A vintage timepiece
THIS OLD THING
Q. This clock was owned by my great aunt in England, probably about 1900. It measures 8 cm by 6 cm by 11 cm high, without the case (3 x 2.4 x 4.25 in inches). All of the glass is bevelled. It is stamped on the back of the workings with a lion. I was assured that the clock still functions but should be taken in for a cleaning. The case is a bit ratty but serves its purpose. I hope you can give me some information about this piece and what its value might be. — Dennis, Manotick
A. This is called a carriage clock, and is known as an “eight day” since it generally runs for a week. The trademark is for French company Duverdrey & Bloquel of St. Nicolas d’Aliemont, known for making this style of clock from 1896 to at least the late 1920s. This is their least expensive model, fitted with an Obis movement. It is still a good-quality timepiece, and the round window on top showcasing the working escapement is unusual. Having the intact travelling case is a bonus, and this handsome set will net about $450.
Q. A friend of mine hauled this out of his car boot and said he would pay for dinner if I promised to look at an ugly vase he had just bought for $50. It’s monumental, standing 38 cm high (15 inches). The flowers really stand out and are spread around the entire body. The company marking is a pennant with the word “tria” something in a doughnut-shaped circle with “Canadian Potteries Limited — St. Johns, Que.” I’d like to find out something about it for both of us. I quite like it. — Joan, Toronto
A. You may have scored a free dinner, but your friend still got the better deal! This is a rare example of Vitrian art pottery made in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., a location home to eight distinct potteries in the late 1880s, and with a rich history of the craft. The name “Vitrian” refers to clay fired at temperatures of 2,100 degrees F (1,149 C). The result is an extremely hard, durable and non-porous ceramic. Between 1931 and 1933 potter and artist Beatrice Rickards designed 25 flower vases and bowls for Canadian Potteries Limited, which were advertised as “Pottery Gems for the Garden or Conservatory.” These were phased out in the 1950s, so we can assume your vase dates to somewhere in between. These are very popular with Canadian collectors, and this gem is easily worth $450.
Q. This picture has been with our family since at least the mid 1940s and has been reframed. We understand the characters in the piece to be “dingbats.” It appears to be an original watercolour measuring 43 cm by 36 cm (17 x 14 in inches). The artist is Dudley Ward and there is a “15” underneath the signature. We would appreciate any information on the piece, plus its value. — Gloria, Kitchener
A. William Dudley Burnett Ward (1879-1935) was an English painter and printmaker who was born at Graveley Bank in Staffordshire, and came to Canada around 1910. His early works include harbour scenes, villages and typical English thatched-roofed cottages. He is credited with creating the Dingbat characters that appeared in a series of advertising calendars for Montrealbased Frosst Pharmaceuticals beginning around 1915. It would be unusual for you to have an original watercolour and professional examination is needed. Illustrative art is a growth area for collectors, and if this is indeed an original piece its value could top $1,000. As a print, it is still fun and a lovely family keepsake, but with a value closer to $100.
John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to this 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 must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.) Appraisal values are estimates only.