Pottery piece made trek from Ireland
November 21, 2009
Special to the Star
Q: I inherited this figurine of a violinist and dancer from a family member. According to family lore, it was brought over from County Down, Ireland, in 1881. I find this hard to believe, since the family that brought it to Canada was travelling with five small children.
The figurine is 27 centimetres tall (10.5 inches) and about 15 centimetres wide (six inches). There are no distinguishing marks on it. I'm curious to know if it's old enough to have made the journey in 1881.
Audrey, Burlington
A: Oh yes, it's old enough; in fact this piece dates to about 1845. It's called a Staffordshire figurine, named after the region of England where this type of decorative pottery was made. In the 1800s, there were roughly a thousand Staffordshire companies making these figurines and most left the factories unmarked.
There were hundreds of different subjects depicted, all featuring different scenes of the times and people from every walk of life. I've seen all sorts of combinations, but never this piece with the violinist and dancer.
Staffordshire figurines have been widely reproduced over the years, but yours is definitely old. The chip on the woman's nose is actually a good sign, since pristine pieces of Staffordshire should raise suspicions.
In addition, the mellow coloration and the way the faces are done all add up to old.
This particular figurine is known as a flat back, because it has an unpainted flat back, as opposed to a coloured, three-dimensional body. This piece would be of interest to two camps: those who collect figurines with musical instruments and those interested in gathering as many different examples of Staffordshire as possible.
Although prices for Staffordshire have been falling in recent years, I'd still peg your 164-year-old piece at about $450.
Q: I'm submitting this paper press on behalf of my 91-year-old father, who suggests he himself is an antique. He tells me it came from Leeds, England and was once owned by a relative who became a partner in a shoe company. He believes the press dates to about 1905 and was used to flatten and preserve important papers. It's about 53 centimetres tall (21 inches) and the wood seems to be walnut. There are no identifying markings.
Delia, Morrisburg
A: What your dad has is actually a book press. In all likelihood, it was made in England between 1890 and 1910.
The book binder would align the papers, compact them, then either glue the outer edge or drill through to attach a binding.
The book binding process originated in India where they pressed palm leaves between boards and by the 1st century B.C., the method spread to Persia, Afghanistan, Iran and China. Rounded spines on books didn't appear until the 15th century.
These book presses are quite scarce and they're collected and often used by people wanting to replicate the old book-making process.
I think your dad might get as much as $1,500 if he decided to sell.
Q: I've had this set of dominoes since I was 9 years old. It belonged to my grandfather and it was given to me. I know he loved and collected fine things and I've always wondered whether or not the set's valuable. (I'm also sending you a photo of the instructions.)
Janet, Waterloo
A: The game of dominoes is a relative of cards and dice that originated in China in the 12th century. It's still played in many parts of the world and is considered a national sport in some Caribbean countries.
What's special about your set is the fact it's made of two-coloured Bakelite, a family of plastics used for jewellery, decorative items and some utilitarian objects during the 1930s. Bakelite has been increasingly popular in recent years and the colour red is especially valued.
The dovetailed construction of the pieces in your set indicates quality and fine workmanship. The simulated crocodile case is a bonus. The photo of the instructions you included indicates the set was made by A. & L. Manufacturing Co. Inc., of Brooklyn, N.Y. Your grandfather gave you a super set of dominoes and I think it's worth about $250.
John Sewell is an antique and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to his column, go to the 'Contact John' page at www.johnsewellantiques.ca. Please measure your piece, say when and how you got it, what you paid and list any identifying marks. A high-resolution jpeg photo must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.) Appraisal values are estimates only.