CLOCK SET OFFERS STUNNING DETAIL

Q This clock and two candle holders were brought over from England by my father’s family, who lived in Bristol and owned a general store there called Christmas’s Store as my grandmother’s maiden name was Christmas. The two side ornaments have tops that come off to hold a candle. The clock does work and I have the key and pendulum to make it work. It is extremely heavy and the feet have claws that go into holes in the velvet bases. It is 51 cm high (20 inches). I would love to have an appraisal on it.

Nicki, Kemptville

A Your stunning clock garniture set was made in France circa 1870. There is also pencilling on the wooden base panel stating accurately “Louis XVI,” referring to its style. It is gilt bronze with “Sevres style” hand-painted porcelain insets. The panels, including cherubs, birds and landscapes, also have a cameo of an aristocrat — reflecting on real Sevres porcelain reserved for French royalty and nobility only. These were very popular at the time and several companies produced many different designs. You have a very fine set well worth $1,500.

Q My grandfather was married in 1917 and received this server as a gift. The pitcher tilts to serve. The cup, the pitcher and the base have the following inscription: “EPBW Eagle S.P. Company.” The size of the complete piece is 53 by 25 cm (21 by 10 inches). I’m interested in knowing more about this piece. Louise, Ottawa

A You have a tilting water set that was probably made in the 1880s when these were popular items in wealthier households. This cost about $25 at the time — a sizable sum. The cup has retained most of its silver plating unlike the stand and pitcher. The body designs were hand chased (carved). These were used for ice water and are double-walled to insulate. The EPBW stands for Electro-Plate Britannia Ware. The Eagle Silver Plate Company remains a mystery. The histories of these once-competitive companies are very confusing due to the many takeovers that took place over a very short time span. Your piece could be re-plated to advantage. It is quite a showpiece that’s worth about $175 today.

Q I have this commemorative handkerchief from the Victorian era, which has been passed down from a family member.

It is 60 cm long by 56 cm wide (23.5 by 22 inches). It says it is “A Souvenir of the Record Reign of Queen Victoria 1897.” That would make it 120 years old! It has a few condition issues, such as some folds and discolouring. I was wondering how to preserve it and if I could gently handwash it and steam the creases. How about its value?

Lynn, Ottawa

A This handkerchief (a portion of it is shown below) celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of the great British queen. It is rare, even though they can be found using the internet. The amount of information is astounding, including cameos of four generations, politicians, population stats and more. Condition is a significant factor in value and your linen hanky has held its print well. I’d leave it to a pro for reconditioning. As is, it’s worth about $75.

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.*