This Old Thing!
Sewell: Charming humidor is quite the treasure
November 4, 2011
John D. Sewell
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Q: This tobacco humidor has been in our family for 70 years. It’s carved from a solid block of wood (perhaps mahogany) and depicts the four solitudes of an Indian chief. It might have originated from Quebec or Nova Scotia, where my family was based most of our lives. My mother converted the humidor into a lamp about 50 years ago. The humidor is 27 centimetres (10.5 inches) high. I cannot find any markings. Other than being an original conversation piece, I have no idea what its value would be.
Robert, Thornhill
A: You own a very special hand-carved figural humidor. For years, these were thought to have been created in the Black Forest region of Germany. But it’s now known that the tradition started in Switzerland, in the 1800s. Some 1,300 carvers were in the town of Brien alone into the early 1900s.
In 1851, these superb carvings were present at the Great Exhibition held in the Crystal Palace of London, England. All sorts of superb boxes, wall racks, hall trees, nutcrackers and figural humidors were included. Most were carved from linden or walnut wood.
Your charming humidor depicts four dramatic facial expressions, including a smile and scowl and I see there’s another face on the lid. The two holes from the lamp adaptation can be repaired easily.
The skilfully painted faces and the patina of your humidor not only make it an eye-catcher, but these qualities add value. You have quite a treasure as there’s almost as much interest in “Black Forest” items today as there was 100 years ago when tourists bought these carvings as souvenirs. Your moody Indian has a value of at least $1,200.
Ironstone set lacks interest
Q: I bought this set of ironstone at an auction 30 years ago for $50. Most pieces are marked with “Ironstone China, W. & E. Corn, Burslem.” The covered soap dish has a drainer. I’m not sure about the purpose of the small vase. The ewer is 33 centimetres (13 inches) high and the bowl is 38 centimetres (15 inches) across.
Frances, Welland
A: Your ewer, basin, soap dish and toothbrush holder are part of a white ironstone wash set. This set would have had a smaller pitcher, a shaving mug and a chamber pot.
Ironstone earthenware, a type of durable and economical pottery, was developed by Charles Mason in 1813 as an alternative to expensive chinaware. It was so successful that many other companies copied it and sold it under different names such as Granite China, Stone Ware and Stone China.
Initially, Mason’s Ironstone was beautifully coloured. The white ware came later. The Corn business operated in Burslem, England, from 1864 to 1891. Your set looks like a product of the late 1880s.
In 1890, a complete Corn wash set sold for under $2 — at a time when room and board in Toronto cost about $4 a week. Ironstone must be pristine white, free of stains and damage to be saleable. Unfortunately, there is very little interest in white ironstone today. Your pieces are barely worth $100.
Sterling markings a puzzle
Q: I am hoping for information about my ornate Victorian-style silver tea service. My father purchased it in the 1960s. Each piece is marked, “Sterling 925 Z.A. & Co.” The sugar bowl is 14 centimetres (5.5 inches) high and weighs 525 grams (16.9 troy ounces). Any information on its origin and value will be appreciated.
Debra, Ottawa
A: Usually, one of the pleasures of collecting sterling silver is the hallmarks are well-documented. However, I’m stumped by these marks. Most often the word “sterling” is associated with North American and Irish silver. This elaborate design featuring flowers, putti (cherubs) and bird finials doesn’t help narrow the field.
I suspect this is a 20th century set made before World War II. I advise consulting a major museum like the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto for more detailed information.
Meanwhile, just two years ago, interest was waning for ornate sets like yours. Today, the precious metals markets are driving up the price of silver and along with it interest in decorative silver objects. I estimate your set, with the large tea kettle and stand, weighs in at a total of 3,887 grams (125 troy ounces). The sterling value alone is about $3,000.
John D. Sewell is an antique and fine art appraiser. To submit an item, go to “Contact John” 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.