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q This gold pocket watch belonged to my grandmother’s uncle who died in 1871. It measures 1.75 inches wide and still keeps perfect time. I understand that the company bringing the case may not be the creator of the synchronization mechanism. The initials “CBH” appear on a stamp on the inside back cover. The mechanism is engraved with the inscription “Greenwich”. I can clearly see “18K” on the watch pendant (chain loop). I would appreciate any information about the jewelers who made this elegant gold watch. An estimate of its value would also be appreciated.
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TO Your fine watch is particularly interesting due to the lack of the manufacturer’s mark on the mechanism itself, different from the manufacturer of the case, as you will have understood. Jewelers often adapted (attached) a movement to a case for many reasons. Its box was made in 1857 by the goldsmith Cornelius Brook Holliday, Clerkenwell, London, England. The Illinois Watch Company from Springfield, Illinois, was known for making a ‘Greenwich’ move to Montgomery Neighborhood several years after the date of the case. Your case alone carries much of the value of $450. It’s a good watch.
q I received this antique vase from my mother, who had received it as a wedding gift from her uncle in 1947 in Helsinki, Finland. Her uncle was a collector who shopped at the antique stores there. Due to the revolution of 1917, many valuable objects that originally belonged to Russian emigrants were sold in Helsinki. Measures 25.5 cm tall (10 inches). There is no manufacturer’s mark. It is perfect except for slight wear on the top gold edge. I wonder if you could shed some light on where this vase may have been made. Thank you.
Christina, Ottawa
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TO Interestingly, it has a beautiful vase that follows the classic Empire styles of around the 1820s, favored and used by French companies but also by Russian porcelain manufacturers. I believe yours is French and dates from about 1840. The decoration is entirely hand painted, but the gold on the handles has a different texture and is not original. It could indicate restoration of the handle. In perfect condition it is worth $175.
q This wind-up toy has been in my family for at least 83 years and we played with it at my grandmother’s house. There are four mice: the drummer, the pianist, the director sitting on the piano lid and a dancer is missing a foot. It still ends and plays! The back is printed with ‘Marx Merrymakers Louis Marx & Co. 5th The size of Ave. NY is approximately 25 x 13 x 23 cm (10 x 5 x 9 inches). What can you tell us about its history and its value? Thanks for your consideration.
George, Orleans, Ont.
TO Marx was a successful New York toy company that began in 1919 and manufactured toys for six decades, many of which were sold in department stores. His orchestra is based on the popularity of Walt Disney’s 1920s cartoon creation ‘Mickey Mouse’, but cleverly named ‘Merrymakers’ to avoid legal problems. Toys are the most desirable for today’s collectors along with related categories such as advertising and personality and character-related items. Condition is an important factor in the value of toys and a foot will be waiting to dance with your excellent toy that costs $1,000 today.
John Sewell is an antiques and fine arts appraiser. To submit an article to his column, go to the ‘Contact John’ page on www.johnsewellantiques.ca. Measure your piece, say when and how you got it, how much you paid, and list identifying marks. A high resolution jpeg photograph must also be included. (Only email submissions are accepted.)
*Appraisal values are estimates only.*
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