Timing fine for clock set
QThis 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 centimetres high (20 inches). I would love to have an appraisal on it.
• Nicki, Kemptville
AYour 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 ‘Sèvres style’ hand-painted porcelain insets. The panels, including cherubs, birds and landscapes also have a cameo of an aristocrat, reflecting on real Sèvres 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 made for a mantelpiece. It is well worth
$1,500.
QThis lovely engraving belonged to my grandparents.
It is original framing and is a favourite of mine. There is writing along the bottom which states ‘Published by Fishel, Adler & Schwartz, NY — FAVORITES — The Property of HRH Prince George of Cambridge — This Engraving from the Original Picture by Edwin Landseer R.A. — Is most respectfully dedicated to His Royal Highness by his obed’t humble servant Thomas Boys.’ It measures 76 cm tall and 88 cm wide (30 by 34.5 inches) from the outside of the frame. Am I to understand Thomas Boys is the brother of Sir Landseer? Thank you in advance for any information you can share with me.
• Laura, Cambridge
ALandseer (1802-1873) was knighted in 1850 for his great talent painting animals. He was born in London, England and both his father and a brother were engravers who reproduced many examples of his work. Unrelated, Thomas Shotter Boys (1803-1874) was a watercolourist and printmaker of great importance. He is credited with this image and was also known for doing many architectural subjects. The New York publishers operated from 1864 to 1885, which attests to the widespread popularity of Landseer’s artwork at the time. Engravings of this type are popular today and this endearing subject is worth about $150.
QI have this commemorative handkerchief from the Victorian era, 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. Apart from that, it is in good shape. The texture is quite fine and there is a pattern woven in the background. I was wondering how to preserve it and if I could improve its condition by gently handwashing and steaming for the creases. How about its value? Thank you for any information you can give me.
• Lynn, Ottawa
AThis handkerchief 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, other politicians, population stats, important events during her 60-year reign 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.