French connection

Louis XV-style commode is a link to the past,

This chest was in my aunt’s family in England when I was young and has come down the line to me. The talk was that it could be valuable and I’d like to find out if that’s true. TONY, Saint Joachim, ON

You have a genuine Louis XVstyle commode, precursor of the chest of drawers, and meant to furnish a main room in a grand residence. These were esteemed pieces in wealthy French homes during the late 1700s and the intricate work on your piece reflects this.

Your commode boasts scrolling rococo decorative mounts (most likely gilded at one time), herringbone-pattern parquetry inlay and an inlaid chinoiserie on the front piece. This has a bombe form, identified by the beautifully bowed front and sides.

This is a very rare piece of furniture and will likely be worth the cost to have it restored. You should have it inspected in person to confirm its age, but I have no doubts. In perfect condition such an item can quickly be tagged at $20,000. As is, a conservative estimate would place it at $4,000. I have literally grown up with this turtle and it has always fascinated me. The shell seems to be sterling silver. The body, head and feet are cast brass and the whole thing is 14 centimetres long. I vaguely remember that when you wind it, it not only rings, but the head and tail move. I’m wondering if it’s a real treasure or not. FRASER, Tilbury, ON

Animal novelties like this are always popular, especially in silver. You don’t mention any hallmarks, but I believe your turtle was likely made around 1909 in Chester, England by Grey & Company, which also operated in London.

Pressing the tail does indeed ring a bell and make the head bob and the soft silver shell tells us your turtle

was likely made for private home use. Forms with a more durable bronze or brass shell may have been intended for hotel counters. This upper-class toy will be worth $450. My father has an antique photo that could be a lithograph or a hand drawing — we are not quite sure. It’s in an antique frame. Unfortunately, it has sustained some damage. We would like it appraised for legal purposes. JAIME, Nepean

You have a mass-produced print in a simple oak frame that likely dates from around 1900. The romantic subject matter is typical of the late 19th-century pre-Raphaelite movement, the goal of which was rebellion against established art forms originally set by the great Italian Renaissance artists Raphael and Michelangelo.

Reproductions such as yours are not artist-signed and carry value mostly as decorative works for those wishing to create a preRaphaelite atmosphere. The water damage will cut your print’s value drastically. In mint condition it would be worth only $125; as is, it will not surpass $40. 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 high-resolution jpeg photo must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.) Appraisal values are estimates only.

An upper-class toy bell was likely made around 1909 in England and meant for home use.

A rare Louis XV-style commode is worth getting restored. In perfect condition it’s worth $20,000.

Pre-Raphaelite movement reproduction prints such as this were not signed by the artists and generally hold value merely for their decorative interest.