DO HOMEWORK ON SPECTACULAR VASE
Plus, chair showcases German modernism; Irish chicken coop a rare piece of furniture
Q I have a 1920s Lalique opalescent vase with two doves on it. I see only a moulded marking of “France” in the glass on the bottom. It is 25 cm tall and 21 cm wide (10 x 8.3 inches). It was my grandmother’s vase. We are downsizing but do not know what it is worth to sell it. Thanks.
Jan, Belleville
A You have a spectacular vase that is often titled “Colombes” — French for doves. It is close to Lalique. However, it is not. This art deco design has been attributed to Pierre D’Avesn (1901-90) who started out at age 14 working under Rene Lalique — one of the most famous and successful glass artists of the early 20th century. Apparently D’Avesn struck out on his own 10 years later, around 1925, and designed for other famous French companies including Daum and Cristallerie de Choisy-le-Roi. He also managed glass production at Verlys in the later 1930s, which is a likely manufacturer. Collectors now want products of particular designers more than a particular glass company. Try to confirm the designer since dealers ask much higher prices for confirmed designer pieces. It is fabulous and certainly worth $1,500.
Q I’m not sure if you can help me, but do you have any idea what kind of chair this might be and if it’s worth anything? I bought it at a thrift store last year for $5. The chair is 61 cm wide by 64 cm deep (24 x 25 inches). There is a metal label of “Interiors International Limited, Made in Canada.” Thank you
Jag, Vancouver
A You have a great swivel office chair that was made at the tail end of the Mid-Century Modern era loosely covering the mid1930s to the mid-1960s. German-born John Geiger came to
Canada at age 14 with his family. He learned cabinetmaking in Toronto and established the company in 1964. The company is now known as Geiger and is based in Atlanta and, due to its reputation for making high-quality products, was commissioned to design furniture for the Chase Manhattan Bank building in New York.
German modernism is obvious in this chair — mass-produced with no ornamentation, coupled with good form and function.
The wonderful chestnut leather needs some refurbishing but is in fine shape. The contrasting white frame is stunning. Unusual leather office chairs are in demand and with a small expenditure you will realize $850.
Q This unusual piece of furniture has been in the family of some friends for about 50 years, and little seems to be known about it other than it is an Irish chicken coop. I think they bought it while in England in the mid-1970s. Can you fill in some history about it? Thank you!
Ed, Val-des-Monts, Que.
A This piece is a British form that does not appear in North American furniture. If the bottom was closed in with doors, the piece would be called a dish dresser — a form that has long been associated with Irish and Welsh examples. They are most often pine, which was the favoured wood for country pieces of furniture. It certainly makes fresh poultry for dinner a reality. This piece, dating to circa 1850, would have been painted originally but refinished to suit modern settings. Large pieces of antique furniture are not easily sold these days, and buyers can pick and choose. This will be of interest because it is very different from the norm. It is worth $2,500 today.
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.*