Rocker begs a closer look
Q. This rocking chair is made of elm wood. It is solid, in very good condition and has never been restored, refinished or repaired as long as I have owned it. The wood arms are well worn from people happily sitting in it. It was purchased in an upscale antique shop in Ripley, Surrey, England, in 1973. At that time the pound was four or five times a Canadian dollar. Oh, for those days as the antique market is way down. I would appreciate your knowledge as to what it may be worth today and any other information. Sylvia, Kitchener
A. Your country ladderback chair is quite a surprise. At first glance, with its perfect colour and wear, it appears to be a modern chair with heavier upright turned posts and a robust front stretcher. A second glance reveals very fine joinery done by an experienced furniture maker. The curved slats or ‘steps’ are quite finely shaped and there are extra turned details on the arms. The early features of the front posts ending with a pad and ‘ball’ foot, the little ‘drop spurs’ on the back slats and double ‘bulb’ front stretcher confirm this as a vernacular chair made in the Lancashire region of England around 1790. It has been well preserved with an appropriate ‘rush’ seat and is a fine example. Its value will be realized from an aficionado of early and rare British furniture at $650.
Q . This lovely plate has been in my family for many years. It was found in a small Quebec village and measures 32 centimetres long and 25 cm wide (12.5 by 10 inches). From its blue markings: ‘Stone China No. 6’ under a crown sitting over two laurel branches, I would presume that is of British origin. Someone repaired it with staples a long time ago. Any information as to its provenance and age would be much appreciated. Jacques, Ottawa
A . You have a magnificent small platter that is over 180 years old. As you suspected it is British, made by the firm of Hicks & Meigh, of Shelton, founded in 1806. They took on a third partner of Johnson in 1822 and continued with the three names until 1835. Pattern ‘No. 6’ is one of their ‘Japan’ lines including the urn, tree peonies and water lilies. This is high-grade ironstone pottery (a.k.a. stone china). The scored backside (corrugated texture) is an early sign and this will date to 1820. An appreciative owner incurred the costly expense of the stapled repair. Undamaged, this would be worth $450. Still, it is a wonderful and rare decoration worth far more than its resale value of $100.
Q . I found this Karoly Szegvary painting at the Christie Antique Show. I was drawn to her beauty. The painting was damaged on the ride to the market. I’m wondering if spending $1,000-plus to have the painting repaired would be a wise investment? It is signed with a date of 1966 and ‘Budapest.’ Anything you can tell me about my painting would be greatly appreciated. Kandie, Strathroy
A . Your painting by a relatively unknown artist is full of surprises. Szegvary was born in Toszeg, Hungary in 1920 and died in Budapest in 2002. Interestingly, this painting is the same image as an artist who died in 1920: Sweden’s Anders Zorn, who produced his famous painting “Madonna,” in 1900. Artists have and do go to major galleries to copy paintings to learn and practise painting techniques. Szegvary did more than one copy several years apart. It is worth restoring, since buyers like the popular subject of ‘mother and child’ and also admire Zorn’s works that have sold for over a million dollars. The damage, confined to the background, is a less-costly fix by an expert. Most of his paintings sell for under $1,000 but with this strong subject it might be worth $1,500.
John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to this 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 must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.) Appraisal values are estimates only.