Chairs from Victorian Renaissance Revival are hot seats
Q: I have enclosed a photo of one of two antique chairs that originally belonged to my grandparents. They are in very good condition.
I don’t know anything about their vintage or value so anything you can tell me will be appreciated.
A: The carved top rail, demi-arms, turned front legs with castors, upholstered round seat and back are characteristics of the Victorian Renaissance Revival period. The demi-arms were designed to accommodate a woman’s bustle or hoopskirt.
Your side chairs were made around 1870 and each would probably be worth $450 to $550.
Q: A friend gave me a pottery jardiniere and pedestal that are in perfect condition. She said she purchased it years ago in an antiques shop. Both pieces are decorated with a gray-green glaze with dark pink trim. The inside of the jardiniere is finished with a pink glaze. I have drawn the mark that is on both pieces.
My friend and I would like to know more about the maker, Julius Dressler, and of course, the estimated value.
A: The Julius Dressler Factory was established in Biela, Bohemia, in 1883. His work was inspired by both the Art Nouveau and Vienna Secessionist movements. There were many pottery and porcelain factories in the same region, including Massier, Amphora and Zsolnay. They all produced exceptional pieces reflecting the styles popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The number “3848” is a design number. Dressler’s factory closed in 1944.
Your jardiniere and pedestal were made around 1910 and both pieces together would probably be worth $2,500 to $3,500.
Q: I have my grandmother’s clear pressed-glass table set. It includes a covered butter dish, covered sugar bowl, spoon holder and cream pitcher. She and Grandpa were married in 1893 and took the set with them when they moved to Oklahoma in 1898. It has to be over 100 years old.
What can you tell me about my table set?
A: Pattern glass table sets were popular from the 1800s to the early 1900s. Most patterns were produced in a number of pieces from banana bowls to spoon holders. Collectors often select a pattern and become dedicated to searching for every piece they can find.
Your late 19th century set would probably be worth $250 to $325.
Q: I would appreciate it if you could tell me the value of my antique sewing machine. It is a “Minnesota Model A,” still works, and has all the attachments. The cabinet is oak and has scrolled carvings on the front and sides. It belonged to my grandmother who had it long before I was born.
A: Davis Sewing Machine Co. made your sewing machine around 1900. They made several Minnesota models, the model A was the top of the line. Your sewing machine and cabinet was made in Dayton, Ohio, and sold through Sears, Roebuck and Co. Its value would probably be $275 to $325.
Q: I want to know something about a pearlized compact case that I have. It has the words “Century of Progress 1833-1933 — Chicago” along with a picture of Fort Dearborn on the front. It flips open to reveal a compartment for powder (empty), one for rouge (some still there) and a mirror. At the top there is a pullout lipstick tube (not some you would want to use now). What can you tell me?
A: A Century of Progress was a world’s fair that was held in Chicago in 1933. World’s fair memorabilia are collectible. Your compact would probably be worth $25 to $50.
Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 490, Notre Dame, IN 46556. For a personal response, include picture(s), a detailed description, a stamped, self-addressed envelope and $15 per item (one item at a time).
