Matchbook strikes a home run
Q.I bought a tin full of matches at a neighbourhood auction sale a few years ago. It held many interesting matchbooks but the “Mickey Mantle’s” matchbook was the most interesting to me. Is this a rare item? It is in mint condition. — Marie, Listowel
A. The great Mickey Mantle (1931-1995) played his entire career with the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968, mainly as a centrefielder but also as first baseman. He is considered the best switch hitter of all time and holds many records, including the one for most home runs during a world series — 18 in his case. Your matchbook is one of three to honour “the Mick,” and was made in 1960 by Diamond Match Division, Springfield, Massachusetts. It probably says “Joplin, Missouri” on the outer top. Sports memorabilia has been a strong collecting category for some time, and this one is worth up to $125. I’d check that tin for more home runs if I were you!
Q.I inherited this beautiful vase from my mother, who received it as a wedding present in 1947 from a friend who knew her antiques. I’ve always loved the muted colours and elaborate designs on it, including the face of a blond woman or man. The design has a raised clothlike texture. It’s 30 centimetres high (12 inches). It says ‘Doulton & Slater’s Patent’ underneath, and then ‘X52 Doulton’ with a slash mark underneath. I read somewhere that items that only say Doulton as opposed to Royal Doulton date from much earlier, before 1900. I’ve never really used it as a vase as I’m terrified of breaking it. Could you please tell me its value? — Calla, Ottawa
A.The Royal Doulton mark came into use in 1902, but was not used consistently on all products so can only partially help us date your lovely vase. However, we also know that Doulton entered the “art wares” market during the 1880s, and added the word “England” to its products in 1891. I suspect, then, that your vase dates to sometime between 1880 and 1891. During this time Henry Doulton hired several outstanding artists, including John Slater, with whom he patented a new process of impressing wet cloth on soft-bodied clay and then firing it to create this texture called “Chine Ware.” Several artists were involved in producing a piece like this in the Burslem factory. This included shaping the vase itself (the “X52” code), texturizing the surface, designing the decoration and finally applying it. This would have been mocked up previously in watercolour for approval by the artistic director. You have a gorgeous classic statement piece, worth about $350. Use it carefully and enjoy! Q. We inherited this peacock chair from my grandmother’s estate 20 years ago. I’ve kept it in storage and always wondered what it might be worth. My grandmother told us it was extremely valuable. Your insight would be helpful. — Darryl, Kitchener
A. The peacock tail has been admired throughout the ages, and appears as a design motif on many beautiful works of art. That category certainly includes your chair, which bears some commercial qualities yet is still rare and possibly one-of-a-kind. The front leg style is Victorian, circa 1865, and the shaped round back leg is also often seen on pieces from this era. The wood appears to be walnut. It could be Canadian or possibly British. The furniture market is disappointingly soft right now, but outstanding pieces like this will always attract attention. It’s worth $450.