It’s a current trend to buy inexpensive old furniture and paint, decorate or otherwise alter it into something new. Some people may see this as disrespectful to history, but it’s a practice that has been going on for hundreds of years. After all, access to mass-produced “fast furniture” is a recent development; historically, everyday items like furniture and clothing were made to last, handed down for generations and altered to suit changing fashions.
Furniture of the Victorian era (about 1830-1900) came in many styles, all of which were elaborately decorated. Sometimes, earlier furniture in simpler styles like Queen Anne or Chippendale was re-carved or had veneers or inlay added to fit newer, fancier fashions. More recently, the reverse has become more common: paint is stripped off or carvings are planed away to suit more modern, simpler tastes.
This secretaire cabinet, which sold at a Bonhams auction in London, is an excellent example of the earlier trend of making furniture more elaborate. It was made around 1830, during the reign of William IV, but the auction catalog’s description included a salesroom notice saying, “the japanned decoration … is evidently of a later date.” Japanning is a type of painted finish that imitates the lacquer used by artisans in China and Japan. It was often used with gilt and colorful decorations, as shown here. The added decorations may have contributed to the cabinet’s appeal; it sold for 7,650 pounds, or about $9,274.
Q: I bought an original painting, oil on board by artist W.N. McLane (William McLane, born in Massachusetts in 1951). It is signed with two XX’s. Would you know why?
A: William (Bill) McLane is a contemporary artist known for his landscapes and still life paintings in oil on canvas. His paintings are usually signed “W.N. McLane.” Are the X’s in place of the signature, or in addition to it? “XX” is the Roman numeral for 20, so it is possible that they are meant as a date (20th century) or a number (e.g., the painting may be the 20th in a series). “X” can also stand for a kiss in informal communication, so it may have been a personalized message for the painting’s recipient. An art museum or gallery in your area may be able to help you find more information.
Q: I am in possession of various original Buster Brown memorabilia which I would like to auction or sell. Was wondering if you can put me in touch with someone who might be interested in either.
A: Buster Brown and his dog, Tige, were created by cartoonist Richard Felton Outcault in 1902. Outcault licensed his characters for advertising and sold the rights to over 50 companies. Today, Buster Brown is known as an advertising mascot more so than a comic strip character. Memorabilia is popular enough to have its own section in Kovels’ Price Guide. Our 2023 Price Book lists Buster Brown memorabilia with values from $63 (a Good Luck horseshoe bank) to $3,328 (a pin advertising Buster Brown Bread with a picture of Ty Cobb as well as Buster and Tige). You may want to contact the Antique Advertising Association of America (www.pastimes.org), a national club for collectors. There are many auctions that specialize in antique advertising, pop culture, toys and other relevant areas. Some also provide appraisal services. Look into Antique Advertising (www.antiqueadvertising.com), Morphy Auctions (www.morphyauctions.com), Milestone (www.milestoneauctions.com/), Hake’s (www.hakes.com) and more. There are many others listed in the Kovels.com Business Directory (www.kovels.com/business-directory).
Q: I have a clock left to me and we have to downsize, so I’d like to sell it. Can you help me please?
A: A working clock always sells, whether it’s to a homeowner looking for something practical to furnish a room or to a collector willing to pay a high price for a rare piece. Find out as much as you can about your clock: its style, maker, material, approximate age, condition, etc. Look closely at the dial, including the edge, and at the backplate of the movement. A maker’s name or mark, patent date or serial number are helpful details. There are many books about identifying antique clocks; look for them at your library. Once you have identifying information, check price guides like Kovel’s or look at antique stores and shows or online auction results to see what similar clocks sell for. Clocks sell at most antique and estate auctions. If there is a clock repair service in your area, they may be able to help you. You may also want to contact the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (www.nawcc.org) for more information.
TIP: Never wash lacquered wood. Just wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Water could seep into the base wood and cause damage.
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.
Cut glass, decanter, silver stopper, flute pattern, intaglio thistle, ray cut vase, 9 by 6 inches, $70.
World War II, poster, Button Your Lip, Loose Talk Can Cost Lives, red ground, black and white picture, lithograph, frame, Otto Soglow, 1942, 20 by 14 inches, $130.
Redware, ewer, yellow and red marbled glaze, side handles, hidden spout, baluster shape body, early 19th century, 12 ½ inches, $140.
Basket, Northwest Coast, rectangular, stripes, scene of canoes and fish, wrapped handles, Native American, early 20th century, 7 ½ by 13 inches, $150.
Rug, Lilihan, red field, flower sprays, leaves, navy blue border, palmettes, wool, cotton, 60 by 42 inches, $250.
Furniture, chair, side, Vernis Martin, painted back rest, Rococo style scene, gilt, scrolls, pierced back, seat cushion, 1930s, 37 ½ by 17 inches, $255.
Garden, sundial, brass, square, inscribed dial, center sun, “Tyme passeth as a shadowe” underneath, dated 1656, felt backing, 8 ¼ by 8 ¼ inches, $345.
Lamp, library, dome shade, cranberry glass, opalescent hobnail, brass frame, hanging prisms, pierced leafy vines, Victorian, 46 ½ inches, $375.
Carousel, horse, prancer, light brown, spotted, multicolor saddle, wood, painted, marked, Lyle Signs, Minneapolis, early 20th century, 51 by 46 inches, $625.
Paper, magazine, Time, Martin Luther King Jr., signed, March 19, 1965, $1,560.
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