q. Can you quote from my list what the following antique terms mean? – Bo, Erie, Pa.
A. These terms may confuse newcomers to the antiques field. Here is a brief description: Gesso, a plaster like base applied to frames then carved and gilded; Faience, the French name for tin glazed earthenware; Ogee, an “S” shaped shallow curve used on clock cases; Bebe, a French term for a doll that represents a baby rather than an adult; Bakelite, a plastic used in the 1920s and 1930s; Bone china, a type of porcelain which has dried ox bone added to the formula, produced in England; Gadroon, a decorative border of flutes or reeds often found on silver; Cartouche, a framed panel.Current Prices
– Revolver, Colt model 1849, pocketype, stagecoach scene, owner’s name, $6,350.
– Teakettle, copper, brass knob, handle impressed “H. Dehuff,” Pa., $825.
– Famile Rose, porcelain mug, central medallion painting, Chinese, $300.
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.