Art Deco stokes screen value
QI purchased this fireplace screen and fender at a local flea market for just over $100. The screen measures 58 centimetres wide, including side embellishments. The label on the inside of bumper reads ‘Hearth Furniture, Made in England, Trade Mark L & M.’ The blue highlights are matte finish. Even though I don’t have a fireplace I was compelled to buy it because of the Art Deco design. How did I do? Cathy, Perth
AYour rare and stunning Art Deco set was made c. 1930 likely commissioned by the esteemed decorating firm of Lenygon & Morant. Francis Henry Lenygon (1877-1943) became a cabinetmaker for English aristocracy and merged his business with Morant & Co. in 1912. The London concern’s strength became decorating interiors and, by 1935, was incorporated, based at 48 South Audley St. Lenygon attracted wealthy Americans opening a branch in New York. He consulted for Nelson Rockefeller in reconstructing Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. His wife, Jeanette Becker Lenygon, also excelled in interior design and redecorated rooms in the White
QThis cream and sugar set belonged to my maternal grandmother, who was born in Newfoundland and moved to Winnipeg. The outside design is unusual and the three-link chains also appear inside. Markings on the base are ‘Royal Stafford Bone China, Made in England, Rebekah.’ The cream jug measures 8.5 centimetres tall (3.4 inches). What can you find out about it and its value? Patti, Courtice, Ont.
AThe firm of Royal Stafford was formed in 1952 in Longton in the Staffordshire Pottery district operating until 1992. Your set was commissioned circa the 1950s by the humanitarian service organization of Rebekahs or Daughters of Rebekah, a branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. It was formed in 1851 and the decoration is quite symbolic. The crescent moon with seven stars represents universal order maintained by systematic and precise undertakings. This forms part of the ‘D’ for Daughters by using the vertical part of the ‘R.’ The dove is a symbol of peace brought to others effecting happiness. The coloured three-link vertical chain represents the ‘watchwords’ of the order: Friendship, Love and Truth. I suspect your granny was a member. Matching pieces can be found occasionally but they are not common. Your interesting set is worth $45.
QI inherited this hurricane lamp from my mother, who was born in Ireland in 1914 and lived in Montreal most of her life. It is 47 centimetres (18.5 inches) high, has a brass base and two milk glass globes painted with scenes of pastoral Netherlands. There is nothing printed anywhere on it, except the number 122 on the base bottom.
It is in excellent condition. It graced my home’s entrance table for years. Anything you can tell me about it, including value would be greatly appreciated. Teresa, Ottawa
AYou have a wonderful oil lamp originally sold as a parlour vase lamp due to the brass oil pot being recessed in the vaselike bottom half of the lamp.
Made around 1895-1900, these later became popularly known as ‘Gone With The Wind’ lamps due to their erroneous presence in the 1939 movie staging the 1860s — a time well before the appearance of these lamps. The Consolidated Lamp & Glass Co. of Pittsburgh, Penn., is the most likely manufacturer — this type offered wholesale through department stores for about $1.50. Scenic versions are rarer than florals, and your blue Dutch themes will light up interest at $350.
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.