Historical print connects with present
QThis print was found among my great grandmother’s things. It is titled “The Shrine of the Iroquois Virgin and Saint, Caughnawaga, Quebec.’ Her name was “Kateri Tekakwitha” and there is a bio on the back about her, including being born in 1656. The frame measures 34 by 39 cm (13.25 x 15.25 inches). We would appreciate your appraisal.
• Shelley, Moncton, N.B.
AKateri, also known as the ‘Lily of the Mohawks,’ was born to an Algonquin mother and Mohawk father in Auriesville, N.Y. Barely surviving smallpox as a young child she eventually found comfort in Christianity and became involved with Jesuit missionaries and various Missions. She was canonized a saint in 2012 — 332 years after her death in 1680. This poignant scene is from an image by Canadian artist Paul Archibald Caron (1874-1941), a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and the Canadian Society of Painter, Etchers and Engravers. He excelled in capturing the life of Quebec habitants. This print also appears with a blue blanket and the artist did at least one other angle of the Shrine. This moving picture will decorate well at $125.
QThis brass microscope belonged to my grandmother’s uncle who practised medicine in Halifax, N.S., in the late 1800s through the First World War. It has a nice wooden case with a key, four brass specimen canisters and two eye pieces. The base is marked ‘BAUSCH & LOMB OPTICAL CO, Rochester, N.Y., New York, Chicago — Sole Agents, The S.B. CHANDLER SON & CO. Limited, Toronto, Ont.’ I am inquiring as to its value and if there are any collectors for such an item.
• Andrew, Halifax
ABausch & Lomb were producing compound microscopes from the mid-1800s and were the largest producers in the United States. In 1895, the business of Stephen Babcock Chandler and Walter Howard Chandler (son) were listed ‘as dealers in surgical instruments, physicians’ supplies and druggists’ sundries.’ Educational institutions were a large customer for microscopes at this time and the form of yours lasted for several years unchanged to any large degree. They continue to show up regularly due to high numbers produced. There is a condition issue with the finish on the upper tube which will detract from value somewhat but it’s otherwise in fine shape, with accessories and case and is worth $225.
QThis vase, always a favourite of mine, came from my husband’s family and when things were being settled with estate matters I was able to choose it. Standing 18 cm high (7 inches) there’s a female on one side and a cyclamen plant on the other. There’s writing moulded into the side by the figure.
I’d like to know about it and the ‘Kronach’ mark on the bottom. I’m much less interested in its value. • Katharine, Oakville
AYour is an exquisite fairly rare example vase of pate sur pate — a French term meaning ‘paste on paste’ or ‘body on body.’ It’s a refined technique in ceramics where layers are built up in relief on the main body of the porcelain and the white contrasts nicely against the iridescent background. The goddess is Euterpe — the Muse of Music and Lyric Poetry. The instrument she is holding is an aulos — an ancient oboe-type instrument often called a double flute. Your fine choice was made in Kronach, a town in Bavaria, Germany, by the company of Bauer, Rosenthal & Co., c. 1897-1903. During 1903, it became the well-known Philip Rosenthal & Co. a company still in operation today. The subtle impression near the musician’s feet is ‘Prof Vetter’ for Professor Joseph Vetter who worked as a designer for the firm. It is worth $125. 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.