Antiques column
Q. Q. Is our Georg Jenson silver water pitcher really valuable? – Lottie, Cambridge, Mass.
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A. This gentleman is recognized as one of the greatest silversmiths that ever lived. He founded his factory in his native Copenhagen in 1904. Heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement as well as Art Nouveau. His approach to designing always had a high standard of craftsmanship. He started by producing small pieces of silver jewelry, but hollowware and flatware seamed to fascinate him. Ivory and semi-precious stones were often incorporated into his output. Being innovative, he produced pieces with an oxidized satiny surface, which was distinctive to him. The company he founded is still thriving today. Your Georg Jensen Goose water pitcher by Henning Koppel produced in the 1950s can bring $20,000 at auction.
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Q. Would anyone want my Victorian wall pocket? – Chick, Doylestown, Pa.
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A. The wall pocket was almost as heavily used as the clothing pocket during the Victorian era. This hung on the wall as a catchall for a thousand and one household trifles and treasures. They were generally handcrafted with a jigsaw by the man of the house. A nifty needlework or beaded design enriched the front panel. Considered the most elegant examples are those that are completely hand-painted. They were created in many sizes and shapes and were hung on walls throughout the house. The wall pocket was actually a lost and found department with added Victorian details. Value guide: wall pocket, red velvet lined with a tin hand-painted front section, $150.
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Q. Does a box full of Liddle Kiddles dolls have value? – Myra, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
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A. Mattel produced these tiny charmers from between 1966 and 1971. They ranged in size from less than an inch to 4 inches. The rooted hair could be restyled and they could be posed. Made in series, some were called Sweet Treats, Zoolery Jewelry Kiddles, Animidles, and Extraterrestrial. May accessories could also be purchased for the doll. One of the more valuable today is Beat-A-Diddle, No. 3510. She trades hands at $500. A Kola Kiddles Three, Pak No. 3734, lists for $300. Luvvy Duvvy Kiddle No. 3596, a real valentine in its original packaging, can be had for $75. Most of the other dolls produced can still be bought for under $50.Current Prices
– Moorcroft, pottery, Weeping Willow landscape vase, English, signed, $2,000.
– Pewter, tankard, applied turquoise roundels, marked Germany, $550.
– Toy, pedal car, Porsche, adult size, rare, 1952, $1,000.
– Poster, film, Josephine Baker, ZouZou, Belgian, lined backed, 1934, $4,174.
– Document, signed by Napoleon, on vellum, Madrid, Dec. 21, 1808, in French, $2,480.
– Sewing Machine, Grover and Baker, Pat. May 27, 1856, $800.
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.