Presidential furnishings a sign of the times
Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Antiques and collectibles often tell a story of the times when they were made. They point out the differences in olden days and now. Would you want a piece of furniture or curtains that pictured the president or your senator? Collectors of political memorabilia can find old tables, boxes, chairs, tiles, figurines, clocks and even dinner sets decorated with political pictures.
Today, plates, mugs and souvenir bandannas are about the only collectibles using presidents’ portraits. After George Washington died, the public clamored for pictures of him and, of course, there were no cameras, so, no photographs. Prints, engravings and paintings were made and hung in prominent spots in the home.
| 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. Salt and pepper shakers, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol, gold trim, Ceramic Arts Studio, 4 inches, $20. Political button, “Minnesota Women for Humphrey,” black, pink and white, celluloid, 1954, 21/4 inches, $185. Roseville hanging planter, Gardenia pattern, ocher, embossed white flowers, green petals, 6 inches, $210. Holland Butter banner, graphic of two Dutch children standing on pound of butter, gold ground, 30 x 37 inches, $250. Celluloid dresser set, pearl-ized yellow, butterscotch, black trim, 1930s, 11 pieces, $310. Royal Doulton plate, “Mary Arden’s Cottage,” Shakespeare Series, 1922, 101/4 inches, $370. Amoeba-style cocktail table, free-form inset glass top, bleached ash and birch veneer, 1950s, 52 x 30 x 15 inches, $515. Boston &Sandwich glass candlestick, apple green, petal-form socket on columnar square-step base, 1850-65, 9 inches, $560. Steiff Red Riding Hood doll, pressed felt swivel head, black shoe-button eyes, red cape, 101/2 inches, $910. Appliqued quilt, Sunbonnet Sue, red and white, picket finch border, 1800s, 84 x 88 inches, $1,200. |
A well-known fabric made in France for the American market pictured Benjamin Franklin, Lady Liberty and angels heralding Washington’s arrival to heaven. The English Staffordshire potters made busts and large standing figurines that were portraits of Washington.
In the late 19th century, probably because of the centennial celebration in 1876, cabinet makers made expensive furniture with inlay decoration picturing Washington, his wife, Abraham Lincoln and other heroes. Tastes and times have changed, and today there is little demand for home furnishings that feature pictures of past presidents.
