Oh Christmas Tree!

Tags

#ChristmasOrnaments, #ChristmasTree, #decorations, #decorativeart, #evergreens, #history, #kugels, #traditions, Value

-Daniela Belgiovine

Every year, in preparation for Christmas, families around the world select an evergreen tree to bring into their homes and decorate with glistening lights and beautiful ornaments. This tree often becomes the focal point of the family gathering on Christmas morning. But where did this tradition originate?

The practice of adorning one’s home with evergreen boughs serves as a symbol of the promise of life to come after the cold months of winter, and the tradition began as a Pagan ritual for the winter solstice for various civilizations, including the Druids, Romans, and Vikings, even dating back to the ancient Egyptians.

The tradition of decorating evergreen trees for Christmas dates back to the 16^th century in Germany, where families would decorate trees with apples, as a representation of the tree in the Garden of Eden. Later, nuts, berries, cookies, and paper streamers were added to the décor. Much of this depended on what was available and what the family could afford. The idea of decorating a tree for Christmas did not come to America until the 1770s, but Colonial Americans found this tradition odd and saw it as a frivolous Pagan ritual.

In the 1800s, with German and English immigration, this tradition began to take hold. Its popularity skyrocketed during the reign of Queen Victoria because a publication released a depiction of the Queen and her family surrounding a decorated evergreen. Thus, the practice became fashionable for all American families.

The origin of glass ornaments began in Germany in the 1830s. The area around Lauscha was the hub of the glass ornament, or kugel, trade in Germany. Initially replacing fruits, nuts, and other food items, they branched out into making hearts, stars, angels, bells, and other shapes, eventually creating molds of children, saints, famous figures, and animals.

W. Woolworth visited Germany in the 1880s and decided to import glass ornaments to sell in his stores. By the 1890’s, he was selling $25 million in German imported ornaments made of lead and hand-blown glass. World War I halted production and imports of ornaments from Germany, but also created momentary backlash against all things German. New York importer, Max Eckhardt, saw that his business and the supply of ornaments suffered after the Great Depression, and in the late-1930s, he and Woolworth joined forces to persuade the Corning Glass Company to make American glass ornaments. Corning agreed, and by 1940 they were producing 300,000 per day, and sending them to various companies for decoration, and from there to retailers.

Today, collectors look for glass ornaments from the late-19^th and early-20^th centuries. The greatest value is usually with ornaments that are shaped like objects or figures, rather than glass balls. Additionally, condition is extremely important, and it is rare that these delicate baubles make it to market in pristine condition. Shapes like clusters of grapes, famous personalities, and animals can sell anywhere from $40-$1,000 apiece depending on color, rarity, and condition, although the higher end is extremely rare. On the other hand, an entire box of stenciled ‘Shiny Brite’ ornaments from the mid-20^th century, in good condition, might sell for $50-$60. If you are looking to give your tree a vintage look you don’t have to spend a fortune, but, as always, beware of reproductions!

Photo Credit & Resources: KugelObsession.com; History.com; ReadersDigest.com

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Retro Flash Back: The Allure of Crackle Glass

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#JournalOfAntiques #Collectibles #CrackleGlass #ArtGlass #Retro #Glass, #Retro, American Society of Appraisers, Antiques, Appraisers Association of America, art market, Auction, certified appraiser, Estate Appraisal

All it takes is one stream of light shining through your window to create a rainbow effect after it illuminated that bottle or vase sitting on your sill. Perhaps, this is the magic that keeps collectors returning to that local tag sale or flea market in search of another sparkling keepsake.

 

Vintage Blenko Crackle Glass Miniature Pitchers

 

Crackle glass, one of the most common collectibles, will produce such an effect from that stray sunbeam, leaving you dazzled without warning when displays of colored, refracted light fill your room. Created as far back as the 16^th century, this dime-store dazzler had a resurgence in the 1950’s and reached it’s zenith in the 1960’s to complement the modern décor of the Madmen era. Bold or clear, shaded or iridescent, crackle glass was available in all varieties and price ranges to complement interior spaces and wallets. From inexpensive eye catchers to pricey floor standing vases, crackle glass was easily available because it is a treatment rather than a type of glass.

 

Vintage Ruby Crackle Glass

 

The ‘crackling’ finish is created when a hot glass object is submerged in cold water, a technique that can be applied to just about any type of sturdy glass. The abrupt temperature change creates a network of fine cracks in the glass leaving the light to deflect patterns of the irregular cracks on other surfaces.

Initially, crackle glass was hand blown, but quick popularity led to less-expensive moulded glass knockoffs. And, since any glass manufacture could utilized the crackling technique, almost every company created crackle glass, including Tiffin, Duncan and Imperial, but the most notable crackle glass firms were located in West Virginia. Especially noted for miniatures, Pilgrim, Rainbow, Kanwha and Bishoff, created those diminutive jugs, vases, and pitchers that typically adorn the interior of many households. But the master manufacturer of crackle glass was Blenko.

 

Blenko Crackle Glass Vases

 

Originally known for producing stained glass, Blenko expanded its glassware to include richly colored, oversized art glass vessels. After the market for stained glass bottomed out in the Depression of 1929, William H. Blenko, the son of the founder was forced to seek out other revenue sources and expanded glassware production to include affordable decorative housewares, including bottles and vases. Their past experience with manufacturing stained glass contributed to the vast color palette that forged Blenko’s reputation. In the mid 1940s, Blenko produced crackle glass miniatures, and by the 1960s large scale versions in both crackle and no-crackle finishes were available. The two prominent artisans for Blenko, Winslow Anderson (1947-1952) was noted for modern shapes and vivid colors, while Wayne Husted, the design director (1952-1963) was responsible for hundreds of designs produced during that period. Joel Philip Myers, Blenko’s design director (1963-1970), a skilled glass blower, was known for elongated forms, spirals, two-color and air twist stoppers.

Today, crackle glass collectors have an array of options to choose from including color, type and size of vessel. Others focus on a particular company or artist. Many of us, however simply collect crackle glass for its bargain prices, and ability to brighten even a cloudy day.

Resources: Journal of Antiques & Collectibles, Etsy

 

Prominant Positions – Chinese Rank Badges

Tags

animals, Antique, antique textiles, badges, birds, Chinese, Chinese rank badge, civil rank, dragons, Imperial family, military rank, Ming Dynasty, Qing Dynasty, rank badge

-Daniela Belgiovine

Working in the appraisal business, we often have the pleasure of inspecting, researching, and valuing pieces of history. One such object that we have come across in the homes of several clients is the Chinese rank badge. These badges have become coveted collector’s items, but buyers must beware that new copies are being made and sold as antique originals. These badges are generally 11” x 11”. One thing to be alert of when purchasing is the smell of smoke. Many of the newly made badges have been smoked in order to give the appearance of age.

During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties in China, important men were recognized by the elaborately stitched rank badges displayed on the chests and backs of their robes. These mandarin rank badges were only earned after numerous years of intensive study, followed by three grueling rounds of examinations. There were two different groups who achieved badges, civil and military, each of which could be easily defined based on the image stitched on the badge. While each category had nine ranks, the civil badges featured birds and the military badges featured animals, both real and mythical. Within each group, each rank can also be identified based on the type of bird or animal. If one wanted to rise in the ranks, there were several ways to achieve a higher status, either through passing further exams, performing service worthy of merit, or purchasing a promotion. Although only men could earn rank badges, their wives were entitled to wear badges of their husbands’ rank for official occasions. In this case, the badges were mirror images of the men’s.

The Imperial family also wore badges on their robes, bearing phoenixes or dragons. Any other motifs, such as peonies or lanterns, were worn for festivals and ceremonies by palace courtiers, and later the Imperial court. Just like the civil and military badges, the specific image identifies the individual’s position within the Imperial family. Rank badges for the Imperial family and government officials originated in the decorative roundels sewed onto the front and back of the robes of Liao (907-1125) and Yuan (1279-1368) dynasty court officials. They were adopted by the Ming dynasty in 1391, and by the Qing dynasty in 1652, at which point a decree was issued that required all civil and military officials to wear their identifying badge on the front and back of their robes.

As a collector, is it more likely that you will come across civil badges of high rank. This is because those of higher rank were of higher wealth, and thus were able to purchase many more badges. Additionally, when the Republican revolution overthrew the imperial system in 1911, military men destroyed their badges so as not to be identified. Those of civil rank were incorporated into the new government and had no need to destroy their badges. We can be thankful to western collectors in the 19^th and 20^th centuries that a number of authentic badges still exist. Many of these collectors put the badges under glass, preserving them for later generations.

There are many more details involved in properly identifying these badges, check out http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org/rankandstyle/ for more information

Photo 1: Civil Rank Badge, 3^rd Rank, Peacock
Photo 2: Military Rank Badge, 6^th Rank, Panther
Photo 3: Imperial Rank Badge, Qing Dynasty

Photo Credits & Resources: George Washington University Museum Textile Museum, Washington, DC; The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles, ‘Chinese Rank Badges’, January 17, 2005; Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, CA

A Change of Perspective – The Antique Picture Frame

Tags

18th century frame, 19th century frame, American frames, antique frames, Bill Adair, Charles Prendergast, Eli Wilner, Foster Brothers, frame value, French frames, Gill & Lagodich, gilt frames, gold leaf frame, Herman Dudley Murphy, Julius Lowry, relief carved, Sothebys, Stanford White

-Martine White, ASA, AAA

Experts contend that picture frames are one of the most undervalued antiques. In the past many galleries and even some museums have considered old frames not worth restoring or just plain out-of-style. Even today, knowledgeable frame collectors are rare and although frames are prized in Europe, in the United States they are routinely overlooked, abandoned or discarded.

Bill Adair, the author of ‘The Frame in America, 1700-1900’ states that the modern ethic has instilled a preference for minimalist frames making the elaborate gold leaf picture frame nearly a lost art. Further, general historic information is not readily available on picture frames.

However, attitudes about old frames are starting to turn the corner and “the finest frames are works of art in their own right” states Eli Wilner, founder and CEO of Eli Wilner & Company, a Manhattan gallery specializing in fine antique frames and period replicas.

As 18^th and 19^th Century frames have become the focus of museum exhibitions, collector interest in rare frames has also piqued. Savvy collectors generally prefer hand-carved wooden frames made in the 18^th century, or signed frames from the early 20^th century. Size is also a factor, as monumental frames with documented provenance can easily sell in the six figures. Barbizon School picture frames, originally crafted to adorn landscape paintings, are also sought after by collectors. Similarly, early 20^th Century frames crafted by Newcomb & Macklin are prized for their fine craftsmanship.

Among the most valuable American frames are those from the Arts and Crafts Period, many of which are signed, including frames by Charles Prendergast and Foster Brothers. Rare frames by Stanford White, Herman Dudley Murphy or Charles Prendergast can cost more than $200,000. In fact, in 1991 a 17th-century carved mirror frame sold for a record high of $947,000 at Sotheby’s in London.

The right frame can bring a painting to life. Choosing a frame that is historically and aesthetically appropriate to a painting not only increases the value of the painting, it enhances the perspective of the painting, creating a three-dimensional affect.

Perhaps the time has come to appreciate the antique picture frame, and find one that best complements your landscape or portrait painting. You certainly don’t need to travel very far to find an exquisitely carved antique picture frame. They reside in attics, basements, and local antique stores. You can also find them at estate sales, flea markets and even on the curbside with the trash. The right antique picture frame will not only enhance your painting, it may change your perspective on the work itself.

Antique Frame Galleries & Restorers:

Eli Wilner & Company, New York, NY

Gill & Lagodich Fine Period Frames & Restoration, Tribeca, NY

Julius Lowy Frame & Restoration Company, New York, NY

*Photographs Compliments of Eli Wilner & Company and Pook & Pook Auctions

Photo 1: J. Alden Weir, (1852-1919) American landscape painter, oil on canvas
Photo 2: French 18th Century Relief Carved Gilt Frame
Photo 3: Stanford White frame, Early 20th Century
Photo 4: Picture Frame Carving Tools
Photo 5: Eli Wilner’s Master Carver, Felix

Taking Stock – The Importance of Archiving Your Assets

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antique furniture, Antiques, Appraisal, Appraising, Archive, artwork, Charitable Contribution, damage/loss, decorative art, Estate Appraisal, Fine Art, Insurance Claims, insurance scheduling, Inventory, jewelry, Matrimonial Appraisals, oriental carpets, Peace of Mind, personal property, personal property appraisers, silver

It’s human nature to keep thoughts of devastating fires, storms and theft furthest from our minds. But if disaster strikes, are you prepared? Having a detailed property inventory is the first step to ensuring that you will not only survive a damage loss, but that you will be made whole again.

So why is it that doing a property inventory is the last thing on our ‘to do’ list? Is it that taking inventory of our lives is too close to home? A property inventory is crucial not only to determine adequate amounts of insurance coverage prior to a loss, but it will also expedite the claims process after a loss has occurred.

Establishing adequate insurance coverage for the contents within your home is the driving force behind the decision to conduct a personal property inventory. Having an up-to-date inventory not only establishes your net worth of tangible property, it also helps you to adjust your insurance coverage accordingly. You may even discover that after your assets are valued you are under-insured, or better yet, over-insured, and paying too high an insurance premium.

However, there is another reason you may consider conducting an inventory. Perhaps you are relocating, scaling down or starting to consider which items to bequeath to loved ones. Whatever your goals, knowing the value of your property is the first step to making an informed decision.

Developing an Inventory/Appraisal

There are two common types of property inventories: written and pictorial. The ideal inventory combines both types of inventories, including a detailed written and enumerated inventory that is supported by photographs of the property. There are many different software options out there to help with the inventory process, however it is essential that you have a value to go along with the description.

After the Inventory/Appraisal

After you have developed your inventory or received your appraisal it is important to store a backup copy at an off-premise location, such as a safe deposit box or with a trusted relative. You should also provide a copy of your inventory/appraisal to your insurance agent and use this document to review your current content coverage to make any necessary adjustments. In many instances, the valuable items, including antiques, silver, Oriental carpets and jewelry may not be covered under your general homeowners insurance. Specialty items often require special coverage beyond the basic contents coverage. This additional insurance coverage is referred to as a rider or floater and provides the policyholder with extra protection beyond the provisions contained in a standard insurance agreement.

Updating the Inventory

The property inventory should be updated every six months to one year. The appraisal is required by the insurance industry to be updated every three years for adequate insurance coverage. If you are in the process of re-furnishing your home or collecting, be sure to continuously collect receipts from new purchases and keep them entered in a database.

Tips for Pictorial Inventories

• Take wide-angle photographs or a video of entire rooms.

• Take individual, close-up shots of expensive items.

• Zoom in on important labels and special features such as signatures of paintings, underside of an antique vase, close-up image of the reverse of an Oriental carpet to illustrate the foundation weave, and the secondary construction of antique furniture, i.e., the drawer frame.

• Take photos of the interior of cabinets, and drawers to illustrate the contents.

• Label each photo with the description, item name and date.

Although it is always important to document the big ticket items, such as artwork and antique furniture, don’t forget that the small items such as decorative art and silver can really add up. At some point in our lives there comes a time when we need to take stock of all the personal artifacts we have inherited and/or accumulated along the way. Don’t wait until it’s too late, for you never really know what you have until you have lost it.

The above article was written by Martine M. White of Bernards Appraisal Associates, LLC, in Gladstone, New Jersey. Ms. White is a Senior Certified Appraiser of Antiques & Decorative Arts with the American Society of Appraisers and the Appraisers Association of America. Ms. White has been appraising personal property in the Metropolitan area since 1988. Martine and her associates specialize in appraising fine art, antique furniture, Oriental carpets, silver and jewelry. Martine can be reached at 908.234.1153.

Preserving Your Assets – Protecting Your Antiques from Mold

Tags

antiques New York State farmhouse mold period furniture decorative art crystal stemware appraiser architecture

Last fall I accepted an interesting assignment of appraising several homes in New York State. All three homes were primarily vacation getaways for their family and friends visiting during the warm summer months. The remainder of the year these 19^th century farmhouses stood vacant and unventilated.

We found the antique collections of Period furniture and decorative art to be extensive – but we also found a pervasive mold problem. A minute did not pass after I stepped through the entry door into the foyer that I could smell the damp smell of mold – in this case it was so prevalent – I suggested perhaps opening a window. While in the dining room photographing the crystal, I was amazed that white mold spores even appeared on the early crystal stemware I was photographing, resembling the silhouette of miniscule snowflakes. At this point I decided to break out my 3M mask with HEPA filter and don my disposable gloves!

Evidently, mold spores can grow almost anywhere as long as the environment is favorable. The first indication that a mold problem exists is the characteristic musty odor. Mold can appear as a velvety growth in almost any color or powdery deposit and on just about any object. In most every situation, mold is associated with unclean humidifiers, standing water, poor housekeeping and poor ventilation or water damage. The mold problem in the homes I visited stemmed from poor ventilation and recent water leakage in the basement and elsewhere.

Prevention

The best way to prevent mold growth is to regulate the relative humidity in your indoor environment. By routinely monitoring the RH levels and keeping the humidity between 45% and 55% and always below 65%, spore germination is less likely to occur. In the warm summer months, dehumidifiers are essential and necessary to reduce the moisture content of the air. Likewise, the temperature is also an important factor in controlling mold growth.  A target temperature of 64 – 68 degrees will also limit the potential for mold. Also be sure to maintain adequate air circulation by using a fan and proper ventilation to keep materials dry.

Architectural or structural problems can also play a role in mold growth. Leaking pipes or gutters, cracked windows or cracked walls will allow water seepage and moisture to build up. If you need to temporarily store items, avoid storage in damp areas such as attics, basements or directly on floors. All articles should be stored at least four inches above the floor and away from outside walls where they are more susceptible to high condensation and leaks from upper floors.

Treatment

If an object shows signs of mold infestation, it is important to enclose it in plastic sheeting in order to prevent the mold from spreading. After the climate has been controlled, vacuuming dry mold spores with a HEPA filter is appropriate in most cases, however be sure that the mold is dry and powdery. This may only be possible after removing the object to a dry isolated space where the RH can be lowered by running a dehumidifier. You may also want to consult a conservator with a specialization in the types of objects to be treated. Following is a list of suppliers that carry mold remediation products.

Suppliers:

Gaylord Brothers, Inc., Syracuse, NY www.gaylord.com

Talas, New York, NY www.talasonline.com

Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, PA www.fishersci.com

The French Bulldog ‘Growler’

Tags

Bulldog, chalkware, cuckoo clock, French Bulldog growler, inkwells, Morphy Auctions, music boxes, Papier Mache, porcelain figurines

An ancestor to the English Bulldog, the French Bulldog goes back in history to 1860. Evidently, great numbers of these dogs were sent from England to France and then crossed with a variety of breeds to come up with the French Bulldog. French Bulldogs were so popular in the early 20^th century they came in many different decorative forms as well. Some of the different varieties included music boxes, inkwells, chalkware and porcelain figurines and even Bulldog cuckoo clocks! But nothing in my opinion comes close to the French Bulldog growler.

This friendly growling toy dog was created in France in homage to their native breed, the French Bulldog in the 1890’s.  Modeled in Papier Mache they were typically life size in stature, with glass eyes, nodding head, articulated jaw and casters below their feet. Pull on the “leash” and he bares his teeth and growls. The large ‘Badger hair’ collar on the toy dog actually simulated the original straw collars worn by French Bull Dogs to protect them from getting their heads stuck in a Badger hole!

These Papier Mache Growlers sell at retail in the range of $2,500.00 – $5,000.00 depending on rarity and condition. Looking for a discounted doggie? Try an auction house. A Bull Dog of fine pedigree recently sold at Morphy Auctions in Denver, PA for $1,035.00.

Early Treenware Bowl Found in New Jersey Estate

Tags

Antiques, Auction, bowl, iroquois, Leigh Keno, Sothebys, treenware

A recent appraisal assignment brought me just inland from the sandy beaches of the New Jersey coast. After a long drive in open farmland (yes, I was still in New Jersey) and down a tree-lined sand-laden driveway, an old white clapboard farm house appeared beside an old rusty tractor that had spent many of it’s working hours tilling the surrounding fields.

After a brief introduction with the clients, I began what I refer to as detective work – to uncover the higher valued treasures and inform my client of their lucky inheritance. Besides the dusty antiques that stood alone waiting for companionship in this vacant home whose owner had recently departed, in the corner with the cobwebs, buried in old newspaper clippings, stood an old wooden bowl whose warm patina caught my eye in the angled rays of the early morning light.

This may well be the largest treenware bowl I have ever unearthed in an estate or set my eyes upon. Large early ash burled wood bowls are quite rare, and are therefore equally expensive when they enter the market. Ash burl is characterized by repetitive clusters of “eyes” appearing like concentric pools, unlike the flowing grain of Birdseye maple. A similar Iroquois double-handled bowl is in the Leigh Keno, New York collection.

I would date this early American bowl circa 1780-1800. Massive in stature, this bowl measures 15”h x 31”l x 25”. A similar, however smaller bowl (24 ½”l) realized $12,500.00 at Sotheby’s, New York on January 22, 2010. Due to rarity, this bowl could easily bring $20,000.00 at auction.

Early Iroquois Burled Ash Bowl, Ca. 1780-1800

A real treasure!

It’s Time to Raise Your Mettlach Stein

Tags

Antiques, Auction, Estate Sale, Gerz, Pewter, Remy Thewalt, Reproduction, Trademark

Beer Steins go back as early as the 14^th century when the Bubonic

Plague nearly wiped out half of Europe. It was actually this horrific event that

prompted the “Covered Container Law” which led the transformation of the mug into the stein. This clever sanitary hinged lid, with thumb-lift in place, managed to keep out insects from the mug and thus prevented the spread of disease. One hundred years later as the German provinces improved the taste of beer, beerhouses and taverns became as popular as Starbucks and the demand for the ultimate beer stein was born.

The golden age of Mettlach began in 1880 and lasted thirty years until 1910. During this time numerous wares were produced using guarded secretive techniques. Almost every Mettlach product has a mark on the bottom or lower edge distinguishing it from other steins of the period. Although several marks were used including the Mercury trademark and anchor, the most common mark was the old tower or castle trademark, which could be found on steins from 1883-1930.

Purchasing

Purchasing an early Mettlach stein may prove to be a worthwhile investment, but make sure to carefully inspect the piece for damage or repairs, and beware of reproductions! Although Mettlach steins are not considered to be rare, you may not find them at many antique shops. If you are in the market for a Mettlach stein, I would recommend checking local or online auctions, specialized dealers and canvassing local estate sales.

Price Trends for Steins

There are many factors that influence the values of steins, but a Mettlach stein will generally realize a higher price than another stein from the same period. There were many other German companies producing steins, including Gerz, Marzi, Remy and Thewalt, however the quality of these steins are not comparable to that of Mettlach.

Like any collectible, the selling price is usually determined by several factors including rarity, condition, design and subject matter. Steins without lids are worth approximately 50% less than steins with lids and the modern production Mettlach steins from 1976 onward are much less valuable then the 19^th century steins. Mettlach steins come designed with various themes from fairytales to automobiles and drinking gnomes to hausfraus. And, to complicate matters there are various different types of steins including the least expensive print-under-glaze (PUGS), relief, etched and cameo (also known as phanolith a transparent stone decoration). There were even customized advertising steins complete with a business logo and a corresponding theme.

Whether you collect steins for enjoyment or you inherited a stein or two, Mettlach steins have proven to be a good investment. In the 1950’s the average ½ liter etched stein sold for $25.00 while in the 1970’s that same stein would realize $200.00 at retail. Today, the average Mettlach stein can be found at auction from $300.00 and upward, while the more desirable, rare steins sell over $1,000.00.

Proper Care

When caring for your stein, remember only to use luke warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Storing steins in sunlit windows or in temperature extremes such as basements and attics could cause stress lines to the glaze and wrapping them in newspaper could discolor the pewter.