Ask an Expert

Have you inherited an interesting antique that you’d love to know more about? Or maybe you’re intrigued by a recently acquired curio and are keen to know more? Our experts are here to help you

Si ing in stately fashion

Some years ago, when visiting some of the rooms at Kensington Palace, I noticed a chair very similar to one that I own. I think it is made of walnut with barley-twist legs and arched support. It’s a lovely chair and I’d like to have some idea of its value if I were to sell it. I would appreciate any advice you could give me. Lesley Robinson, via email This salon chair looks to be early 20th- century, perhaps Dutch, and is nicely carved in walnut with barley-twist columns, as you say. There looks to be a hint of the late 19thcentury gothic revival period too, with the ! nials at the top on each side.

These chairs were very popular as furnishings in large stately homes, so that !ts in with the similar example you say you spo$ed in Kensington Palace.

Given its age, and with the current market in mind, I would estimate your chair fetching in the region of £ 40 to £60 if it were to come up for sale at auction. Peter Mason, Dawson’s

Is it a bird?

I enclose some pictures of a bird ornament that I have had for a while. I’ve tried to do some research on it and initially thought it was SylvaC, however I understand SylvaC items had an impressed number in the base. It appears to have a cellulose nish and stands about 9in high. It’s not in perfect condition and has a few chips. Please could you give me any information on this bird – its date, maker and if it has any value? Janet Breeze, via email When I ! rst looked at the pictures of your ornament, I thought it was a "ower frog. But then I realised – as it appears to be painted plaster – it’s unlikely to be so, as the unglazed plaster would absorb any water. I then thought it might be a hat pin holder, but I’m not entirely convinced. My ! nal thinking, in terms of use, is that it’s a posy vase of sorts. With regard to date, it’s very likely 1930s to 1940s. As to maker, I’m afraid I’m none the wiser. I can’t ! nd any reference to it being SylvaC and, with no markings or impressions, I can’t o#er a de! nitive opinion. Thinking of value, factoring in the chips, I’d give your ornament an estimate of £10 to £15 in the salesroom. Alison Snowdon, Fieldings

LEFT Lesley’s elegant chair was popular in stately homes in the 20th century and is similar to those at Kensington Palace. RIGHT This ornament initially stumped our expert but is possibly a 1930s posy vase.