PROVENANCE ADDS VALUE TO BOOKENDS
Bookends made in Labrador were a gift from famed missionary Wilfred Grenfell
Q My father came to admire and meet famed doctor, missionary and social reformer Wilfred Grenfell after reading his book Down North On The Labrador. As a young surgeon from Ohio, he wrote to Grenfell and travelled to Labrador to meet him. Grenfell gave my father these two bookends inscribed “With best wishes, Wilfred Grenfell.” They are hand-painted carved wood, 16.5 cm (6.5) inches high with flat metal bases bearing “Labrador” stickers. I appreciate your help with this family treasure! Sussannah, North York, Ont.
A Grenfell (1865-1940), an English physician, began his humanitarian work in St. Anthony in Newfoundland around 1900. His goal was to improve life for local people, not only through establishing hospitals, schools and missions, but also by encouraging cottage industries to help Newfoundland's people become economically self-sufficient. These industries included selling folk-art items for several years from circa 1910 into the 1930s. They are rare and in very good shape. Pairs usually bring $500 – but yours, with the provenance and Grenfell's signature, will be worth $750.
Q This rare musical instrument was once owned by my father's grandmother in the early 1900s. It's believed to be designed by Francis Hopkinson Smith, and is called a Grand Harmonicon. I am looking to find the origin of the piece — who made it, where it was constructed, etc. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing.
Cory, Ottawa
A This fascinating instrument is also known as the glass harp or musical glasses and was invented and first played by Irishman Richard Pockrich in London, England, in the 1740s. It is played by running moistened fingers around the rims of the glasses – each tuned to a specific note. The American-born Francis Smith (1797-1872) became one of the world's top glass harp makers in Baltimore, Md., by 1830. I cannot confirm the design as one by Smith. Yours does resemble demi-lune tables of three-part banquet tables dating from the late 1700s to circa 1840. I can tell you that such a rare object will easily be worth $7,500.
Q This music box was bought by my great-grandfather in the late 1800s. The label on the bottom says “FAO Schwarz, 39 & 41 West 23rd St. MY.” The open living room is made of wood, painted and wallpapered. The crank on the front of the box operates the music box and makes the dolls, carriage and rocking horse move to the music. The dolls all have porcelain heads, glass eyes, real hair, wooden hands and feet and clothes are velvet, silk and lace. It's 55 cm wide, 32 cm high and 27 cm deep (21.5 x 12.5 x 10.5 inches). Can you fill in some blanks about this?
Plum, Toronto
A This is a delightful and rare Christmas-themed “automaton,” or mechanical toy. It was made in Germany with a Swiss music box. FAO Schwarz is the famous American toy store first opened in 1862 Baltimore by German immigrant Frederick Schwarz. A few years later he opened locations in New York City, and in 1876 issued the company's first mail-order catalogue, which featured Santa and his sleigh on the cover titled “Grand Christmas Exhibition.” This delightful item is priceless and would fetch at least $3,000 at auction 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.*