MARBLE STATUE A SPLENDID TRIBUTE
Canadian artifact recognizes Olympic marathon win at Intercalated Games
Q This marble statue was awarded to my great-grandfather, William (Billy) John Sherring, for winning the Olympic marathon at the Intercalated Games (then a 10-year anniversary of the first games) in Athens. The statue is one-of-a-kind. There are two Greek inscriptions that commemorate him and the event, and another for the sculptor Georgios Vroutos. The sculpture of Athena is almost a metre tall (38 inches) and is in reasonably good shape. I am curious about value if I am to insure it, but have no intentions of selling it. I am simply the caretaker of Athena until it is my son’s turn. Thank you for your opinions. Adam, Stittsville
A This beautiful sculpture of Athena — patron goddess of heroic endeavour and the city of Athens, among other things — is a splendid tribute to your great-grandfather, and an important Canadian historical artifact. My research tells me there is a park named after your great-grandfather in Hamilton, and North America’s oldest long-distance road race, the Billy Sherring Memorial Road Race, bears his name, as well. The sculptor, Georgios Vroutos, was born in Athens in 1843 and died there in 1909, but little else is known of him. This piece is difficult to value, being completely unique. However, I am certain that $10,000 would be the opening bid if it were brought to auction, which just might lead to a bidding marathon.
Q My mother-in-law collected antique glass, but most of her things were sold off over the years. I discovered this glass in the kitchen cupboards with the glasses commonly used every day. It reminded me of the older glass she collected, and I wondered if it might be special. There’s a band of six beavers around it and three maple leaves. On the base it is says “St. Jean Baptiste. Quebec. 24 Juin 1880.” It’s 14 centimetres (5.5 inches) high. Everyone is saying, “Go ahead and use it,” but I’m hesitant. I’d like to know about it first. Thanks very much. Cindy, Kitchener
A You were wise to check on this. You have a water goblet in the Beaver Band pattern, one of the most desirable of Canadian goblets for collectors. The moulded inscription commemorates what is now Quebec’s national holiday, which has been celebrated off and on in that province since 1606. The 1880 event marked the first gathering of all francophone communities across North America, and also the debut of O Canada, originally commissioned by the St-JeanBaptiste Society. Manufacture of your goblet has been credited to the Excelsior Glass Company, which operated in St-Jean, Que., from 1879-80, and in Montreal from 1880-83. The goblet is very scarce and in consistent demand in both Canada and the United States. You are welcome to imbibe, however, it suits you.
It’s worth a solid $1,200.
Q This carpet has been in our family for at least three generations, and I’m hoping you can provide some information about it. I regret not having asked about its provenance before my grandparents passed away during the early 1980s. The carpet measures about 91 by 66 cm (36 x 26 inches), exclusive of the fringe, and has a very fine texture with a shallow pile. The image is as clear on the carpet’s back as it is on the front. It has always been hung on display during its time in our family, and has rings for that purpose. I have reason to believe it originated in Persia, though I know nothing more specific. Gregg, Ottawa
A Rugs are similar to art — a category that takes great expertise to assess. I’m fortunate to know Victoria-based Colin Ritchie, an appraiser and consultant for the Toronto-based Textile Museum of Canada. Mr. Ritchie confirms the Persian background of this pictorial rug but states that without examining it he can only refine that to one of the large centres in central or south Iran such as Kerman, Isfahan, Kashan or Oum. He dates it to the first half of the 20th century, probably between the First and Second World Wars. Ritchie points out these are usually bought by collectors to hang up, rather than to walk on. An average value, depending on the quality, would be $1,250.