19th century New England resting ram figurine was a doorstop

Antique stoneware was often used in small local potteries in 19th-century New England. They made useful objects in molds and fanciful figurines and vases that could be decorated by hand. Bristol-slip glaze was popular because it was scratch-resistant and added color.

One amateur artist made a resting ram to be used as a doorstop. The 9-inch hand-molded animal sold for $144, probably because it was missing part of his horn and an ear.

Q: I was left a Lane Cedar Chest that has an aroma tightness feature. The size of the chest is 17½ inches high, 19 inches deep and 44 inches wide. The inside of the chest is in excellent condition, but the outside does have some wear on it. I’m not sure if it’s worth holding on to. Is it worth anything?

A: Lane started in 1912 as the Standard Red Cedar Chest Co. in Altavista, Virginia. John Lane was president and his son, Ed, was vice president and general manager. It became The Lane Co. in 1922. The company was known for its cedar chests, which were often used as “hope chests” by brides-to-be. Lane began making occasional tables in 1951 and expanded to include lines of bedroom, living room and dining room furniture in the 1960s and ’70s. Today, Lane is owned by United Furniture Industries. You can find the age of your Lane chest by looking for the serial number on the bottom. If you read the number backward, you will find the production date. For example, serial number 753150 indicates the chest was produced on 05/13/57. An extra digit at the end of the serial number is the plant number. Lane cedar chests made before 1987 have the old-style locks that can latch shut and trap a child inside. Those locks should be removed or replaced. Value depends on style and condition. Some Lane chests sell for less than $50, others for over $100.

From a reader: The advertisement for the cold Cream of Wheat pictured on your July 2 column was not showing cold, lumpy breakfast cereal. It was showing a pudding. The pudding was made from uncooked Cream of Wheat, lingonberry or other fruit juice, lemon juice and sugar. It was cooked for about five minutes and then set aside to cool. When cool, it was beaten with a mixer for at least 10 minutes, until it was light and fluffy. Then it was chilled for at least two hours. It was served with fruit, cream or whipped cream.

Q: I have a piece of Weller pottery that was my grandfather’s. It’s stamped “Weller” on the base. He was a barber and used this piece to hold used towels in the barber shop. I’m not looking to sell, but I would like to know more about the piece. I’ve seen some pieces with a similar glaze (dark green and burgundy) but haven’t been able to find anything else the same shape or size.

A: Samuel A. Weller started a pottery in Fultonham, Ohio, in 1872. The pottery moved to Zanesville, Ohio, in 1882. By 1915, it was the largest art pottery in the world. Hundreds of lines of pottery were made. Weller’s prestige lines were discontinued around 1920. Commercial lines were made until the pottery closed in 1948. Some old Weller pottery sells for thousands of dollars. Pieces made in the 1920s and later are more affordable. It’s impossible to do a good appraisal if you can’t handle the piece. You should take it to someone nearby who sells antique pottery or send an email with a picture to Kovels.com.

Q: I want to sell a vintage lamp made by H.A. Best Lamp Co. of Chicago. It has a bronze base and domed glass shade. What is its value?

A: Harry Arthur Best started the H.A. Best Lamp Co. around 1915. The company made lamps in art nouveau and arts and crafts styles. It was in business until about 1935. The value of your lamp depends on the type of shade. Some H.A. Best Co. lamps with caramel glass shades have sold for $250 to $850.

Tip: Take the glass covers on your old light fixtures and wash them on the top rack of the dishwasher, but only if they are not painted or enameled. Use the lowest heat possible on your dishwasher.

On the block

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

Royal Doulton, Bunnykins figurine, Halloween, DB 132, mouse popping out of jack-o’-lantern, stem end on head, brown mouse, orange pumpkin with yellow stripes, Graham Tongue, 1993-97, 3¼ inches, $60.

Textile, Christopher Columbus, holding globe with America printed on it, 1492-1892, F.N. and crosses on sides, blue, red and yellow on white ground, World’s Columbian Exposition, 1893, gilt frame, 34¾ by 24¾ inches, $135.

Purse, handbag, Judith Leiber, taupe ostrich, two handles, gold tone clasp, interior compartments, coin pouch, mirror, metal tag with Judith Leiber New York logo, 8 by 11 by 3½ inches, $275.

Peking glass snuff bottle, red seaweed on frosted and crackled ground, bronze stopper cap with ropework trim, 2¾ by 1½ inches, $300.

Wood carving, House Bird, black alder wood, smooth finish, two steel wire legs, Charles and Ray Eames, original Vitra Design Museum box, 8 by 11 by 3¼ inches, $460.

Furniture, chair, Windsor, bow back, nine spindles plus two side spindles, continuous arm, bamboo turned legs, black paint, Pennsylvania, circa 1820, 35 inches, $550.

Rookwood vase, forest scene, vellum glaze, slightly tapered form, flared and rolled rim, marked, Frederick Rothenbusch, 1920, 7¾ inches, $685.

Jewelry, pin, grasshopper playing lute, figural, 18K yellow gold, enamel details, ruby eyes, Italy, 1970s, 2 by 1¼ inches, $935.

Furniture, table, coffee, two-piece wood base supporting glass top with three curved sides, midcentury modern, Isamu Noguchi for Herman Miller, circa 1950, 16 by 50 by 36 inches, $1,500.

Pottery, bowl, blue stylized figures connected at hands and feet, textured brown glaze, steep sides, short foot, marked, Edwin and Mary Scheier, New Hampshire, 8¼ by 7¼ inches, $1,750.