Antiques column
Q. What are some of the top prices on insulators? – Joe, Paradise, Pa. A. The telegraph was invented in 1844. Insulators held the electrical transmission wires to the poles. The telephone, invented in 1876, intensified their usefulness. More than 3,000 types are known to exist today. Pottery and wooden versions have been produced along with varied colors of glass. Some threadless insulators made between 1850 and 1865 are considered rare and can bring returns into the thousands, if in mint condition. A consolidated design 141.8 Patented May 6, 1890, by J.F. Buzby, lists for $20,000. A Consolidted Design 136.5 by the Boston Bottle Works, patented October 15, 1972, with a smooth base in aqua can sell for $3,500. Most found by novices list for under $5.
Q. Are Maxfield Parrish prints still in demand? – Carl, Utica, N.Y.
A. This gentleman’s abilities in architecture, illustrations and landscapes made him one of the most prolific artists during the “Golden Years” of illustrators. Did you know that he produced art for over 100 magazines? Edison Mazda calendars which feature his work sell on sight. His landscapes were usually printed by Brown and Bigelow or House of Art. His most recognized work is “Daybreak” which sold more than two million prints. A display piece for Hires Root Beer showing a die-cut elf drinking the beverage sold for $22,500. Mr. Parrish was born in 1870 and passed away in 1966. Beware of imitations and copies of his prints as many exist due to his popularity. The print entitled “Stars” done by House of Art in 1927 lists for $350.
Q. I’m searching for items from a country store. Any tips? – Lou, Birmingham, Mich.
A. These have been highly collectible for many years and prices continue to escalate. Countertop showcases of German silver and glass can sell for $5,000 and more. A Robin Hood Shoes display box for Adams spearmint gum from the 1920s fetches $600. An oak Clark’s Thread cabinet with tambour roll-up side doors trades hands at $1,600. A cabinet advertising Putnam “Fadeless” dyes of wood and tin with dyes included from 1910 brings $250 on today’s market. A cabinet – hardware of wood and glass with 72 pie shaped drawers – sells for a hefty $2,500. A “White Owl” counter cigar cutter can set you back $650.Current Prices
– Silver, beaker, Russian, repousse decorated, 18th century, $600.
– Mettlach, procelain, two-handled oval bowl, Art Nouveau design, $200.
– Paper, napkin, remembrance of those lost on the Titanic, $150.
– Advertising, “Gillette” razor blades, procelain on metal, 19 by 22 inches, 1920, $3,080.
– Comic Book, Human Torch, Marvel Comics No. 2, mint, $20,000
– Clothing, shirt, Hawaiian, bright colors, Holiday Sportswear, 1950s, $200.
– Tool, lumber tongs, cast iron, 1850s 12 inches, $125.
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.