This Old Thing!
Meissen porcelain plate was probably made in Dresden, Germany
February 17, 2012
John D. Sewell
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Q: In 1965, my mother in Caracas, Venezuela, was given a beautiful antique serving plate as a wedding gift. It’s about 33 centimetres long and 25 centimetres wide (13 by 10 inches). A blue marking, on the back looks like a large “X” with two small “x” tails.
Veronica, Toronto
A: Your mom has a stunning porcelain plate and the mark is the crossed swords of the famous Meissen factory of Germany. But it’s not Meissen. The Chinese developed porcelain and kept the method of making it secret for centuries. Finally the formula was discovered in Meissen about 1710, and the European industry was born. Meissen was so famous that its products and marks were copied by the competition.
Your attractive piece was probably made at one of the many factories in Dresden, Germany about 1900. Although the lavish gold grapevine is quite realistic, and the pierced work, intertwined with the vine, has been done by a skilled hand, it’s not the quality of Meissen standards. Your special serving plate has a value of $175.
‘Reticule’ made from bits and pieces
Q: This piece was found in my mother’s things after she’d passed away. We think it might be some sort of decorum that is added to a kilt. We took it to a jeweller who’d been in business all of his life and he had never seen one. He did think the pouch is made of white metal. It is 27 centimetres (10.5 inches) long to the bottom of the skull.
Glenn, Lowbanks, Ont.
A: I can see the resemblance to a sporran, but in reality you have a vintage lady’s metal mesh purse, traditionally called a “reticule.” This ensemble appears to have been cobbled together from bits and pieces. I believe the skull is a modern replacement for one of the lost shell-shaped charms.
The decorative medallion at the top with the pretty Art Nouveau maiden doesn’t relate to the purse. The chain (actually a pocket watch chain) is too coarse to have been part of an evening purse. The purse was probably machine-made in the first third of the 20th century. It certainly is an interesting conversation piece and could sell as a curio for about $95.
Wicker pram is a real doll
Q: This baby carriage came from our neighbour when she was moving to a smaller home. She thought it was from the 1850s. We are impressed with the quality and beauty of its construction. Our daughter just had her first baby and we hope she wants it for her nursery.
Cheryl, Toronto
A: Your wicker carriage, popular between 1890 and World War 1 (1914), appears to be in excellent condition. This is a deluxe model with all the trimmings and was sold widely in North America through the Eaton’s catalogue.
It might have cost around $15 in 1895, a time when the average house in Toronto could be rented for $20 per month. Your baby pram appears to be an antique but buyers should be aware that many good wicker reproductions have hit the market over the past 20 years. A quick sell on this one would likely fetch $850, although some vendors might ask a few hundred more.
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.