Cosmos value blooms with breakfast
Q
. This Cosmos milk glass set was a wedding gift for my husband’s grandmother, who married in our present home on Sept. 1, 1897. She had lived in Chicago from about 1893-96. Her brother attended the wedding from Chicago where he worked in Carson, Pirie Scott & Company, a large department store — this may or may not be relevant. The fact that she died in 1900 may be a poignant explanation of why the set was kept in the house for her daughter, my husband’s mother. Lynne, Kitchener
A
. Cosmos was a very popular pattern and is most commonly found in decorated milk glass, like your set. It was made by the firm of Consolidated Lamp & Glass Co., of Pennsylvania, c. 1893 to 1905. The set was probably purchased from Montgomery Ward & Co. because Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company was not established in Chicago until 1904. This four-piece breakfast set retailed for $1.50 originally. It was also sold in Canada, and water sets and other table pieces were made as well. The glass is fragile, being blown-moulded, and so having the four-piece breakfast set in wonderful condition is impressive. It was a most desirable pattern to collect for years but recently, interest has waned. Your set would still make a buyer sit up and take notice for about $250.
Q
. I can trace this family chair back as far as my great-grandmother in Montreal West to 100-plus years. I do not know how she acquired it. My mother had it reupholstered about 30 years ago. Jim, Ottawa
A
. Your provenance is sound. This parlour chair was made very close to 1895 and could be called a “parlour reception chair” — possibly bought through the Eaton’s of Canada catalogue for about $9. At this time, a man or woman with typing and shorthand skills could earn between $5 and $8 per week. It was advertised as “curly birch,” which is beautifully evident in the oval back panel. It is topped with a heart-centred ribbon and flanked by scrolls within scrolls — all typical of Art Nouveau styles. Signs of a Quebec manufacturer are evident in the inverted fleur-de-lis at the seat back. It is a showpiece, and I picture it in a salon for a musical soirée. It has been well-preserved and its worth is, soundly, $250.
Q
. I have two oval picture frames, 61 by 46 centimetres (24 by 18 inches) with glass that is bubble-shaped. They are 100 years old. I just wiped them down with a damp cloth because I did not want to use any chemicals on them. Is it possible for you to appraise them? Louise, Elliot Lake
A.
These oval picture frames have aged just as you suggest and were very popular for family member portraits around 1900. The bowed, bubble or convex glass gave an added dimension to the contents and is revered by collectors. They appear to be wood with a dark varnish and gilt gesso applications that are in great shape. Each frame with glass would have cost about $1.25 — at a time when 25 cents more for bowed glass would make people stop and think about choosing it over flat glass. Picture frames of interest have been a sleeper in the collecting world. The condition is excellent, as they are often found chipped to varying degrees. Pairs are always worth more than twice the price for a single. Your pair is worth about $125.
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 must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.) Appraisal values are estimates only.