Tiffany dealt in Atlantic Cable
QI inherited the bulk of my aunt’s estate. Amongst the treasures was this shadow box frame containing a letter dated Aug. 21, 1858, penned by Cyrus W. Field certifying the sale of “the balance of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable now on board of the U.S.S.F. Niagara to Tiffany & Co. Jewellers 550 Broadway (New York) ... this piece is a genuine section thereof.” Sadly, the enclosed piece of banded cable has become unglued but is otherwise intact. The shadow box measures 28 by 19 centimetres (11 x 7.5 inches). Any information you can share with me would be appreciated. Lynn, Ottawa
AThe Atlantic Telegraph Submarine Cable (the first of its kind) was placed on the Atlantic Ocean floor between Valentia, Ireland, and Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, and the first messages were sent in August 1858 — an event celebrated on both sides of the ocean on Sept. 1, 1858. Miles of the excess cable were brought back to New York on the ‘Niagara’ frigate and bought by Tiffany & Co. reportedly for $360 per mile. They sectioned the cable into 10.5-cm (4.25-inch) lengths, banded them with the brass label guarantee and sold them with a copy (which you also have) of the original letter. Your cable can be refastened easily and your package will send a message worth $1,000.
QMy husband purchased this mystery for $3 at a flea market. He thought our little three-year-old great granddaughter would enjoy it. It’s shaped like a bird, about 14 centimetres long (5.5 inches) and is possibly made of brass or bronze. It has one marking, including a treble clef which I can’t decipher. You create music by blowing into a slot at the foot, while moving your fingers over the openings on the sides to produce different notes. Can you give us an idea about its name, origin and value? Marg, Kitchener
AWhat you have is an ocarina — once commonly called a ‘sweet potato.’ Its development is ancient but this style evolved in the 1800s and were quite common from 1880 to about 1920. Usually they were made of terra cotta clay (orange-red) with a dark finish like yours. I couldn’t read the mark, either. Many were made in Austria, Italy and other parts of Europe. They seldom show up these days. There is interest in them today as your granddaughter proves. It’s golden for fun and worth about $45 to sell.
QI purchased this Moorcroft vase about 55 years ago and I was hoping that you could tell me how much it is worth as well as a bit about it. It stands about 20 centimetres high (8 inches). Lillian, Burlington
AYour vase is one of many examples that collectors pose the question: “Was it done by father or son?” William started inventing designs early in the 20th century.
His son, Walter, joined the pottery business at Cobridge in 1935. He was soon called to war but when his father had a stroke in 1945, Walter was released from the military on compassionate grounds and took over the business of Moorcroft Pottery. Your vase dates from 1945 to 1949, partly based on its colouration, shape and pattern. Its design is called Anemone — one that was originated by William in the 1930s and continued by Walter for several years until Walter altered it in the 1970s. Under whose watch it was made is not so important. But the colour, shading from green to blue, and the depth of execution of the flowers are wonderful, making for a desirable vase. It is worth $250.
John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to this column, go to the Contact John page at 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.