A centuries-old English dictionary
1. English dictionary
I have read several issues of your column in the Homed magazine on people’s antiques and their value. I have been handed down from my late father, an English dictionary dated 1726 (which would make it 292 years old).
The dictionary is in excellent condition for its age. I wonder if you could give me some idea of its value please? I have attached some photos for you. Thank you for your help with this query. Regards, GB
Dear GB, the Universal Etymological English Dictionary was a dictionary compiled by Nathan Bailey, and was first published in London in 1721. It was the most popular English dictionary of the 18th century.
It was a little over 900 pages. Bailey’s dictionary was one of the first monolingual English dictionaries to focus on defining words in common usage, rather than just difficult words.
Although Bailey put the word ‘‘etymological’’ in his title, he gives definitions for many words without also trying to give the word’s etymology – because he doesn’t know what the etymology is.
In good condition, this book sells for around $600.
2. Daggers and desk calendar
I inherited two daggers. I presume they are of Middle East origin and I know they are pre-1945. Do you have any information regarding value and age?
I also have an Italian desk calendar, which I also know to be
pre-1945 that I would like to know the value of. I believe it was from the Excelsior Hotel in Trieste. Thank you, AB
Dear AB, the daggers, or stilettos, are Italian from the late 1700s. They would be worth around $200 each. The desk calendar is 1930s and would have a value of $50, more if it has an interesting story as to how it was acquired.
3. Popular tea set
I inherited this tea set from my grandmother. It is a full set and is in very good condition. I would be interested in any information you could give with regards to history and value. Thank you, L
Dear L, your Spode tea set was made around 1910. I can tell this from the mark. It is a popular pattern and is worth around $300 for the set.
4. Restored armchair
I recently bought and restored this armchair. I had to replace the spring base.The cushions now have their third covers. My research indicates that it is in the Adrian Pearson style. I would appreciate knowing the age and possible maker please, GM
Dear G M, I can only assume you refer to Adrian Pearsall, the midcentury American designer. No, it is not. It looks to be locally made around 1970. Value would be quite low, under $100.
5. Incomplete tea set
This is part of a tea set that belonged to my grandmother and must be nearly 100 years old. Having lived in South Africa, she was British/ German. Each piece has a crest and the same wording, but a different number on the bottom. The wording is: Eschenbach, Bavaria – Germany. The numbers are 73, 77 and so on.
There are three teacups, five saucers, a teapot, milk jug, and sugar bowl left of the set. I don’t have anyone to gift it to and for sentimental reasons I probably won’t sell it. It’s not a full set but, out of curiosity, I would like to know the value, if any. Thanks, TD
Dear TD, your art deco tea set was made by Eschenbach, in Germany, between 1925 and 1935. It would have a value of around $120 today.
6. Tea table
I’m trying to sell this tea table. Any idea of a value? Not sure on age or anything? J
Dear J, your tea table is made from Southland Beech and was new in 1940. I wonder what the adhesive vinyl on the top might be hiding? Until you find out, the value would be minimal, around $30.
7. Family table
I want you to value an old family table, please. We think it came from a house built around 1880. If it did, many generations of my family has sat around it. It measures 1500L x
750W x 750Hmm and has never been restored. It still has names of family members scratched into the top. Thank you, DW
Dear DW, priceless really to your family, this table is from the 1880s. It should be insured for $500.
❚ Deric Blackler and Portobello Antiques are located at The Tannery, 3 Garlands Rd, Christchurch. Email Deric at portobelloantiq@slingshot.co.nz for restoration and valuation advice and include ‘‘Homed’’ in the subject line. For publication, photos must be high quality. Phone 03 377 1772.