Antiques
Q. I collect open salts. What can I expect to find? – Trudy, Topeka, Kan. A. When salt was served in the pre-free-flowing era, it was necessary to serve it in a salt cellar. IN the early 1800s, a master salt was placed by the host and passed to each dinner guest. Smaller individual salts were a part of each place setting. Each came with its own tiny silver spoon. Some are quite costly today with collector interest on the rise. Cut glass versions can sell for as much as $100. Art Glass salts start at $100 and go to $1,250 for a Legras salt with a sterling silver base. China versions exist with signed Meissen of Germany piece selling for $125. Your Lacy Glass example of a boat shaped in sapphire blue marked Lafayet was made by the Boston and Sandwich Company, and is valued today at $1,000.
Q. Is our glass-covered duck dish a reproduction? – Ty, Harrisburg, Pa.
A. The Atterbury Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. patented the sought-after rarity in 1887. The design was pressed with glass eyes. The realistic feathers added to the appeal. The duck dish was produced in white, black, blue, amethyst and also in several color combinations. They are marked on the base with the patent date. Thomas Atterbury also made companion pieces in a Bull’s Head mustard pot and a Rabbit Tureen. The Atterbury duck dish has been reproduced. However, the copy does not bear the 1887 patent date. Your example with the patent date in black glass is valued at $250.
Q. What movie posters are the most valuable? – Kay, Walnut Creek, Calif.
A. Movie posters have really experienced a great deal of action with collectors. Recent film posters are still somewhat easy to find and not expensive. Collecting really started in the 1960s. An original Dracula horror poster has sold for $250,000 and more. Frankenstein examples have fetched over $100,000 at auction. Posters featuring James Dean, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe stir interest with their fans. Some foreign posters of U.S. films can still be had at a fair price. Condition plays a major role in the value of a poster. Copies of popular films are usually printed on heavier paper. Value guide: Lawrence Of Arabia, Italian version, 39 by 55 inches, $1,000.Current Prices
– Lamp, Jerry Mahoney (Paul Winchell) seated puppet as base, $750.
– Boy Scouts, U.S. postage stamp, 40th Anniversary, mint, 3 cents, $3.
– Mercury Glass, doorknobs, pair, $75.
– Fiesta, bowl, covered onion soup, turquoise, $8,000.
– Doll, Robin Williams (Mork) with space pak, Mattel, 1979, $500.
– Precious Moments, figurine, God Loveth a Cheerful Giver, retired, $900.
– Quilt, cotton, Floral Garden pattern, 1930s, $400.
– Watt, ceramic, covered casserole, Apple pattern, No. 3/19, boxed, $400.
– Magazine, TV Guide, Walt Disney cover, No. 82, $200.
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.