A rare piece of filing furniture that resonates
THIS OLD THING
Q. In 2015 we purchased the attached Disc Record Cabinet for $100 while on a weekend getaway in Paris, Ont. We thought it would store our record collection. Unfortunately, it only fits the old records shown that came with it. It’s in great condition and is very solid. It has a metal plate on the front that states quite clearly ‘BROWN’S DISC RECORD CABINET PATENTED MANUFACTURED EXCLUSIVELY BY The Globe-Wernicke Co. CINCINNATI’. Dimensions are 47 centimetres wide by 61 cm high by 56 cm deep (18.5 by 24 by 22 inches). I’ve read that Globe-Wernicke was known for pioneering the “modular bookcase.” We’d appreciate any insight you’re able to offer including its value and date of manufacture. — Sarah, Hamilton A. Albert Rosencrans Brown began his career in the furniture industry in Erwin, Tennessee, in the 1890s. He designed and patented many different filing cabinets. Furniture manufacturer Globe-Wernicke Co. was also based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and produced your piece after obtaining the rights to Brown’s design. They are best known for the ‘stacking’ or ‘Barrister’s’ bookcases. When disc records began to appear steadily, your piece was made to hold them circa 1903 to 1910. A few styles were made, some half the height of yours. Finding one in such great condition is unusual, since this is a rare piece of filing furniture to begin with. It’s worth $325.
Q.This Dresden cheese dish was given by a 90-year-old lady to my parents in 1940 as both a wedding present and as part payment for my father “wiring” the lady’s house. She told my parents she had received the dish as a wedding gift when she was married in her teens. Calculating back means that the dish should have been made before 1870, and is now at least 147 years old. The base on one side is 24 centimetres long (9 inches). The height to the top of the handle is 16 cm (6 in.). It is marked ‘Dresden’ and in a rectangle ‘Rd No 36731.’ It is in great shape. What would it be worth today? — Elaine, Ottawa
A.The general purpose of these dishes was to serve a wedge of cheese, and this one has the look of many marked examples made by Franz Anton Mehlem. Mehlem produced earthenware products imitating porcelain at Bonn in the Rhineland region of Germany between 1836 and 1920. I’d check for a circular impressed mark on the base underside for confirmation. According to the number you provide, the pattern name “Dresden” was registered during 1885. These dishes were quite popular, and many English producers were making similar designs at the turn of the century. They sold originally for about 50 cents. This is a handsome piece, worth about $90 in the antiques marketplace today.
Q.We have inherited a glass chandelier that we were told is Murano glass. It is 42 centimetres (16.5 inches) from top to bottom, and 58 cm wide (23 in.). It has a dozen leaf shades held on by gold-plated metal fittings. From the ceiling to the bottom of the fixture is, in total, 91 cm (36 in.). Can you help with a value for this piece? — Erin, Winnipeg
A.Murano is a small island near Venice, Italy, renowned for its long history of glass-making. From the 1920s through the 1950s many glass companies settled there, using centuries-old techniques to create new designs for the 20th century. Your beautiful calla lily chandelier is attributed to Franco Luce, who worked for a Murano-based company called Vetreria Archime de Seguso. It was produced sometime during the 1960s or early ’70s, and can be classified as “Mid-Century Modern,” “Retro” and/or “Designer.” The ribbed or striated opaque white glass shades are very effective when lit. These are rare, and were quite costly when first sold. At auction your lamp would start bidding at $750 and go on from there.