Scan through these pages -- enjoy!

As part of the Free Instant Appraisals Offering (currently discontinued) almost 200 objects were appraised by the renowned auction house, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.  Readers provided a description and photos of the objects they submitted.  Browse through these pages to hone your skills or take the QUIZ, "You Be the Judge", to pit your knowledge against that of the experts!

Select an Object from the list below to View Its Appraisal
[Click any image to view an enlargement.]

Japanese Kutani Covered Dish

Description:

I purchased this lidded dish at an estate auction in west central Illinois 10 years ago.  It is hand-painted with gold accents and outlines.  The gold painting on the side of the lid looks like facing dragons.  The inside of the lid has no glaze at the bottom, there is no glaze around the lip of the dish, or between the paw feet at the base.  The feet are glazed on the bottom.  It stands 4 1/4" high, and is 6 1/2" across.  It has no damage.

Appraisal:

This looks like a Japanese Kutani covered dish. I am not sure about the age, but it would probably have an auction estimate of $50-75. This is based on the photos and information provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Tall Art Nouveau Vase

Description:

I purchased this piece 20 years ago from an antiques dealer. The vase stands 21" tall and 6" at it's widest. The vase has branches, leaves, flowers and a large fly to decorate the piece. These are brass and have a wonderful patina...with the exception of the flowers. Someone decided to paint/antique them silver. The vase under-decoration is the old decalcomania with a clear glaze over. The vase originally had a note stating it was made by Clement Massier and was exhibited at an 1898 or later exposition. I misplaced the note. There are only under-glaze pencil type marks and nondescript scratch marks, and I think a couple of numbers on the base.

Appraisal:

This is a great example of a turn of the last century Art Nouveau vase.  Even without the Clement Massier connection I would think it should bring around $1000 at auction.  With more research, possibly finding the catalogue for the exhibition it is purported to have been it, the value could go up substantially.  This estimate is based on the photos and information provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Irish Tea Table

Description:

My grandmother gave this table to me many years ago. When she obtained it from an estate sale she was told it was an Irish Tea Table.  As you may see in the photos, the table is only about a foot and a half high with many carving details as well as a diamond design on top.  It is in very good shape with one small flaw on one side. 

Appraisal:

While the carving on the table is reminiscent of some Irish tables I've seen it is a little low to be a tea table.  The missing triangular piece on the side makes me believe that the sides and top are most likely veneered.  The bottoms of the feet are also a little off. Judging by the photos and information provided, I would think this is a first quarter of the 20th century mahogany veneered side table.  At auction I would expect it to bring around $200.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Early Oriental Marble Slab Portrait

Description:

This is an Oriental Marble Slab Portrayal.  I'm unsure of age but the fracture was repaired with gold.  How about ship's design - could that be a hint?  I've exposed the back of slab and there is no writing and it has been hand tooled from appearance.  Could it have been made to make prints?   The Origin is from Howard Estate, especially. of Howard Steamboat Museum family origin.  It was most likely obtained by Captain Edward Howard, Jeffersonville, Indiana on one of his journeys.  The piece has been observed by several aficionados in Oriental Field and no clues other than gold being used for repair have been determined.  It measures about one foot square. The colors are somewhat subdued due to age and note the glass front provides some glare.

Appraisal:

To me it does not look like something used to make prints.  It doesn't seem to be incised like a printer's stone would be and the design seem to be painted on.  Most likely this was part of something else, perhaps part of a table screen or the like.  Based on the quality, hard to see from the photos, I would think this would bring around $200 at auction.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Chinese Carved trunk

Description:

This is a Chinese carved trunk which measures 34 1/2" x 17 1/2 "x 15." I think it dates back to the early 1900's. It is in good condition.

Appraisal:

While it is an interesting trunk, carved with warriors on horse back, it appears to be made for export to the west.  Large numbers of these were created for the expanding market.  At auction I would expect it to bring in the range $200/400. This is based on the information and photos that were provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Crystal Candelabra

Description:

This is a pair of crystal candelabras in cast brass.  It appears that all pieces are there.  They measure 14" Diameter and 24 1/2" high. I have no other information about them.

Appraisal:

The pair of girandoles appear to have brass bases.  They probably date back to the early 20th century.  Based on the information and photo, the auction estimate would be $200-400.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Dillinger Flashlight

Description:

This is an old, black, 2" x 3" metal flashlight. The tag said the owner's father had it with him at a race track when he saw John Dillinger.  Dillinger scratched his name onto the back of the flashlight.  I'm attaching 3 photos of the flashlight, including a "wanted" poster I located online with his signature and an early signature from a reformatory that might be of help.

Appraisal:

Something like this is tricky to appraise.  Basically what we have is a vintage flashlight with shaky provenance saying Dillinger scratched his name into it.  Comparing the signature on the flashlight to the signature on the documents you sent we find that they do look very similar.  However, if you think about someone at a race track, mind on the race or perhaps the agents looking for him, with less than perfect inscribing tools or work space, I would expect to see a much cruder signature.

Without any real documentation proving Dillinger did sign it, I would expect that perhaps the 'father' did this up in his work shop and fabricated a story as to how he came across it. At auction I would simply say it was a vintage flashlight inscribed with Dillinger's name and estimate it around $50. This estimate is based on the photos and information provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Silver Tray

Description:

This is a silver colored tray. I don’t believe it is sterling, but it may be silver plate.  The only markings I have been able to find is the flower circle on one of the legs.   The tray is in good condition with some wear.  Someone once told me that the tray was much older than the date that is engraved on the front.;

Appraisal:

It does appear to be silver plate and I don't believe it to be much older than the inscription reads.  The form and decorations would be very typical of a presentation tray made in Victorian times.  Based on the photos and information provided, at auction I would expect it to bring around $100.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Pewter Charger

Description:

This pewter charger is 16 1/4 inches across and, the depth is about 1 3/4 inches.  Pewter is not my area of collecting and there are few collectors in my area.  The only possible maker mark is on the back and I have included a rubbing.  It’s very faint but it looks like the top of an animal head with pointed ears inside a ring. The animal looks almost dog-like.  Curious to whether this is 1920's type item or older and any other information. 

Appraisal:

I’ve seen a similar mark on several pieces of 19th century pewter. It would have a $200-400 estimate. This is based on the photo and information provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Maurer Lithograph

Description:

I am submitting four photos of a late 19thC original, signed and initialed color lithograph by the well known, listed artist, Louis Maurer.  He was employed in the latter part of the 19C by Currier & Ives, where he did the famous Fireman Series.  Another dealer, an expert, told me this was done after Maurer left C & I and went out on his own.  This person told me he thought the work was rare.  Thus, I seek your opinion.  The piece is 18" x 13" unframed and depicts a trotting horse named Nelson.  That name is block penciled in on the lower left edge- see photo.  The horse is brown and the driver’s colors are blue.  The colors are vibrant; there are no tears, creases or damage to paper.  Paper shows color of age.  The artist’s tapes are still attached to the top of the paper.  I purchased this at an antique mall in Charlottesville, VA. on April 21, 2006. 

Appraisal:

Currier and Ives were responsible for printing the work of Louis Maurer (German/American, 1832-1932); and although there are few print records the prices have been stable for more than a decade. Based on the photographs there is both acid discoloration as well as tears in the margins, so the condition affects my estimate of $600-800. This estimate is based on the photos and information provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

German Botanical Wall Chart

Description:

This is a botanical wall chart which probably dates back to pre WWI, around 1903 to 1905.  The illustrator/author is Walter Heubach and it is in fair to good condition for its age.  This particular wall chart was purchased at a local auction in the Kansas City area for $250.00.  The material seems to be canvas and the colors are still rich and vibrant.  Overall dimensions are approximately 50 inches by 40 inches.  The name plate on the top center part of the map case says, "Excelsior Steel Map Case, Supplied Only by AJ Nystrom & Co., US AGTS, Chicago, W.& A.K. Jonston’s Maps". 

Appraisal:

There are very few records for Walter Heubach, so although it is helpful to have a name in connection with this work, because of the very few records, and the commercial nature of the print, it doesn't enhance the value in this case. The condition is the most dominant factor. This a large edition print, in what I would consider to be fairly poor condition. While I recognize that the colors are still vivid, the current condition would weigh greatly against the value. My estimate would be $25-50, based on the photos and information provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Maine Spruces Oil Painting

Description:

This small oil painting measures 6 and 1/2" by 5" framed and is painted on slate.  It is signed "F.D. Hull" or something like that, as it is hard to read.  It is marked "Maine Spruce" on the back. It has a paper framing label that reads, "Kabatznick's Art Shop, 484 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass" on the back.  It is in very fine condition in a gold painted wooden frame.

Appraisal:

I looked in the databases for a match with "Hull", but was unable to find a match in period or style. This looks to me to be a primitive early 20th century  landscape, made possibly by a hobbyist or amateur artist. It is very charming. We have sold similar works at auction for as little as $10, but it's possible that in another context it might bring more. This estimate is based on the information provided and the photos.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Lone Elk Oil

Description:

I purchased this painting from an older fellow who was having an estate sale. He told me it was an inheritance from his grandfather. It measures 10 x 16 and is signed in lower left corner "Wm  Meuttman."  The title is the "Lone Elk."  I was told this artist mostly did Western scenes of cowboys and Indians but this painting may have been done in Cross Village Michigan and that she is a Chippewa and the time frame of the painting 1905-1910. There is no damage, and it’s done in oil on canvas.

Appraisal:

I found several available records found in the database Askart.com for the artist William Meuttman.  Based on the records I would say that a fair market value estimate would range between $1500-2000.  This estimate is based on the description and photos that were provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Table

Description:

Unfortunately, I don’t have much information about this table which I bought at an estate sale. There are no marks or signatures and I am not sure of the style. The are some minor dings on the table, on the scroll work, the edge and the right leg which are visible in the first picture, and the top the table has damage which is also shown in the photos.

Appraisal:

This table appears to be American, early to mid 20th century.  To be certain we would need to see the construction underneath.  Based on the information and photos provided, at auction I would expect it to bring around $100.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Cast Iron Kettle

Description:

This black cast iron spouted kettle says Rome Stove Works on the top lid.  There are no other markings.  It is some 5 1/2 " high, 11 " from spout tip to rear, and weighs some 10 or more pounds.  The lid opens by swiveling sideways and has a finger (or stick) catch to raise it slightly. It is in fairly good condition, with just some minor chipping along some edges.  It was purchased several years ago with an unknown history.  The Rome (Georgia) Stove Works goes back to the Civil War and was purchased by the Bowie Stove Works by 1910, but we can find out little else concerning the firm.  We don't know if these have ever been reproduced or not.

Appraisal:

Due to the utilitarian styling and the durability of these old cast iron kettles they do not bring that much at auction.  One recently sold on EBay for around $20.  As far as I know these have not been reproduced. This information is based on the photos and information provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Lyon Vase

Description:

This beautiful Lyon Notre Dame de Fourviere vase is signed "TESS" on the painting and the bottom of the vase, as well. It is a wonderful image of Notre Dame.  The vase measures 8 and 1/2" high by 5" wide, at the top.  Sadly, it has a 3" crack and small chip in it.  I am wondering if it has enough value to be professionally restored.  The painting on the vase is beautiful and the vase appears to be good quality.

Appraisal:

This is 20th century ceramic for tourism; it is lovely but—in its current condition—would probably bring around $30-50 at auction. If she loves it then she should restore it. The estimate is based on the information and photos provided.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers