Winning silver cup
Valuable piece by Irish silversmith dates to 18th century,
We have two alligator suitcases in good condition with some staining inside and some scratches. The plate on the front at the handle reads “J E Fournier Ltd/Ltée Montreal.” They both measure about 53 by 43 centimetres. They were purchased at a garage sale a few years ago for $35. I know they are from the 1920s or ’30s. They were part of my decor but I am now considering selling them. LISE, Orléans
Luggage has been a popular category for collecting, especially when it can be used for its original purpose and not just displayed. The unmistakably reptilian scales on your suitcases tell us you’ve got the real deal, rather than synthetic or bovine imitations. However, whether these pieces are made of alligator or crocodile skin is almost impossible to tell.
Apparently, Montreal-based Fournier has been in business since 1890 and is still listed as handling leather and fur goods. These sharplooking suitcases will command a generous amount, likely $800 for the pair. Many years ago, I inherited a 33-centimetre colourful plate from my husband’s family. They acquired it while living in Europe when serving in the Canadian Forces 60 years ago. I believe it is from France. Other than a small chip on the side, it’s in very good condition. MAUREEN, Kitchener
The lavishly enamelled pottery wares of the Longwy Faience Co. of France are stunning. Your decorative plate is no exception. The black background with flowers of yellow, pinks, turquoise, blue and green are eye-catching.
The company was founded in 1798 and began operations in a convent in Longwy. Napoleon was one of the first customers, ordering dinnerware. Perfection is always best for value, but this ware is prone to chipping, and the damage is very small and easily repaired. It will be worth about $250. According to family history, this cup first belonged to the eldest son of Count Roger de Sillery, who settled in Ireland after the Huguenots were expelled from France in the 16th century. Then it was handed down to an ancestor of mine from Newry, Ireland. The family toast was “Champagne to our real friends; real pain to our sham friends.” From the hallmarks we believe the silversmith was Richard Williams and the cup was made in Dublin in the mid- to late-18th century. It’s in excellent condition, with the exception of a tiny dent on the edge of the base. It is about 20 centimetres tall. On one side there appears to be a dragon’s head (similar to a Viking boat prow) and on the other a Celtic knot pattern. JOHN, Drumbo
The silver market has been bolstered by a dramatic 80-per-cent rise in the price of the metal since 2001, and many pieces are selling well simply for their meltdown value. But rare and unusual pieces will still sell for much more. This two-handled cup, probably used for drinking wine, is such a piece.
It’s typical of the style for the era you suggest. Bill Kime, a silver specialist at Waddingtons.ca auction house in Toronto, confirms the cipher (monogram), crest (a griffin) and cup shape are all typical of the mid- to late-18th century. He also supports your belief that the maker is one of the Williams family and thinks the cup will be valued at about $1,250.
John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to his 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 highresolution JPEG photo must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.) Appraisal values are estimates only.