Portrait miniatures carry big value
Q A set of 10 of these small paintings has been in my husband’s family for many years, originating from an uncle who lived in Bermuda. They range in size from 7.5 to 12.5 centimetres (three to five inches), and the backs of some feature handwritten notes. Dates of those portrayed range from a birth in 1757 to a death in 1845; home towns include Derry, Bristol and Quebec; and titles mentioned include Lord, General, Captain, Earl, Bishop and Lady. The two pictured here are husband and wife, married in 1792. The pictures don’t appear to have any relation to my husband’s family, so I wondered if they had any historical value. Rhonda, Ottawa
A These small portraits are called “miniatures,” and were often painted from larger works as gifts and mementoes. Most of yours date to around 1800, a very early period.
Proper valuation will require determining what they’re painted on. Popular choices included ivory, watercolour paper, vellum, metal, porcelain and even the backs of early playing cards.
Artist signatures are sometimes found on the front or under the paper backing, and can make a huge difference to value. Your frames look to be original. In addition to family history, there’s great interest in the clothing portrayed in these.
They’re popular with collectors due to their small size, and these are very good quality. The couple portrayed are worth a minimum of $475. The collection of 10 should bring at least $3,000.
Q My husband’s aunt Jessie’s home in Cornwall was filled with lovely and unknown objects. I’m curious about this iron rod and matching holder, which we think was used as a pleat ironer. The rod is 20 cm long (8 inches) and is as thick as a standard pencil at its thickest part. The carrier is 7.5 cm wide (3 inches) at the circular base, just under 12.5 cm tall (5 inches) and seems to be handmade of iron. I hope you might shed some light on it. Sheila, Ottawa
A You’re on the right track. This is called a goffering iron, also known as an Italian or tally iron. It was used to put flutes or crimps on lace collars and cuffs. This practice goes back to the 16th century, and your particular style was used well into the latter half of the 19th century. The rod or poker was heated in the fire before being inserted into the hollow iron to heat it up. Then the starched and partially dried collar or cuff was rolled over the hollow iron to shape it, one flute at a time.
The rod usually fits entirely inside the iron, and I’m wondering if your set might include a replacement. You don’t often find them complete, and they’re very hard to match up. A collector of early irons will be happy to pay $150 for this.
Q What can you tell me about an engraved silver case I inherited from my British uncle? I’d love to know more about its history and what it might have been used for. It’s narrow and hollow, with a hinged lid, and measures just under 10 cm (4 inches) by just over 6.4 cm (2.5 inches). Markings under the lid include a head that looks like a tree, a lion stretched out sideways, an anchor, the letter R and the initials G.U. Jane, Guelph
A You have a wonderful sterling silver calling card case, made in Birmingham by one of the top makers — George Unite.
Born in 1798, George apprenticed at 12 years old and partnered with James Hilliard in 1825. He eventually became independent and his sons joined the business in 1865. The building appears to be Westminster Abbey and is complemented by beautiful scrollwork that covers the back, as well. Hallmarks indicate a date of manufacture of 1866.
When a building is prominently presented in high relief, as in yours, these card cases are then called ‘castle tops.’ It’s a rare item in terrific condition and carries a firm value of $1,500. 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 highresolution jpeg photo must also be included. (Only email submissions are accepted.) * Appraisal values are estimates only.*