Prescott's "Instant" Appraisals

Objects provided by the Readers of the
Josie Prescott Mystery Series

Scan through these pages -- enjoy!

Eskimo Pitcher

Description:

I'm enclosing a section of an old white heavyweight pitcher probably ironstone measuring 7" tall and about 7 1/4" across top from spout to handle. There are no markings.   I don't know much about the background except that my husband's mother owned this piece, and her mother was once either an Indian from Labrador, or kidnapped by the Labrador Indians many, many years ago.  This might be the only connection available, as his mother is no longer alive.  I'd appreciate any information on this piece.  There is some gold wear and a few blips in the stoneware.  They are not chips - just tiny dots of discoloration.  I may be able to remove. 

Appraisal:

I actually found this for sale at the Tias Exchange for $75. They dated it to the 1890s, and that seems fairly accurate. I doubt that this has anything to do with the Labrador Indians; given the information and photo provided, it would probably sell for $30 at auction.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Figurine with Shell

Description:

This porcelain piece is in great shape but the marks on the bottom are very hard to read. It may say "Germany." An article in Antique Week, Eastern Edition, April 3, 2006, p. 15 made us wonder. Could Danckert's Directory of European Porcelain help? The piece was a gift several years ago. At the time, the lady who gave it to me said it was worth $1000. Can you identify it?

Appraisal:

This dish looks like a Royal Dux Art Noveau style figural dish. If it is a Royal Dux and was of the art noveau period (circa 1900) it would probably bring around $600 at auction. If this is a later copy of Royal Dux, it would probably have an auction estimate of $150-250. This estimate is based on the photo and information provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Green Pitcher

Description:

This pitcher was found in North Carolina when we had to take a detour through the Smokey's.  Actually, it could have been in Tennessee. It is 9 and 1/4 inches high and 5 inches at the top opening to the point.  The base color is a cream and the other is a green/blue.  The brown is a cocoa.  The handle does not look applied.  It has many age crazings.  The cattails and other lines are raised.  I fell in love with it because I had never seen cattails on pottery before.  It has no maker marks, but there are three mold marks on the bottom.  No chips.

Appraisal:

This was probably made by a local artist during the first half of the 20th century. It is lovely and is a good representation of how the American art pottery movement encompasses all states and traditions, not just the major factories and producers. Based on the photos and information provided, at auction it would probably bring around $100.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Indian Baby Basket

Description:

I bought this wicker basket with legs at an auction in Wisconsin about 40 years ago. It measures 23 inches high, 14 inches wide rounded bottom, and 26 inches overall length. This basket itself is 12 inches deep without legs. The bottom of the basket is weaved with 1 ½ inches thick reed the rest of the basket is ½ inches reed. The legs are made of oak and were hand-made. The wicker trim is unusual and in good overall condition. I had it appraised locally and they agreed this basket probably is an Indian baby basket taken and sat in fields while they picked crops, but no definite value or age.

Appraisal:

Unfortunately, I’m not very familiar with the use of wicker in Native American basketry. It is difficult to discern age from the photographs, but I don’t think it is very old—probably second quarter 20th century. At auction, it would have an estimate of $80-120; however, I was unable to find any records of similar pieces at auction.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Russett Vase

Description:

This vase is 12 and 1/4 inches high.  Across the top it measures (opening) 5 3/8", same for the base.  It is made of porcelain and when the sun shines on it you can see the painting on the outside thru the inside. It weighs 2lbs.  What appears to be yellow in the photo is gold as are the lines in the leaves and around the top opening.  What appears to be maroon color is more russet.  There are no flaws or checks or age cracks.  There are one or two manufacturer’s flaws in the white unpainted backside of the vase. The design goes around three sides of the vase.  There are no impressed marks on base, but there is written in gold; 125 underlined and under that BEE.  This is under glaze. This item was found in a small North Carolina town in the home of my aunt who was in the military for 30 some years.

Appraisal:

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the maker. Fox hunt scenes are a popular motif for decorative arts, with examples present from prominent French makers as well as Nippon. This vase seems to be a 20th century piece and based on the information and photos, would probably have an auction estimate of $100-200 without an attributed maker.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Bucherer Gold Watch

Description:

This was part of an estate of a high end antique dealer who passed away 10 yrs. ago.  I don't know when she bought it, but I have not been able to find a value.

It's a Bucherer Ladies gold watch in MINT MINT MINT condition and in excellent working order.  The face has the Bucherer logo and "Swiss Made" on the bottom.  Crown has the "B" logo.  The backside of the watch contains "9  763."  It has a solid band of criss-cross design and a clasp belt buckle style closure.  It's yellow gold, but appears to be 18K gold and not the dark 14K gold color.  But it hasn't been tested.  I haven't opened up the back, as I didn't want to harm the watch, since it's in such good shape. 

Appraisal:

We have a preliminary estimate of $400-600 if it is 18 Karat gold.  Please keep in mind this is a preliminary auction estimate, and it can change based on first hand inspection. 
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Tiffany Iridescent Vase

Description:

I have a vase which my parents purchased in the early 50's. My mother always claimed the vase was Tiffany. The vase is 7 ¼" tall and is 7 ¼" at its widest part. The color is iridescent on the outside.  The surface has a texture to it. The color changes a little with the lighting but the primary color is a wonderful peacock green followed by peacock blue.  Occasionally one can see hues of purple or darker blue, depending upon the angle of light.

This is a blown piece of glass with a polished pontil and has LCT in the clear part of the bottom.  The color of the glass itself is green.  It is NOT that slick surfaced green iridescent glass from Czechoslovakia.

Appraisal: 

It sounds like it could be Tiffany.  L.C.T. is a common signature for Favrile glass, but it also used on reproductions.  It is good that the vase was purchased in the 50's as fakes weren't as common back then.  It would need to be examined in person and, if it turns out to be right, it would be worth around $2000. This appraisal is based on the photos and information provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Hudson River School Paintings

Description:

I have a pair of oil paintings that I believe are from the Hudson River School. To me, the views appear to be of the West Point area. I don't know the artist/artists and signatures aren't readily visible. I haven't removed them from the frames to search further. The canvas size of each is approx. "24" x "32" in gilt frames that appear to have been repainted.  Each painting has some surface crackling but is in good condition otherwise. The colors in the attached photos are quite true to the paintings. I inherited these paintings from my parents. I think that they may have belonged to my father's great grandparents who were married in 1853, but I am not certain.

Appraisal:

I found some examples of 19th century Hudson River paintings that have been recently offered at auction. I would say, based on these results, and after examining the photographs, that I would put each of these in the range of $2,500-3,500. Without any more information, this would be the closest I could come to an approximate fair market value.

Water Color Painting

Description:

This Calvin Ingram Fletcher water color painting is 15 ½"   X 19 ½".  The colors are vivid.  There are brown areas in the painting from age and not being taken care of through the years, but the colors don't seem to be affected so much.  The details and coloring are great. A museum director in Indianapolis he said he thought Calvin Ingram Fletcher may have done other paintings but had no specific knowledge. In the right hand corner of the painting it reads: copied by Calvin I fletcher  April 23rd 1875     NAPLES.  The picture has been reframed.  I still have the old one but it is in pretty bad shape.  I think it could still be salvaged.

Appraisal:

The only reference I found with this name was not in the auction databases but in the online database detailing the correspondence of William Steele Holman, who had a career in the 19th century American politics. These documents are part of the Lilly Library Manuscript Collections.

There is an American artist named Calvin Fletcher, born in Utah, 1882-1963, but obviously that life span does not correspond to the date on this work. It is possible that the museum director who was consulted found a reference to this artist. Unfortunately without any further information regarding Calvin Ingram Fletcher's career as an artist, it is very difficult to give a value. Based on the photos and information provided, at auction, I would have to put an extremely conservative estimate on it - partially because the lack of records or information, the condition (acidic framing materials causing the paper to brown) and the fact that this subject matter is not very popular in today's market.  My estimate would be $50-100.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Copper Sculpture

Description:

I have had this copper sculpture for about 7 years and acquired it from an estate sale.  The person at the estate sale couldn't tell me anything about it except that she thought it was circa 1940's and came from Europe during, or just after WW2.  The piece is signed on the back with "Mickel Laude."  I have never been able to find out anything about Laude.  Overall height is 10-1/2", which includes the spear - width at widest point is 2-3/4".   I am hoping you can shed some light on this interesting and unique piece.

Appraisal:

Based on the information and photos provided, I would date this sculpture from the mid 1960's to the early 1970's. I looked for every variant that I could find for what is inscribed on the verso. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any version that leads me towards establishing an identity or the name of a foundry that might have fabricated this. I agree that this looks like a World War II era soldier, but the stylization of the face and the whimsical combination of materials look like a later period to me. At auction, I would put a value of $30-50 on this sculpture.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Etching

Description:

This is an etching by G. Fonseca, number 49 of possibly 200, although it is very hard to make out the second number. There is also a triangle with what looks like the letters "szl" inside.  The frame measures 23" x 29" and the print measures 17"x 21."   I know is this may be a sculptor from Uruguay. I cannot find any artwork from him. It is a very well done art item.

Appraisal:

Based on the information and photos provided, I believe this to be a color aquatint by Gaston Simoes de Fonseca (French, 1874- 1954). I was able to find a comparable print sold at auction for $224 on the European database Artprice. There are relatively few entries for this artist. Like Jules Cheret, he was commissioned to make drawings for large scale color posters, and these have been sold from $1500-3000 at auction. This print, with its smaller scale and similarity to Louis Icart's prints, could be offered at an auction estimate of $200-400.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Navajo Basket

Description:

This is a Navajo basket from Pueblo, Colorado from the mid 1800’s.  Overall, it’s in fair condition with wear and fading.  There are no labels for markings.  It measures almost 18 inches in diameter.

Appraisal:

Based on the photos and information provided, this would have an auction estimate of $400-600. The geometric design appears to be in keeping with the Navajo patterns.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Hand Painted Vase

Description:

This hand painted vase in shades of green with hints of yellow is 7’ tall and 17’ around at its fullest part. The design sweeps around the vase showing a bouquet of daisies and ending with one single daisy on the back. The neck is decorated with gilding as is the rim around the top. There are a few signs of use on the gold neck and around the opening. The bottom of the vase is plain white milk glass. The vase is unmarked as to a maker, but it looks German, French or Bavarian to me.

Appraisal:

The vase definitely seems to be a continental hand painted piece dating to the 20th century. Based on the photos and information provided, and without a maker, this would sell for around $50 at auction.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Dog Print

Description:

This print of Dogs Playing Cards is signed on the bottom by J Smith and it’s dated "19 something," but it’s faded. It has the original frame and all I know about this is that it’s been in my family since before I was born (I am 53).

Appraisal:

Animals playing cards, drinking, or otherwise acting boorish has been a popular theme in art since the 17th century (many works of monkeys by David Teniers the Younger). The most recognizable images of dogs playing cards are by C.M. Coolidge and these prints sell around $10 a print, and based on the photo and information provided, this print would probably sell for around that price as well.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

"Cosmopolitan" Advance Printing

Description:

Attached are photos of two small booklets I obtained at an estate sale last year. They were not a steal as I paid over $100 for the set but I have a hunch (hope?) that the purchase was not in vain.  The teal colored booklet is titled "Keep Out of the Kitchen" by Sinclair Lewis. It is "An advance printing from the October, 1929, issue of COSMOPOLITAN". Research has shown this possibly in the $100 range of value.

However, the second one has been much harder to pin down. It is a dusky rose or dark coral color and is titled "A Nightingale Flies Home" by Ruppert Hughes. The very best I could do researching only turned this up in a listing of Hughes' works. I couldn't find a value or even a copy for sale anywhere.

Each of the books has a pocket on the inside of the rear cover. As I understand it, an advertising page was from the magazine was inserted in this pocket. I only have one ad. It is for Houdaille Shock Absorbers.

Appraisal: 

I agree with you that the Sinclair Lewis book is interesting.  Currently, there are 11 copies like yours listed on Abebooks, an online source for used books.  The various people offering them are asking anywhere from $45 to $1000.  Rupert Hughes, a 19th/20th century writer, does not draw as much attention as Lewis.  Looking at the same resource as above I couldn't find 'A Nightingale Flies Home' but even his first edition novels only bring at most a few hundred dollars.  I would think for just a short story your book is probably worth about $20.  This estimate is based on the information and photos provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Cloth Doll

Description:

I call him "The Suitor" because he’s looking at his wrist watch and he’s holding a bouquet and gloves.  The doll is all hand made, has sown clothing, a painted face and is 12" high.  It might be Mexican made.

Appraisal:

Cloth dolls from the 20th century typically sell at auction in large groups and bring between $10-20 a piece. Retail, this doll might be offered by a dealer for around $60-80. This estimate is based on the information and photo provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers