‘Swiss Scenery’ platter old and rare, but value dropped as tastes changed
Q This platter was left in a cottage when my in-laws purchased it in 1954/5. It has been used and also hung on our wall. It has the words ‘Swiss Scenery’ on the back and the #14. It is 39 cm by 33 cm (15.5 x 13 inches). We would appreciate any information you might have. Thank you. Jeanette, Perth
A You have an interesting piece of early English pottery, made by James Jamieson & Co., a company about which little is known. The platter itself is brown transferware pottery, and features one of the romantic, yet non-specific, scenes heavily used by many companies in the 1840s. The mark on the back is surrounded by a cartouche of the same grapevine design bordering the platter’s front. It is a rare piece because few marked examples are known, but not as desirable to collectors as it was 10 years ago. It’s a handsome piece, about mid-size for dinner platters, and worth about $125 today. Q I received this knife as a farewell gift when I left my old job earlier this year. I believe $79 was paid for it. It measures just over 25 cm (10 inches) with the sheath on. I know it’s missing the emblem but I’m curious to confirm whether this was a Hitler Youth knife, as I was informed, or whether it’s just a well-made knife from that era. There are a few nicks in the blade, a small amount of rust and it has been sharpened. At the base of the blade it’s marked ‘Rich. A. Herder, Solingen, Germany.’ There’s also a small square inside a larger square both turned sideways to look like a diamond. Thank you for your input and expertise. Julie, Ottawa
A Essentially this is the same knife made for the Hitler Youth arm of the Nazi Party, although the enamelled red and white diamond lozenge with swastika is missing from the grip as you noted. The smaller markings you mention are part of the maker’s mark. These knives were carried primarily as part of the Hitler Youth uniform. The blade condition and the missing handle emblem do devalue the item, but the scabbard is in very good condition and is often missing. The price your colleagues paid was a little on the high side, but you’ve received a piece of history as a nice gesture.
Q I have this unique revolving chair. The info stamped on the bottom says ‘A.H. Andrews & Co. Manufacturers, Chicago. Patent Applied For.’ Dimension to the top of the back is a height of 81 cm (32 inches) but it is adjustable and the seat is adjustable as well. It is copper I believe. If you have any idea of value of this chair that would be helpful. Claire, Windsor
A This is a stenographer’s chair dating from sometime in the 1890s, made in the same form as its more common ice-cream parlour counterpart. I believe it’s made primarily of iron and steel, with perhaps some copper patina added. The covering is laid down on quarter-cut oak, making for an attractive back with the wood showing there. The company was founded in Chicago in 1865, and expanded rapidly supplying both office and school furniture. They began making this design in the 1890s, but surprisingly went bankrupt shortly afterwards. The condition is excellent and this model is quite desirable to several categories of collectors, including Retro, Mid-Century Modern, Industrial and even Steam Punk. It’s worth about $250. 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.*