Steamer trunk is packed with potential
Q. I’ve had this old trunk for almost 30 years hoping to restore it but I think it’s too far gone to save. It was a barn find and the details in the hinges and leather panels interested me. It had leather panels and is held together by oak straps. The metal holders of the numbered leather handles have star cut out details. The wood could be pine. Its dimensions are 81 centimetres across, 63.5 high and 56 deep (32 x 25 x 22 inches). The newspaper inside is dated 1955. I can’t find any other markings. Any information you might be able to provide would be appreciated. Regards, Mike, Ottawa
A. You have the ‘Cadillac’ model of domed steamer trunks. Chicago-based C.A. Taylor
Trunk Works made some of the best trunks during the last quarter of the 1800s and this trunk has similar characteristics. It was either made under and for a major department store or the hardware was used by another company which Taylor also supplied separately. The edge guards and other decorative pierced reinforcements, the moulded oak straps along with a large presence make this a desirable piece. Even though the leather is deteriorated, these trunks are restored by simply refinishing the exposed pine and refurbishing the hardware. Buyers are often retired members of the military for storage and displays of their militaria. Hanging files can also work. As it sits you can realize $450. Refurbished, a retailer will sell it for $2,500.
Q. I was given these two mugs by my sister-in-law. She told me they belonged to her parents who moved 50 years ago from Quebec to Ontario bringing the mugs with them. They measure 11.4 cm high (4.5 inches) having glass bottoms and are stamped ‘PINT.’ I have been told they are old but I don’t know for sure. If you could confirm with a value it would be appreciated. Cheers. John, Morrisburg, Ont.
A. Your mugs, more often called tankards, are antique. They have a few dents and are slightly out of round which I like because it hints at dating back to 1880. Speculating, the handle shape is identical to many made by prolific Birmingham, England pewtersmith James Yates as is the ‘PINT’ touchmark. But this handle was popular and used by others. Information, suggesting he was most active from 1837 to 1881, is sketchy. The glass bottoms became popular sometime in the 1800s. Many humorous theories as to their use have been put forth. Seeing clarity of the ale might be the most plausible one. Marks in pewter are called ‘touchmarks’ whereas in silver they are called hallmarks. Marks on antique pewter are often not clear or complete. Pewter was collected heavily more than 60 years ago and only the finest and rarest items fetch high prices today. Your pair is worth $100. Regardless, they are nice examples.
Q. This pharmaceutical jar either belonged to my grandfather who started working as a pharmacist around 1920 or my father who followed those footsteps in 1942. It is 20 cm high (7.87 inches). The lid was split and glued back together. I think the contents relate to an ‘acetyl’ group and ‘boric acid.’ Any information would be appreciated. Meanwhile, stay the course and stay safe. Jacques, Ottawa
A. Thank you. You have a striking blue ground pottery apothecary or pharmaceutical jar. An expensive process, the fitted ‘label under glass’ — applied to the moulded recess — is decorated on its inside surface with the lettering and the red and gold leaf border. Made from about 1850 to 1890, these jars were made primarily in England in the Staffordshire Pottery district. One primary maker was the ‘York Glass Company.’ It is pleasing that someone realized its value and beauty enough to repair the lid. They are not common and the labels are often damaged. It is worth $125 — perfect it would be $200. Good work on the chemical name and terms. John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to his 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 photo must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.) * Appraisal values are estimates only.*