THIS OLD THING
Q.This dog, a favourite of my mother, and now mine, belonged to my grandmother, and sat proudly on her coffee table for years. It is such a rarity and the grandchildren, in particular, are very fond of it. The metal fly on the head can move about in different directions. I just realized today that there was a cork in the head part and it comes apart! The number 19 is engraved on the bottom, otherwise, no markings. It is just short of 15 centimetres tall (six inches). I’m curious about its history. — Marilyn, Cambridge
A.These pet-shaped decanters were popular from the 1920s into the 1950s, and many were made to resemble the popular comic-strip characters of the day. Most were made in Germany, often with related items such as pitchers, salt-and-pepper sets and other table items. Some decanter sets included small matching cups. Unfortunately many of the potters remain unknown, but I’d guess from the general style that this one dates very close to the 1930s. He will continue to entertain faithfully at $45.
Q.My mom bought this chair in Winnipeg at an antique store in the 1960s. My dad believes it is a Red River Settlement piece. The legs are very short and the back is high. The height is 104 centimetres (41 inches). Any help would be appreciated. — Peg, Ajax
A.Your dad is correct. This chair reflects the unusual character of furniture made by Manitoba’s early-20thcentury immigrant population, marked by the “borrowing” of style elements from several eras. Here we see the older, slightly primitive use of front posts rising above the seat. Stately back posts topped off with elegant finials and the ball turnings pinned between horizontal rails are also 19th-century features. But the chair also has a distinctly early-20th-century “press back” look, seen in the carved crest rail. The seat, also probably wooden, shows the determination of these settlers to make it on their own, since buying furniture from abroad was cost-prohibitive. The condition here is terrific, and it won’t take much to make this chair functional. It’s a rare example worth $175.