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Q. This set of pressed glass was given to my great-grandparents as a wedding gift in 1899. It includes a breakfast set and an 11-piece berry set. The tumbler was purchased later at an antique sale. I believe these were made by King Glass Company and that the pattern is ‘King’s 500’ in cobalt blue. We value them highly in the family because of their beauty and history. It would be interesting to learn more about their current value and details about the company that made them.
A. You’ve done your homework. The pattern was introduced by the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based firm 10 years before your grandparents’ wedding — 1889 — and its popularity led to continued production, in the 1890s by the United States Glass Co. (who formed a conglomerate of glass companies, including King Glass) until 1898. Officially known as ‘No. 500’ the cobalt blue colour was advertised and introduced as ‘Dewey Blue,’ most likely in the final years of the pattern’s production — in honour of American Admiral George Dewey and his success in the Spanish War. The pattern was primarily made in clear and blue is relatively rare. Also, the intact gold — very prone to wear — is impressive. Pressed glass values have decreased significantly in the last 15 years. You might see all your pieces priced at a total of $750, which might take a while. It is a spectacular heirloom collection, regardless.
Q. I would very much like to know what these are. My mother got them from her father. He most likely got them from his father who travelled a great deal. They are 14 centimetres wide (5.5 inches) from tip to tip and 19 cm tall (7.5 inches). The metal is completely black. I appreciate any information you can give me.
A. These bizarre looking pieces are ritual wine vessels — copied from Shang Dynasty (circa 1200 BC) originals. Yours date from the 17th or 18th century and are very collectible. The originals are bronze (often maintaining a verdigris patina) and I suspect yours are, as well. If they have a mark they may be valued quite highly. Without a mark I would expect them to stand about $1,000 for the pair at auction.
Q. This cat teapot is a family possession, acquired about 1979. With the head on, it is 18 cm high (7 inches). It’s marked ‘Thun’ in script, scratched into the clay.
A. Thun (also spelled Thoune) is a town in Switzerland that has housed many small potteries throughout its history. The colourful “slip-decorated” designs on your teapot are distinctive of much Thun pottery, and are created by overlaying a terra cotta redware base with different colours of clay. Your teapot likely dates from around 1900, and is decorated with edelweiss blossoms. Not much information is available about Thun pottery, and it doesn’t appear on the market very often. An artist’s signature would definitely increase your teapot’s value. As it is, this item will also be of interest to figural teapot collectors, and should fetch around $145.
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