Historically rich piece of Canadiana stands to enrich its owners
Q This fruit jar sat in my fatherin-law’s drive shed for years until he decided to use it. He thought it had been full of oil or molasses, and discovered this dark amber glass colour when he tried to wash it out. Since then several people have suggested it may be worth something, and we’ve had a number of offers for it. It’s a pint jar (16 American ounces, or .473 litres), and stands about 14 cm high (5.5 inches), glass top and all. The only markings are the beaver and the word “Beaver” below it. Can you add to our story? Earl, Kintore, Ont.
A You have a rare treasure with great historical value. Few examples of trademarked early Canadian glass exist, but this is one of them. The beaver — always a well-known Canadian mascot — was used by the Sydenham Glass Company of Wallaceburg, Ont., which operated under this name from 1894-1913. At that point they were bought out by the growing Montreal-based conglomerate, the Dominion Glass Company. Your jar was produced sometime between 1900-1905, and bears a “left-facing” beaver — much rarer than the sister “rightfacing” beaver. On top of this, the pint size is also quite rare, and the amber coloration rarer still, making your jar a triple threat on the rarity scale. In perfect condition it’s worth a solid $8,000.
Q This helmet is part of a collection belonging to my aunt. On the front are the letters “MFP” which I understand is for the Montreal Fire Department. It’s 28-cm high (11 inches) and is silver inside and out. It’s quite dusty. There is a bit of denting on the top “feather” but is otherwise in pretty good condition. Can you give me some insight as to its value? Thanks, on behalf of my Aunt Pat. Kevin, Toronto, Ont.
A The original design of your helmet can be credited to Napoleon Bonaparte who designated a unit of the French army to fight fires in 1810, and equipped its members with high-crested helmets something like yours. A version of it was then popularized across Europe and Britain in the 1860s, and was used continuously until the 1930s, when it became obsolete due to its dangerous conductivity properties. Your helmet is likely brass with nickel plating, and was probably reserved for ceremonial occasions. The top crest shows some damage, but appears to bear the same firebreathing dragon motif found on a similar helmet used during a First World War victory parade, so it will be at least that old. It might be worth having repaired. As is, its value is $300. Restored, it could push $750.
Q My husband cleaned this grain scale up for decoration and use in our home as an end table. It’s 135-cm long (53 inches) and solid. The scale measures up to 907 kg (2,000 pounds, one ton). It’s time for a downsize and I wonder if they are as popular now as they have been when we got it years back. John, Toronto, Ont.
A This is the design produced and patented by Renfrew Scale Co., of Renfrew, Ont., in 1911. They were made until the early 1930s for farm use and were used to measure anything on a farm that needed a weight value, including harvested grains, vegetables, fruit and even livestock. These were built to last, with hardwood handles and iron fittings. The curved shroud could be swung over the scale mechanism to protect it. These are often repurposed as coffee tables and have been popular for at least the last 30 years. They will last forever and are selling readily in this good condition for $750. 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.*