YARD-SALE WINDFALL
Castoff a Group of Seven work
Q
I bought this old picture at a yard sale many years ago. I think it’s a lithograph of Canada’s Coat of Arms, but I’m not sure. The bottom of the crest is signed “A.J. CASSON.” Could it be the same one of the Group of Seven? The print measures 59 by 47 cm (23 x 18.5 inches). — Jerry, Dieppe
A
What a way to celebrate Canada’s 150th! This is indeed a treatment of Canada’s Coat of Arms by famed Group of Seven artist Alfred Joseph Casson (1898-1992), although it is a silkscreened “serigraph,” rather than a lithograph. Casson believed strongly in providing affordable art for the public, and promoted the use of silk screening during his 20-year career as art director for the Toronto-based printing firm Sampson-Matthews. At least seven colours are used here, meaning seven separate steps to make this print. The high-relief gold also gives it a three-dimensional quality. I’d check the back for a label of the production company. I’m quite sure it was done during the 1940s, and certainly before 1957, when a revision to the Arms changed the colour of the maple leaves on the escutcheon from green to red. This rare and beautiful print should be in high demand this year, with a value of at least $650.
Q
This clock is among several items inherited from my grandfather, who was a surgeon of some note and helped establish a hospital here. It stands about 38 cm (15 inches) high and is very heavy. A capital letter A and B separated by a large star and contained within an oval, appear on the inside plate of the works stampings. The pendulum and key are with it. Is it valuable? — Chad, Brantford
A
Your grandfather appears to have invested in quality. The mark you describe is for Louis Achille Brocot of Paris, who worked mainly from 1850-1889. The Japanesque decoration with exotic birds and blooming cherry blossoms helps refine the production date to the 1870s or ’80s. This is a very fine timepiece in a high-quality bronze body, embellished with exquisite enamelling on the porcelain face and panel. It easily maintains a value of $850.
Q.
I fell in love with this cabinet radio I saw at an antique show in Pasadena, Calif., 20 years ago and bought it on the spot. It has a remote control that takes a battery pack. I was given the impression it might have been exhibited at the Expo 67 World’s Fair in Montreal. It’s a Philco and also has the name on the scalloped base of the remote control. It stands 97 cm high (38 inches) and is in working condition. I love it and am curious what you can tell me about it and its current value. MJ, St. Marys, Ont.
A
Your handsome cabinet radio is a Philco model 40-216RX, made sometime between 1939 and 1941. The Philadelphia Storage Battery Company was founded at the beginning of the 19th century and was producing batteries for electric cars by 1906. They moved into the booming radio market in the 1920s and soon became one of the 20th century’s major producers. Your radio’s “grill” design and case shape is very art deco, and the condition is fabulous. It also holds a place in radio history for the accompanying controller with a “strawberry ripple” dial, which was the world’s first wireless control. Dubbed the “mystery control,” it hit the market in 1939, preceded by breathless advertising touting it as “the most thrilling invention since radio itself!” Working condition is key here since electrical restoration can be expensive. Cabinet radios are not fast sellers, but this one should fetch about $600 from the right buyer.
John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to his column, go to the ‘Contact John’ page at www.johnsewellantiques.ca. Please measure your piece, say when and how you got it, what you paid and list any identifying marks. A high-resolution jpeg photo must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.) * Appraisal values are estimates only.*