Antiques column
Q. Is our bisque headed Oriental doll marked S and H valuable? – Tracey, Bethesda, Md. A. Condition is everything in doll collecting. The smallest hairline on any bisque-headed doll can lower its value. A box offered with the doll is also a plus value wise. Simon and Halbig were German manufacturers of dolls from 1869 to 1930. They specialized in making china and bisque shoulder heads and also supplied other doll makers such as Kammer and Rheinhardt and Jumeau with their heads. They are also known for making a large number of ethnic dolls. Their early output featured solid domed heads with fixed glass eyes and closed mouths. Later dolls had socket heads with an open crown, cardboard pate and open mouths. Marks and mould numbers can be found on Simon Halbig dolls. Your Oriental doll measuring just over 10 inches dates from 1910 and lists for $1,500.
Q. What are “jelly belly” pins? – Lucy, Oakland, Calif.
A. A costume jewelry firm named Trifari produced these brooches during the 1940s and they are highly collectible today. These are very distinctive, clear Lucite centered birds and animals. A “jelly belly” seal featured a sterling silver head, flippers and tail and an aquamarine colored stone ball that the seal balances on his nose. This piece sells for $600 today. The clear Lucite belly can’t be missed. A larger brooch in the shape of a poodle features a “jelly belly” portion for the body and has rhinestones in the legs and tail with a ruby eye. Dating from the same period, this popular canine fetches $700 on the market today.
Q. Can you discuss wicker furniture? – Jasmine, Portland, Ore.
A. Wicker is a term that classifies all woven furniture. Images of elegant outdoor living comes to mind even on the coldest days of winter. The styles of wicker reflect the cultural flavor of the period. Victorian wicker dates from the late 1800s. This is much in demand due to the dramatic look it creates. Much plainer, the Mission Craftsman type that dates from the early 1900s and is much sturdier and plain in design. Bar Harbor style wicker dates from the early 1900s also and is a combination of the two, being graceful yet sturdy. Art Deco wicker dates from the 1920s and so called Modern wicker dates from the ’20s also. A paper label on a piece from Wakefield is especially fine. A parlor set in the Deco style consisting of four pieces can cost close to $5,000.Current Prices
– Netsuke, wooden, of Daruma, signed Shumin, Meiji period, 19th century, $2,250.
– Song Sheet, Broadway Baby Dolls, Alice White, Warner Bros., 1929, $25.
– Rock ‘N Roll, Jimi Hendrix, embroidered poncho, heavy detail, $3,175.
– Doorstop, cast iron, rabbit eating carrot, 8 inches, $350.
– Big Little Book, Mickey Mouse on Sky Island, Whitman, No. 1417, $75.
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.