ARTIST CAPTURED LIFE IN THE ARCTIC
Q: This is a Mona Thrasher painting, given to my husband by Father Adam in 1974 in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, as a thank you for the work my husband did while we were stationed there. The painting, without the frame, is approximately 46 cm x 58 cm (18 x 23 inches) and it's in very good shape. I would appreciate if you could give me an estimate as to what it's worth. Thank you in advance.
—Hilda, Ottawa
A: Mona Thrasher was commissioned by Father Adam to do some of the artwork for the circular Our Lady of Victory Church (also known as the Igloo Church) in Inuvik. She was born near Inuvik in 1942 and lived there until 1990, when she moved to Yellowknife where she died in 2013. Her father was the son of a Portuguese whaler and her mother was Inuit, from Alaska.
Your piece includes elements she was inspired to portray — Inuit life and dog teams. She saw these ways of life disappearing and was pleased that people were reminded of them through her art, which is gaining attention along with the growing interest in Inuit Art. There is much growth potential in the value of Mona Thrasher's art. It is conservatively worth $750.
Q: I came upon this music box that was my grandmother's. I don't know how old it is. There's a variety of 10 records that have a diameter of 20 cm (8 inches). It's still in working condition. The case measurements are: 26.5 cm wide by 21.5 cm deep by 16.5 cm high (10.5 x 8.5 x 6.5 inches). I'm just wondering if this has any value? Thanks.
—Jane, Kitchener
A: The sound produced by these pierced tin discs is magically distinctive. The sound is produced by projections on the disc tripping teeth on a metal comb.
The Symphonion company began in 1885 and made the first disc (record) playing music box. It operated into the early 1900s in Leipzig, Germany. The waltz loaded in your mahogany-cased machine is La Estudiantina
Waltz by Emile Waldteufel (Opus 191, No. 4) which reflects the type of music of the times for a small gathering in a parlour.
The vibrant print, with clever graphics of a landscape including several elves and a music box similar to yours, is nice to have intact. Generally, the larger the machines are, the more valuable they are. You have a nice petite example that is worth $600.
Q: I'm curious about this sign I bought about 20 years ago from a dealer at Aberfoyle Antiques and paid $350. He had it for 30 years. A professional sign painter touched up the black paint for $100. The business of Bechtel and Dreisinger was in Kitchener, at two locations from 1925 to 1930. Measurements, with the frame are 70 cm high by 44 cm wide (27.5 x 17.25 inches). It is glass in a wood frame. Thank you for a price estimate.
—Marion, Kitchener
A: Signs of a particular business can be virtually unique, making an estimation of value difficult. I consulted Justin Miller, co-owner of Miller & Miller Auctions in New Hamburg, Ont., who said the value of this sign will come more from its local connection than from its advertising appeal.
He identified it as reverse paint on glass with gold leaf script (noting the professional restoration to the black background was money well spent) and pointed out that it lacks the graphics, colour and appeal that advertising collectors place value on. His business has revealed a strong demand for local (Kitchener-Waterloo) historical items.
He estimated a $600 price for it at auction to a local history collector over an advertising collector.
John Sewell is an antiques and fineart 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.*