ANTIQUEHAVEN

My husband brought this item back from his Grandmother's estate. Can you tell me what it is? You have what appears to be a 19th c Paktong Chinese Water Pipe. Sometimes called an opium pipe, it most often was used for tobacco. Paktong is a metal alloy made of Copper, Nickel and Zinc. This pipe is worth about $100, but, could bring more as it looks to be an excellent example if it is an original. (I cannot tell by the photo)

Hello. This pitcher is 10 ½” tall has gold trim around the rim and on handle. Can not find any information on it. Your Portrait Pitcher was made by Wheeling Potteries Company c 1903-1909. The Avon Faience Pottery Co of Tiltonsville, Oh was combined into Wheeling Potteries in 1903 and this piece would have been made at the old Avon Faience plant. The pitcher is similar in style to La Belle Pottery pieces, which Wheeling Potteries also owned. I would estimate the pitcher to bring $75-100 at auction. It might retail for around $125.

Could you please appraise this item for me? What you have is a late 1800's print given out as a premium by B.T. Babbitt Co. Babbitt is given credit as pioneering the idea of giving out premiums in exchange for redeeming "labels' from his products. In this instance, 25 "Trademarks" from his "Best Soap" wrappers or 10 "Trademarks" from his soap powder packages and a 2 cent stamp would get you one of over 200 different prints he offered. The approximately 14" x 28" panel pictures had a thin tin band at the top for hanging. It is estimated that millions of these premiums were redeemed. How many survived? I would estimate that this particular one could bring $100 at auction, depending on condition. The back is faded and it is the advertising that sort of makes the item interesting.

I have an antique telephone which i was told is made out of genuine ivory and comes from somewhere around Vietnam. I am interested in having it appraised. You appear to have a French made telephone inside an Oriental decorated lacquered box. Somewhere on this phone should be some identification marks. (You can unscrew the mouthpiece and may see manufacturer markings) These phones are not all that uncommon and would NOT typically have genuine ivory as part of the decoration. They typically sell in the $40-125 range. Exact dating is somewhat difficult, but, they are post WWII.

I saw on your site that you could help identify and appraise antique furniture. I have attached photos of a piece and would love your help. You have a very attractive Victorian Era Server with an unusual upper tier drawer and nice fretwork. I see some veneer damage on the lower front and lower side. I would think that this piece would command around $250-350 at auction.

Hi, Chris. I found your blog while searching for information for a patron on a TruSport bicycle he has in his garage. I'm hitting a dead end with any search I do. The tires say Made in West Germany, and the patron claims 'someone' told him the bike was from at least the 1920s and probably made by a Philadelphia company. However, given what the tires say, either that date just wrong or the tires are much newer. Any help you can provide in terms of an approximate price or background information will be great. The bicycle was sold by Edward K Tyron Co which was located in Philadelphia, Pa. That particular version of the long standing family business existed from 1904-1962. The Tyron's had long since discontinued the manufacturing part of their business and were in the wholesale distribution business when this bicycle was made. TruSport was a brand name that Tyron owned and used for various sporting good products and bicycles. So, the bicycle would have been made by a bicyc...

I love to read your blog although I am in Canada. I have a dining set and was wondering if you could possibly tell me anything about it. I have been struggling with the internet to find out information. It was made by Heinrich Bender and Sons. From what I can gather in the late 1800's. I have attached some pictures in hopes you may be able to assist me. Thanks again and continue writing your blog, I love it! Based on your info and picture, I believe your set was made in the 1950's-1960's by Heinrich Bender Sohne, located in Kelkheim, Hesse, Germany. Kelkheim was known as a furniture town within Germany. The area's furniture hit a peak internationally in the mid 1950's when companies such as Bender was filing out orders for other country's embassies and royalty. This set is done in a more traditional style than the more contemporary style that is popular from the mid-20th century. It is quality furniture, but, not high in demand. I am quite positive that it ...