Page 48 - joa-december-23

on Antiques & Collectibles

By Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel

s we go deeper into December, the nights get longer and the days Collecting Tip:
darker. It’s no wonder so many holiday traditions involve lights, To remove wax from silver candlesticks, put the
Afrom the Hanukkah menorah to strings of Christmas tree lights to candlesticks in the freezer for a few hours. The
Kwanzaa candles. wax will freeze and peel off. Terry Kovel
In the early 20th century, everyday lights could look festive, too.
Incandescent light bulbs were invented in 1879. While they took some
time to replace familiar light sources like candles and oil lamps, designers Q: Attached are three pictures of the oil painting I received years ago from my
grandparents in Germany. I was wondering if the painting is worth anything. I
quickly realized their potential. Amplifying the light and protecting the would appreciate it greatly if you could give me some feedback.
flame were no longer the highest priorities for lighting design. In fact,
electric lights often needed to be softened. A: Your painting is by Carl Schultze, sometimes spelled Karl Schultze or Carl
The early 20th century saw the appearance of beautiful, elaborate glass Schultz, a painter who lived in Dusseldorf, Germany, from 1856 to 1926. He
lampshades. The Pairpoint company in New graduated from the Dusseldorf Academy in about 1880 and soon established
Bedford, Massachusetts, started making lamps in his own studio. Most of his paintings are of German landscapes. In recent
1890. Their most famous—and most expensive— years, his paintings have sold for about $150 to $1,500. They sell most often
are their Puffy lamps with three-dimensional in Europe, especially Germany. If you can identify the precise location, such
as a town or landmark, in your painting, it increases the value. If you plan
designs. This Puffy lamp with three-dimensional to sell your painting, get a professional appraisal first. Some art museums and
flowers and colorful hummingbirds sold for $5,736 galleries offer appraisals or can help you get more information.
at Morphy Auctions.
***
Q: I have a piece of pottery 8 inches tall and 9 inches in diameter with no maker’s
Puffy painted shades mean Pairpoint lamps can bring mark. The pattern is similar to Weller Knifewood pottery with a carved squirrel,
beauty to a room even when they’re turned off. owl, and raven in leafy tree branches. Can you help me find the manufacturer
or value?

ne of the most recent, most popular and often most expensive A: Weller pottery is not always marked. Weller started making art pottery in
categories of collecting is known as design. Sometimes called the early 1900s. Designer Rudolph Lorber created several art pottery lines for
Omodern or industrial design, the term refers to the work of 20th the company, including Knifewood, which was introduced in the 1920s. A
and 21st century manufacturers who brought their distinctive style to 1921 catalog described Knifewood as having “the effect of which is suggested
various types of furnishings and housewares, from furniture to lamps to by the name. The various pieces have all the appearance of being carved out of
wood by a sharp knife.” Designs have matte or high-gloss glazes and feature
decorative sculptures to functional appliances. woodland scenes with animals like dogs, squirrels, and birds. Unmarked
Industrial design took off in the mid-century modern era shortly after Weller vases like yours tend to sell for about $200 to $300. Generally, the
World War II (think of Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, Alvar more three-dimensional elements, the higher the price.
Aalto, etc.), but artisans were working in multiple media before then.
***
Emile Galle, a pioneer of the art nouveau movement that started in the Q: I have a lapel-like button about an inch round. It has bronze, white, and navy-
19th century, is famous for his glass, ceramics and furniture. He is best blue coloring and reads “WAR SERVICE” in the center. Around the edge it reads,
known for the cameo glass made by the studio he founded in Nancy, “Ship Building, Our Answer To Hitler,” and there is a ship in the center. Also,
France, in 1873. His glass had the graceful curving shapes, Japanese there is an engraved number on the back, “307.” I am very sure this was my grand-
influence and natural elements like flowers and plants that characterize art father’s, who lived in Meaford, Ontario, Canada, and built ships in Collingwood,
nouveau. So did his furniture. This tea table by Ontario. I would appreciate any insight into this and is it worth anything?

Galle, with scrolling legs, scalloped edges and A: Both Canada and the United States had started shipbuilding programs
inlaid cherry blossoms, sold for $2,800 at a before entering World War II. Shipbuilding in Collingwood, Ontario, located
Rago auction. on Lake Huron, was already a major industry. The Collingwood shipyard was
one of the most important in the Canadian program. Workers at many
shipyards received pins or badges for their participation in the program. There
A wooden table like this one is as different as
can be from a glass vase or a pottery figure, but are several different styles and designs. Some have the name of the shipyard
or the date the pin was awarded on them. “Our Answer” was a World War II
Emile Galle brought his skill and art nouveau slogan that appeared on propaganda posters. We have seen World War II
style to all three. shipyard pins sell for about $30 to $50.

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales, and auctions throughout the United States.
CURRENT PRICES Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
Kitchen, chocolate mold, fawns, standing, facing Judaica, menorah, silver, Neoclassical style, scrolling Plastic, tray, Bakelite, Pavement, rows of pink circles,
front, textured back, 12, hinged, 16 x 18 x 2 1/2 arms, held by two lions, urn-shaped stand, pierced transfer printed, George Nelson, Bolt-A-Best,
inches, $75. swags, drum-shaped base, ribbed, round foot, square c. 1956, 13 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches, three pieces, $195.
plinth, Continental, 1800s, 21 inches, $4,410.
Animation art, cel, Bugs Bunny, wearing tuxedo Stoneware, pitcher, brown and cream swirl, baluster
jacket, holding carrot, mouth open, frame, Warner Lustres, cranberry, gilt overlay, shaped rim, oval car- shape, etched bands and zigzag, applied handle,
Bros., 1989, 9 1/2 x 11 1/2 inches, $75. touches, portraits alternating with flowers, pendant marked, BB Craig, 8 inches, $95.
cut prisms, five lower panels around foot, Bohemian,
Toy, sled, wood, painted, oval cartouche, landscape 19th century, 12 1/2 inches, pair, $1,665. Porcelain-Asian, charger, blue and white, two cranes
scene, yellow scrolls, iron runners, scrolled ends, $90. in landscape, scalloped rim, Japan, 12 inches, $130.

Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery), and what you know about the item. Include
only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product.
Names, addresses, or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear
in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, Journal of Antiques and Collectibles, King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803, or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

46 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles