Beautiful Mennonite towel was for show only
Q. This 1830 linen show towel belonged to my great-great grandmother Mary Nash, who married an industrious young farmer and settled in Lincoln County, Niagara District, on March 23, 1830. Her family were members of the Mennonite con- gregation who had emigrated from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to Upper Canada in 1823. The show towel, in the Mennonite wedding tradition and style, includes her initials, geometrical motifs of flowers, birds, pets and crosses in red and cream stitching, and a decorative fringe at the bottom. It measures 33 by 33 centimetres (13 inches) wide, as folded. It is much longer unfolded — about 137 cm (54 inches). Harold, Kitchener
A. These wonderful decorative embroidered towels were used to hide the dirty towels in use. Some were hung on parlour or master bedroom doors for show only. They are unique to Pennsylvania-German traditions and are decorative expressions of the Mennonite community. This one is not decorated as richly as some but the cross-stitching has been done with the utmost care and skill — a subtle but clear statement of the character of the embroiderer, your grandmother. They are quite rare and this is an early example. Estimating values on show towels is difficult but it will be at least $1,500. Q. This key has been in my possession for over 55 years. It was found in a small antiques store in Quebec. I know absolutely nothing about it, but find it fascinating. Could you tell me more? It measures 13 centimetres long (5 inches) and seems to be made of two metals, one of which I suspect is brass. Jacques, Ottawa
A. You have a very interesting key. It is most likely meant for a storefront door — one that would be quite heavy and thick. This explains the long length needed. The lock would be mounted on the inside of the door. The folding aspect allowed for more compact carrying in a pouch or pocket. The elaborate tooth (or bit) is shaped to uniquely operate a particular lock. They are often erroneously called skeleton keys but may not be, since a skeleton key is one that will opermany ate locks in a building. The use of brass in combination with iron was to reduce the over- all weight of the key while maintaining strength in the right places. Keys were slow to change in design; this one dates circa 1865-1890 and would have operated a ‘horizontal rim dead lock.’ A key collection can be formed with low cost, and interest in their designs — sometimes for tattoos — is growing. It is worth $35.
Q. This old painting has been passed down through many generations. I am lucky enough to have it now. It is painted on wood. I’m not sure about this artist, or the value. The plaque has the title ‘By The Sea Shore’ and ‘Ellis Hume, R.B.A.’ I think it is extremely old. It measures 29 by 38 centimetres (11.5 by 15 inches). I’m hoping you can help me with the value. Catherine, Barrie
A. The inaccurate plaque and biography on the back would be confusing. The artist is Edith Hume, a genre artist and member of the Royal Society of British Artists who exhibited her work from 1862 to 1906. Her maiden name was Dunn and she married landscape artist Thomas O. Hume. They lived in South Harting, Petersfield, a village in West Sussex, England. As in your painting, fisherfolk and seasides were favourite subjects of this artist. It couldn’t be more charming, with two sisters on a sunny day by the ocean. Interest abounds in the youngster fascinated by a doll in hand sitting in a wheelbarrow while the distant background illustrates people, huts and sailboats in the water. It is worth $3,500.
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.