THIS OLD THING
Q.
This model schooner, Amy of Toronto, was made by my great-great-uncle James Avon Smith (1832-1918), who was a Toronto-based architect, artist and member of the Royal Canadian Academy (RCA). He built it circa 1876 in the style of Countess of Dufferin, Canada’s challenger that year for the America’s Cup, and named it after his daughter. She measures 318 cm long and 267 cm high (125 x 105 inches) and features a pine hull with a full-length, three-kilogram lead bar forming the keel. I’ve rescued and restored Amy twice and she is now on display in the bay window of our house as our pride and joy. I hope this might be of interest to you.
— David, Ottawa
A.
Your uncle was indeed a well-known Canadian artist, and Amy is an exquisite piece of work. Smith was born in Scotland, coming to Canada in 1851 and studying architecture in Toronto with William Thomas. He worked as an architect, but also became a member of the Ontario Society of Artists and served two terms as treasurer of the RCA. His interest in nautical affairs is also seen in his watercolour Champion Yacht Britannia (1899) and in various rowing and sailing scenes set in both Toronto and England. He was also known for his architectural watercolours (often called drawings), such as a stone house in Niagara. Models like the Amy are valued for their superb craftsmanship — the fact that she sails so well is further proof of this high quality. The strongest factor in valuing this treasure is Smith’s standing as a noted Canadian artist. I’d say Amy would surpass the $1,500 finish line today.
Q.
My grandmother got this painted plaque from our great grandmother’s estate. There’s a little opening cut in the back paper that shows a beehive symbol and some writing stating the name “Ninetta” and below that “E.v. Blaas”. The measurements are 30 by 20 cm (12 x 8 inches). This is all we know.
— Kristen, Cambridge
A.
This is a hand-painted porcelain plaque featuring a copy of a work by famed Italian artist Eugen von Blaas (1843-1931), also known as Eugene de Blaas. These were done from 1860 to circa 1900 but the “beehive” symbol used by many companies for years helps little to date this piece. In fact, two versions of this same woman and pose show up with different garb and hair colour. Thin slabs of porcelain were difficult to make, but gave artists a good surface for producing fine detail, and were less subject to change than oils or watercolours. Today these are not common, and the quality of the painting appears quite good. I’d say it’s worth about $650.
Q.
My dad gave me this etching titled “Black Bears.” It’s numbered 100 and pencilsigned by artist Benson B. Moore. The mother bear and two cubs in a white pine tree and a landscape featuring spruce trees and rocks remind me of the North and the Group of Seven. The image is 14 by 8 cm (5.5 x 3.25 inches). It’s cute and I’ll keep it but I am wondering what it is worth.
— Alexandra, Toronto
A.
Benson B. Moore (1882-1974) was an American artist born in Washington, D.C., who had a great interest in wildlife. His work often featured birds and mammals, and included both paintings and print media. He also made drawings for Alexander Graham Bell in the development of hearing aids, and for Emile Berliner who invented the gramophone. Your etching was the last of a very limited edition of 100. This is the mark of a true artist in the world of art prints, further evidenced by the pencilled signature, title and number. Your charming bear family is in very good shape and is worth $125.