Early 1900s

Q: Enclosed is a photograph of a porcelain figurine that has been in my family for more than 75 years. It is 11 inches high. Her aqua, pleated dress is trimmed with a white lace collar. The base is decorated with multicolored flowers. On the bottom there is a sunburst mark and the words "Heubach -- Made in Germany."Could you please tell me what it might be worth?A: Your porcelain figurine was made by Heubach Brothers, Lichte, Thuringia, Germany, in the early 1900s. The firm manufactured dolls, doll heads, figurines and piano babies.

Q: I have enclosed a picture of a porcelain vase that belonged to my grandmother. It was hand-painted by a friend. The height is 13 inches and is marked "T & V -- Limoges -- France -- 1917." I am interested in your appraisal.A: Your vase was made in Limoges, France, for Tressemanes & Vogt in the early 1900s. Limoges was a large exporter of porcelain, and the United States was one of their best customers. Also, blanks were shipped to the United States and decorated by amateurs. China painting was a favorite pastime for ladies of leisure in the early 1900s.

Q: Enclosed is a photo of a vase that I inherited from my mother. It is 9 inches long, 3 inches wide and 4 inches high. On the bottom it is marked "Royal Teplitz -- Aurora." I would like to know when and where it was made, and its value.A: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were many potteries in Teplitz and Turn, Bohemia, Germany, now Czechoslovakia. Ernst Wahliss, Alfred Stellmacher and Riessner & Kessel (Amphora) were major manufacturers. They produced mostly vases and figurines.

Q: The enclosed picture is of an oak sideboard that was given to me by my grandmother. There is a label on the back that says "Craftsman Workshop -- Eastwood, New York -- Gustav Stickley -- New York Show Room -- 29 West Thirty Fourth Street."I would like to know anything you could tell me about my sideboard. Is there a book about antique furniture of this type that you could recommend?A: Gustav Stickley was one of the leaders of the arts and crafts movement that began in the late 1890s. He formed a guild-type furniture shop in 1899 that was the forerunner of his Craftsman Workshops.

Q: This picture shows six of 12 plates that I have. Each plate has a different game bird painted in the center and all are in excellent condition. On the back of the plates are the words "Copeland -- Spode -- England."I would appreciate any information you can give me.A: In the late 1800s and early 1900s game plates were very popular. They were used to serve fish or game.These plates were made by W. T. Copeland & Sons Ltd., Staffordshire, England, in the early 1900s. They would be worth about $1,200 to $1,500 for a set of 12.Q: Enclosed is a picture of a chair that we have had since 1950.

Q: Can you tell me the value of my 39-inch-tall honey-colored plush teddy bear with movable joints, made in 1935 in Sonneberg, Germany? It's in excellent condition and never has been repaired.A: Your teddy bear could retail for about $400 to $650 because it's large and in good shape, said dealer Barbara Lauver, Harper General Store, R.D. 2, Box 512, Annville, Pa. 17003, (717) 865-3456, who will be participating in the Eastern National Antique Doll, Toys, & Games Show, at the Gaithersburg Fairgrounds, Saturday and next Sunday.

Q: The enclosed picture is of a chair that originally was one of a set of six or eight dining room chairs that has been in our family since before the Civil War; we still have three of them.We would like to know who made this style and in what city were they made.A: This chair would be classified as transitional between Empire and Victorian. It was made in the 1850-1870 period and would probably sell for $175 to $200.It is virtually impossible to tell in what city unmarked furniture was made.

Q: We assume that this is an authentic railroad lantern because my uncle used to work for the railroad. It still works. The top is marked "DIETZ"; the glass is red and the rim is marked "BLIZZARD."What is its value, and should I remove the yellow paint?A: This is basically a utility lantern but was probably used on the railroad. It was made in the early 20th century and might sell for $65 to $75.A serious collector would object to the yellow paint.Q: This mark is on the bottom of each piece of a porcelain dresser set. It consists of a hatpin holder, hair receiver and powder jar, decorated with poppies and foliage.

Q: Enclosed is a picture of my umbrella; it is made of paper. As you can see, it came from the Chicago World's Fair.Could you please tell me if it is worth anything?A: This paper umbrella appears to be in remarkably good condition for its 60 years. It would probably be worth about $65 to $75.Q: This mark is on the bottom of a ceramic bowl that measures 9inches in diameter and is 3 1/2 inches deep. It is also marked "A.F.S." It is decorated with green trees in a meadow against a blue sky.Can you tell me who made it, when, and what is its value?

Q: I bought this bowl-and-pitcher set at an estate sale. Lettering and marks on the bottom are "Semi-Porcelain, W.R. Grindley & Co., England." The pictures give a fairly good representation of the set.Would you please tell me about what they should be worth?A: Your toilet bowl-and-pitcher set was made in the early 1900s. The W. R. Grindley & Co. factory is in Tunstall, Staffordshire, England.This set should sell for around $265 to $285.Q: I am enclosing a mark that is on the bottom of a porcelain bowl.