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Ask A Worthologist Question: Delft Charger’s Value is Told by the Mark
WorthPoint member Bill A found this blue and white plate in a box wrapped in newspapers from the 1940s. It came from his great aunt’s estate, and he has no idea what it’s worth. Worthologist Mike...
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Unloved Antiques: Bone China Tea Cup & Saucer Collection
An “average” Ansley bone china teacup. It can be had for roughly $25 at auction. The next item in this series of Unloved Antiques is something that most people have, often inherited from moms, great...
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What’s It Worth: Marks Show ‘Junk Bowl’ to be Valuable Newcomb Pottery Example
This used for was a catch all on top of the fridge for Brenda D.’s father’s handyman projects. It was always full of screws, picture frame hangers, matches and pencils, duct tape, you name it. After...
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Ask A Worthologist Question: Magician’s Card Cutter
Everett M. was given this brass “card cutter” by a retired magician who had a garage full of stuff related to his act. But the secret as to how the cutter was used was never revealed. Now that Everett...
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It’s All in the Marks: ‘Country of Origin’ Marks help Date Pottery & Porcelain
A "Made in Germany" mark. One of the easiest ways of determining the origins of pottery and porcelain is finding a country of origin marking, such as “Italy,” “Germany,” “France” or “England,” but what...
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Ask A Worthologist Question: Polyphon Disc-Type Music Box
Despite spending years in a neglected barn, Alex N’s discovery of this Polyphon music box could be considered a “great find.” Alex N. found a music box while clearing out a literal barn-load of trash...
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It’s all in the Marks: Understanding Royal Worcester Date Codes
The Royal Worcester Porcelain Company is another firm that has, along with various backstamps, used a date code system during its long history that allows us to pinpoint a date of production for its...
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It’s all in the Marks: Understanding Minton Date Codes
One of the marks used by the English porcelain and pottery company Minton. As mentioned in previous articles, there are several potteries that, for their own reasons, used markings as a way of date...
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Unloved Antiques: Brass & Copper Fire Extinguishers
Brass and copper fire extinguishers, when polished and buffed, look like they should be worth something. But that impression simply led to a glut of these factory & warehouse staples. Yes, many of...
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It’s all in the Marks: Understanding Royal Crown Derby Date Marks
The Derby Crown mark, circa1877-1890. While many companies use a variety of markings to indicate different patterns, dates and inventory control, it was probably the furthest thing on their minds that...
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Ask A Worthologist Question: Victorian Mustache Cup
A Victorian mustache cup. WorthPoint members Dora E. wants to know if her $40 buy was a good one. Dora E. has a passion for bargains and even if they look a little rough around the edges, if it appears...
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Unloved Antiques: 19th-Century Bisque Figurines
This late-19th-century large German porcelain figurine depicting a couple dancing, standing 10 ¾ inches tall, sold for $255 in 2011. The next subject of this series of Unloved Antiques are...
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It’s all in the Marks: Understanding Mettlach Date Marks
The “Mercury Mark,” used by Mettlach pottery from 1874-1909. It is usually stamped in green but also known to have used blue and black ink. The Mettlach pressed mark used from 1882-1931. Notice the...
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Ask A Worthologist Question: Parzinger Wall Sconce
David H, a part-time picker for a half-dozen dealers, found a lighting unit he thought might be worth more than just a few dollars, so he put the question to our “Ask a Worthologist” service....
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Unloved Antiques: Mid-20th Century Newspapers Covering ‘Historic’ Events
An “extra” edition of the Elkhart Truth, Indiana, from Aug. 14, 1945, declaring the WAR IS OVER. It sold for $11.50 This next item in this series of Unloved Antiques is something that many people have...
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It’s all in the Marks: Frequently Asked Questions about Makers’ Marks
Patent dates on old hardware, like this rocking chair spring, can give the earliest date the piece could have been made, as well as a general window of its actual age. As an appraiser who participates...
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It’s all in the Marks: Smudged or Sloppy Marks Offer Hints toward Fakes
This smudged mark from a Flow Blue wash basin should be hint that it might not be genuine. To collectors, well-seasoned or novice, the subject of determining a maker or origin of a piece can be very...
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Ask A Worthologist Question: ‘In the Style of Sevres’ Porcelain Urn
Farah S. bought a piece of porcelain at an auction that was described as a “19th century Sevres-style urn.” Being a novice in the antiquing world, she wasn’t exactly what she had, but she wanted to...
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Unloved Antiques: Hump-Backed Trunks
Beat-up old trunks like this are often found at flea markets and country auctions. Most of the time, they are not worth the restoration effort. Sometime, though, if the chest isn’t too-far gone, a...
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A Three-Minute Gift of Christmas Magic
A little piece of fiction writing from Worthologist Mike Wilcox. I stomped the dirty slush off my boots as I push open the restaurant door, cursing the season and the phony Ho-Ho-Ho of it all, letting...
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