This set of blue Wedgwood ashtrays (right) in the shape of playing card suits (clubs, spades, etc.) belongs to my daughter. They are stamped “1953, Wedgwood, made in England” on the bottom. She would like to know what this type of Wedgwood is called and the value. Read More +
Author Archives: Anne Gilbert
Ask Antique Trader: Antique hat pin is worth $200
Q I found this horseshoe shape hat pin while sorting out my late aunt’s jewelry. A jeweler told me it is 14 karat gold with diamonds and offered me $25, pointing out that nobody was buying hat pins these days. Was he right? Read More +
Ask Antique Trader: $5 folk art game worth ‘hundreds’
I found this two-sided game board in a small town thrift shop years ago for $5. As a collector of folk art I found it quite interesting and unlike any other game board I had seen. One side has incised and inked drawings of Winning poker cards, such as an ace and a queen of hearts. Read More +
Ask Antique Trader: Mobley whirligig valued at $100
Q I found this object in rural North Carolina many years ago. I was told it was a whirligig and that it would move when the wind blew. It is signed “Mobley.” What can you tell me about whirligigs and the value of this one? Read More +
Ask Antique Trader: Washstand found under mattress worth $250
Recently, we bought a 19th-century farmhouse. While we were remodeling, we discovered this odd wood stand in the basement. Read More +
Ask Antique Trader: Dix autobiography valued at $100
Q I have a book titled “Dorothy Dix — Her Book,” second edition, Funk & Wagnalls Publisher, 1927. There is a photo of her and her autograph. Some damage to the cover. Any value? Read More +
Ask Antique Trader: Handmade dry sink valued at $375
Q This dry sink has a lid and dovetails on the drawer that are handmade. How old is it, and what is it worth?
— F.Z.M., Newmanstown, Pa. Read More +
Ask Antique Trader: Consignment shop vase could bring $200
Anne Gilbert appraises antiques for Antique Trader readers.
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Ask Antique Trader: First edition book rescued from trash could fetch $900
Q My mom, who is 93, inherited this pair of glass ducks years ago. As you see, they have glass eyes. A paper inside read “1885-1893, Brackenridge Ballfield. 1885-1893, Challinor Taylor.” What can you tell me about them and the value? Read More +
Ask Antique Trader: Murano figures could bring $3,000
Q I was bestowed what appears to be an antique liquor bottle decanter upon the death of my great uncle. I am having a heck of a time figuring out what it is since the bottle is separated into four bottles within itself, with separate cork/glass stoppers attached to the neck. Read More +