Sentimental Value

From the June/July 2008 issue of Reminisce

S-shaped Loveseat

In 1916, when I was 6 or 7, I went to live with my grandparents. This love seat belonged to my grandmother, who owned it for quite a while. When she passed away, in 1938, she willed the chair to my mother, who passed it on to me when she died. —Charles Lillis, Winchester, Virginia

“Tête-à-tête” is a French term for a private conversation between two people. It’s also a name for a conversational sofa, a settee or a confidante.

Your love seat represents the love of four generations that have actually owned it. What a wonderful heritage!

This style of seating was made to give the “wow” factor. The two seats always formed an S-shaped curve.

Although the red has faded, the seats and top rail have the original velvet upholstery. This is not unusual as these pieces did not get much use and ended up as the “conversational chair.”

The beautiful mahogany frame has 18 spool-turned spindles. The two end arm supports on this work of art end with spool feet. Value: $1,200.

 

Walrath Vase

I purchased this vase, about 40 years ago, from a gentleman who bought and sold antiques and have used the vase since then to display artificial flowers. On the bottom of the vase is “Walrath 1911.”
—Beverly Maginnis, Weymouth, Massachusetts

Pottery by Frederick E. Walrath (1871-1920) was produced during the American arts and crafts movement. Walrath worked in New York City; Rochester, New York; and at Newcomb Pottery, on the grounds of Newcomb College, in New Orleans.

His specialty, between 1903 and 1918, was flowing matte-glazed studio pottery in limited production. I believe you do have a signed Walrath vase, although I cannot verify this by the photos you submitted. I suggest you take it to a qualified appraiser to get a certified legal document of authenticity. My research shows that similar vases in perfect condition sell for as much as $4,000.

 

“Trick Pony” Bank

I received this “trick pony” bank from my grandfather, in 1948. The bottom of the bank has two 1885 dates. —Bob Shaffer, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This mechanical cast-iron bank was manufactured at the height of the circus era (1885-1900) by Charles Shepard and Peter Adams of Shepard Hardware Company, Buffalo, New York.

Popular motifs for such banks included animals, buildings, sports, the military, political caricatures or the circus. This popular trick pony added whimsical flair and helped usher in the concept that saving money could be fun.

To operate the bank, a coin is placed in the horse’s mouth. When a lever is tripped, the head dips down and the coin falls into the trough, then the bank itself.

Condition greatly alters value for cast-iron banks. I note some flaking and pitting on the pony and red base vault. With nearly 75 percent of the original paint, it’s described as in very good condition. There’s bright color on the decorative riding pad, red cinch strap and neck tassels. It has a rectangular trap with key, no repairs or repainting and is in original working order.

Modern mechanical-bank reproductions are artificially aged. Old banks have very smooth surfaces and are not as heavy as new ones. Copies have a grainy look and feel.

Just feed this pony a coin, and he’s ready for his next performance, but treat him gently. Value: $1,300.

 

Vaseline Fishbowl

This Vaseline fishbowl in an Italian wrought-iron stand was given to me by my dad. —Jane Torres, Skowhegan, Maine

Vaseline glass was introduced in the early 1860s and mostly used for paperweights, vases and decanters.

Manufacturers initially named it yellow opaline or sometimes canary. It has the effect of appearing brighter at the edges and flashes, or glistens, two colors in sunlight.

Fishbowls were made in different styles and glass colors, and in table and floor models, including the rectangular aquarium shape. Others I have seen are as beautiful as yours.

In the 1950s, this type of glass was renamed Vaseline because of its similarity in color to the petroleum-jelly product. It will fluoresce under ultraviolet light, creating a yellow-green glow if it is true Vaseline glass. An expert can tell you if it retains traces of radiation, as uranium oxide was added to the lead-glass formula of some Vaseline glass.

This bowl is cradled in an intricate cast-iron stand with ornate castings and appears to have the original patina. The frame has protected and beautified the bowl for these many years. Both pieces truly complement each other. Value: $800.