Checklist for Value: FURNITURE
How old is your furniture? Is it American or English? If you think it’s 19th century, is it early 19th century (1800-1830)? Clues you DO have an early 19th century …
Guidelines for 19th Century Furniture Authentication
HR asked, “How do I tell WHICH era a piece of 19th century furniture, American or English, comes FROM? What are the different eras WORTH?” My answers, take each era …
Fake or Real Galle Glass?
LN from Santa Barbara sent me a fine looking cameo glass boudoir lamp marked “Galle” on the shade. Very tricky indeed, because I don’t think it’s an original French Galle …
Pre-Columbian Effigies Pose Problems
JE sent me a photo of two Pre-Columbian pottery figures. They appear to come from the Nayarit culture in West Mexico, 100 BC to 250 AD. I say they “appear” …
Mortar and Pestle: An Ancient Tool Re-emerges
IC sent this photo of a very heavy, 9″ diameter stone mortar and pestle. I find it difficult to ascertain the age of this beauty. Mortar and pestles go back, …
Antique Pitchers Live to Tell Stories for New Generation
MM grew up with two identical German antique milk pitchers representing twin sentimental looking lions. She got a brilliant idea and plans to give them to her great-great nephews, who …
The Value of Fine Antique Furniture in America
Imagine me driving through a beautiful wrought iron gate in Montecito. I enter a grand house filled with fine antique furniture, loved for 40 years. Get ready, I think, because …
Vintage Clothing and What to Do With It
RB, a loyal reader from Santa Barbara, sent me a photo of a wonderful silk blouse she made in the 1950’s. It won her a prize in Home Ec. A …
WOW – A World War I Patriotic French Poster in Good Shape
CS sends me an image of a French advertising poster originally drawn by the under-appreciated Symbolist artist Lucien Levy-Dhurmer. CS’s family apocrypha claims this dates to the early 1900’s. He …
Capodimonte Porcelain Urns Reminiscent Liberace’s Taste
LH inherited two porcelain urns she displays in her home in Paso Robles. She asked me if they are ‘good’ Capodimonte. I answered, that they’re not the top of their …