Messages

511

Antique Questions Forum / Re: Indian artifact

« on: July 22, 2008, 11:37:48 am »

Thanks Cogar.  Looking at what some of the sale items brought back in 2003, I wish I would have at that event!

512

Antique Questions Forum / Indian artifact

« on: July 22, 2008, 08:51:19 am »

My wife's grandfather was a game warden in the early '30's.  He would pick up Indian artifacts from stream beds or wherever he'd find them.  What I'm curious about concerns a rock (which fits perfectly in the palm) that contains a hollowed out section with another rock I'm guessing used for grinding (mortar & pestle type of rig).  From where he lived, I'm assuming this probably was used by the Pawnee tribe.  Without a doubt it was made by humans.  Aside from the stone axe heads and such this aroused my interest.  I'm quite certain this is rare but is there any interest in such items?  In my minds eye I can visualize the Indians using this to smash berries or plants to use the juice or extract as war paint or herbal remedies.  Please pardon the rotten photo.

513

Antique Questions Forum / Re: Barye old bronze rabbit sculpture: how much is it worth?

« on: July 18, 2008, 08:09:35 pm »

A lot of the worth rests in the size of the bronze and the authenticity (lots of recasts of virtually everything).  My first question would be if it's foundry marked?  Lots of his work was marked with a foundry mark "FB" (per <askart.com> website).  Per eBay, most of his sculptures seem to be in the UK and the ones that do sell bring in the neighborhood of $300 to $400.  I would think in that price range they are recasts.  Barye lived long ago and was a perfectionist.  He, like most living artists, went bust financially.  It's only a guess, but I would think if yours is the genuine article and of any size, it should be worth some fairly decent dough.  My advice would be to take it to a source of authority and have them document the authenticity.  Without documentation, most buyers will assume it's a recast.

514

Antique Questions Forum / Re: old table

« on: July 16, 2008, 03:42:39 pm »

It certainly appears to be a smoking stand.  The top is of the Arts & Crafts mission oak style.  Difficult to tell from the photos what kind of wood it's made from, how it's made or if the drawer is dove-tailed in it's construction.  The makers paper label still intact would add to the value.

515

Antique Questions Forum / Armor Bronze Co electric lamp

« on: July 16, 2008, 09:46:06 am »

Anyone have a clue regarding the rarity or worth of this Armor Bronze Co lamp?  It's signed by the artist.  I don't know if it was the company's intent, but I do like the western native american arrow motif.  It's a dual pull chain bulb setup.  My research indicates the Armor bronze company made mostly book-ends.

516

Antique Questions Forum / Is there any market for comodes?

« on: July 14, 2008, 09:11:41 pm »

Dates somewhere around 1900 - 1910.  The provenance on this piece places it on the Peter Poor farm near Frankfort, KS.  Story goes Mr. Poor was very active in the Republican party and Teddy Roosevelt stayed on the farm for a short time.  Who knows if he used it.  Anyway, it's made of solid oak.  Not real fancy but I've seen much plainer examples.  Is there any kind of a market for these?

517

Antique Questions Forum / Re: Im new to this antique site and have a question...

« on: July 09, 2008, 04:00:50 am »

I agree with Cogar but I don't know if or what the auction houses would charge for your listing.  If you're looking for a quick sale and have set your price at what they are actually worth (to you), you may have a lengthly wait especially in today's economy.  To test the waters, you can always list your collection on eBay with a 'reserve' selling price.  It will cost you some dollars up front but at least you'll know if any of the millions that frequent eBay are interested.  You can also Google and see if you can find some websites regarding people who collect those clips.  Many websites let members post items for sale free of charge.  Personally, I think your going to have a long wait if you won't piece the collection out.  You're not only looking for a person who has a passion for clips but someone with 50K. 

518

Antique Questions Forum / Re: GE antique chandelier

« on: July 07, 2008, 05:16:29 pm »

I would say with certainty GE didn't make the fixture.  Go to eBay and type in "chandelier" under collectables and then antiques and see what comes up.  Chances are excellent in time you will find a fixture that compares to yours.  Be sure to check out 'completed sales' too.  That way you can get an idea of what kind of money one like yours goes for.  Be aware that fixtures that are signed and/or have special glass command premium prices usually depending upon the glass and signature.  EBay is a great educational source I've found.

519

Antique Questions Forum / Re: miriam haskell jewellery

« on: July 07, 2008, 05:05:33 pm »

I've found if an item is well photographed and described in detail, eBay is an excellent avenue for owners and collectors/buyers to arrive at a fair price.  It's very important if you decide to use eBay to word your opening or lead description wisely so collectors can find what you're selling.  Never combine pieces in one sale.  Only sell one per eBay sale.  Miriam Haskell, especially the older pieces, are very popular and collectable but not worth a king's ransom.  If you google Miriam Haskell you may find some price guidelines.

520

Antique Questions Forum / Re: What is this?

« on: July 02, 2008, 08:00:34 pm »

What appears to be a "swastika" in many cultures is a sign of good luck.  I believe some of the native American Indian tribes used it as well as the Hindu religion and others.  I'm no expert but I would guess your object is bronze and maybe Hindu in origin. 

521

Antique Questions Forum / Help on a couple of clocks regarding rarity, value etc.

« on: June 23, 2008, 01:49:04 pm »

Clock 1,

French, I think.  No bezel or glass nor was there ever a bezel or glass.  Bought over 35 years ago in an antique shop.  Small pendulum inside.  Doesn't run but I don't think anything is major (probably a level problem and dried oil).  Any ideas as to the age and possible rarity?  Has a lot of eye appeal.  Any ideas on value?

Clock 2,

English skeleton clock, I think.  My Mother who is 90 dropped and cracked the oval glass dome.  Any ideas as to the age, rarity and value?  All of these skeleton clocks were unsigned.  This too was bought in an antique shop over 40 years ago.  It is complete without warts except the dome which is a very odd size.  Thanks for any info!

522

Antique Questions Forum / Can anyone unravel some bronze secrets for me?

« on: June 16, 2008, 09:37:31 am »

I was told foundry marks are unimportant on pieces when the artist is still alive.  Is this true?  Obviously, many copies and recasts exist.  This is why Russell's and Remington's are available on eBay for little or nothing.  Resins are sometimes used with shavings of bronze to create "bronzes" or recasts today.  How does one tell if the statue is spelter, polychrome or solid bronze besides weight or scratching the base?  Why is the patina so different among bronzes?  Some are nearly black while others show a rich bronze gold color and others have a greenish tint.  How do the experts tell if a bronze is the real deal?  Are there any simple rules to follow?  Is there anything that is a real tip-off something is not as it should be?  Any help would be appreciated! 

523

Antique Questions Forum / Anyone know what period this china cabinet is out of?

« on: June 12, 2008, 10:40:31 pm »

I think it's later than Victorian.  It's made from oak and has 'pineapple' carved legs.  Could it be in the Mission Oak period?  I think it's too old to be deco?  Thanks for any help!

524

Antique Questions Forum / Help! Can anyone identify the artist?

« on: June 12, 2008, 10:04:17 pm »

I've become interested in bronze Native American pieces and their sculptors.  Pictured is my latest acquisition.  At first I thought it was spelter but an existing scratch on the base was bronze colored.  The artist is Jim Neuman.  It’s copyrighted in the middle ‘70’s.  Per the statue there were only 25 cast.  Does anyone know anything about the artist?  I’ve googled him with no luck.  He’s not listed in ‘AskArt.com’.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  It’s probably a good thing I don’t buy these as an investment…