Is a red-and-white glass decanter made of cased glass, flashed glass or stained glass? All three were methods of adding color to a clear glass piece to make it more decorative. The cost and quality of each is different, and collectors should look carefully and ask questions before they buy.
Stained glass is the least expensive way to color glass. This method uses a staining material that is brushed on, becomes red or amber, and adheres to the glass when heated. The layer of material is very thin, and if cleaned too vigorously, it could wear off. It often is used to color pressed glass.
Flashed glass is made by using an added thin layer of glass over a different color glass. It is made by taking a “gather” of hot glass, dipping it into a second colored glass, then blowing it into shape. It leaves a thin layer of glass but makes a piece that seems to be made of one solid color, which would be more valuable.
Cased or plated glass is the most expensive. It is made by putting a thick layer of glass over a glass piece of a different color. It can be decorated on the outside layer or cut to expose the inside layer. Look at the rim at the top of a cased vase, and you’ll see two distinct layers. Some glass, like rubina verde, is made with a yellow glass body and red glass added inside. It makes a two-color glass.
To make this even more difficult for beginners, there are many different ways to decorate the outside of any of these glass pieces. The glass can be cut through to a different color or just in a clear section. It can be painted on the outside with gilt and enamel to make decorations in many colors.
A very elaborate pair of Bohemian flashed glass decanters with cut and enameled decorations sold at a recent Cowan auction for $1,920.
Q: I have a Woodard kitchen table set that I believe is from the 1960s. It has four chairs and a round table with two leaves. Can you tell me what the set is worth?
A: In 1866, Lyman E. Woodard bought a lumber-planing mill in Owosso, Michigan. He and his three brothers started Woodard Brothers in 1867, and made wood furniture, window and door sashes, blinds and caskets. Lyman bought his brothers’ shares in 1890. He died in 1904 and the management of the company shifted to his sons. In the 1930s, Woodard’s son Lee pioneered the use of wrought iron for outdoor furniture. Lee’s three sons were responsible for marketing, and the company eventually became Woodard and Sons. During World War II, production shifted to parts for trucks, tanks and naval and aircraft equipment, but by 1946, they had resumed making metal furniture. They are noted for their mid-century designs, especially the Sculptura line, which can sell today for thousands of dollars.
Wrought iron, aluminum and wicker furniture marked Woodard still is being made, though the company has changed hands and is no longer owned by the Woodard family. Your set probably dates from the 1960s. The chairs are wrought iron and the table appears to be wood. The set’s value is about $75.
Q: My family has a photograph of a female relative done by the Chicago Portrait Co. This is a photograph, not a painting or drawing. It’s in a frame with a domed glass cover. How can I determine the date of the photograph?
A: The Chicago Portrait Co. was in business from 1893 to at least 1940. The company was known for its portraits made from old photographs, which were sold by traveling salesmen. The photographs were enlarged and colored with pastels, watercolor, oil paint, crayon or India ink, or created with sepia tones and then printed on a curved piece of cardboard. The salesman brought the picture back in a domed wood frame, making it more expensive than just buying the picture alone. Since the picture was on curved cardboard, it had to be displayed in a domed frame. The salesman made his money by getting the customer to buy the expensive frame. Domed glass frames were popular from about 1880 to 1920.
Q: I have an original Stearne Collectable Humphrey B Bear circa 1965 and have only been able to find this bear in the Victoria Museum. I’m wondering what the value of my bear is and whether I should be offering it for sale or donate it to a museum.
A: Humphrey B. Bear was the main character in a children’s TV show that started in Australia in 1965. Several toy companies made Humphrey B. Bear toys and other items for kids. The L.J. Co., started by Leo Sterne, was in business from 1939 to 1971. Sterne started working in his garage but was using mass production by 1941. He opened a factory in Melbourne, Australia, in 1946.
Soft toys based on characters on children’s TV shows were made beginning in 1958. Humphrey B. Bear, introduced after the show began in 1965, was one of the most popular Sterne toys. The bear, dressed in a vest, tie and hat, even has his own Facebook page. The bear is in the museum as part of its History Collection and was donated by the estate of Leo Sterne after Sterne died. The bear sells for $20-$90, depending on size and condition.
Tip: Always remove a book from the shelf to dust. All sides need cleaning.
Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer questions sent to the column. The amount of mail makes personal answers or appraisals impossible. Write to Kovels, The Daily Herald, King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.
Current prices
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.
Adams Pottery, cup, little gray rabbit, verse, bunny with basket, flowers, squared handle, $22.
World’s Fair photo album, 1962, Seattle, gold-tone metal, century 21, monorail, accordion-style, 4 by 3 inches, $25.
Window, leaded, alternating yellow daisies and leaves, portrait medallions, 59 3/4 by 14 1/4 inches, pair, $50.
Raggedy Ann doll, cloth with striped dress and candy corn buttons, hand stitched facial features with auburn yarn hair, 19 inches, $90.
Vienna Art, square, Rococo style, green border, woman, wavy brown hair, red flower, 1905, 10 inches, $125.
Game table, Neoclassical, mahogany, foldover, crossbanded, pedestal, paw feet, 30 inches, $345.
Hutschenreuther tea set, teapot, creamer, cup and saucer, scenes of Munich, blue, gold, circa 1860, 8 pieces, $720.
Wheatley pottery vase, olive green, celadon streak, molded blue iris, squat, cylinder neck, 1880, 9 inches, $750.
Grooming kit, men’s travel set, sterling silver, Gillette razor, brush, soap box, shaving brush and toothbrush holder, W. Kerr, circa 1900, $895.
Weller vase, Eocean Rose, pale green, purple thistle, tubular, three square cutout handles, 16 inches, $3,235.
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