Q: I inherited this pottery from my aunt, who collected from about 1930 to 1990. One is Roseville, but I cannot identify the others. I'm hoping that the one with fancy gilded trim is more than a standard gift shop piece.
A: The three pieces seen in images were collected at a time when art pottery was hot. The market has changed, but more about that later. Back in the early days of your aunt's collecting, all were better items.
One is a green Roseville Magnolia vase from 1943. Made in Zanesville, Ohio, the 6-inch vase now sells, if in excellent condition, for $50 to $100. That's a shocker, considering the prices for Roseville production wares several decades back, and it reflects the massive hit pottery in general has taken in today's economy.
The reader adds that another piece, a 14 1/4-inch high blue vase, has "extravagant 3-D fruit." A 7-inch high vase with gold has no marks at all.
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Because quality vases and fancy ceramics often sell for more when outsized, one would think that the tall vase loaded with dramatic grapes is the most valuable piece. Call it a size plus fancy plus drama equals big bucks equation.
But Don Treadway, a Cincinnati-based specialist in 20th-century art pottery, says that's not always so. He pegged the remaining two pieces, including the tall vase, as Amphora. A maker of earthenware and porcelain wares based in Turn-Teplitz, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), Amphora produced quantities of porcelain figures and Art Nouveau vases for export around 1900.
Art Pottery produced from 1892 to around 1918 is most desired, especially finely painted pieces and those designed by founders Edward Stellmacher and Rudolf Kessel.
Despite Amphora's stellar rep, value on the large grape vase is "maybe $100 to $200," said Treadway. The design is "fairly common," and pieces found are often damaged because of the high-relief design. In sum, said Treadway, "today's collectors are very picky and would not be aggressive pursuing an example such as this."
Smart collectors know that, like everything, collecting is cyclical. What's down today may be tomorrow's darling. Who knows? In a decade or so, the vase could appreciate big time. Or not. It's all up to demand.
The small, double-handled Amphora vase that has our reader wondering is decorated with fine hand-painted gold. Treadway pronounced it "very appealing to buyers." In mint condition, it could bring $200 to $400.
FYI: Treadway Toomey Galleries (www.treadwaygallery.com) sell a variety of 20th Century design.
Q: What's the value on my four Libbey glasses that came with Duz laundry soap?
A: In the 1960s and '70s, Duz sold several styles of the glassware. "Golden Wheat" glasses from the early '70s are so new that collectors want the glasses in top condition in original boxes. We found boxed tumblers and stem wines on eBay for $9.99.
Q: How do I find value on two old "saucy" films, also a film of the old Les Paul trio from 1925-1935?
A: The reels are for vastly different collecting audiences. Film historians may be interested in both, but the saucies (quaint by today's standards) are more general. The Les Paul film is a specialty part of music history.
There is no track record for similar reels, so I cannot quote you a price. Value depends on content, demand, rarity and condition.
If marketed widely, the films will find a level. If you're a gambler, try one or two on eBay at a reserve you can live with. See how they go.
Q: How do we sell a button collection started in the 1940s? How do I find button collectors?
A: Key www.nationalbuttonsociety.org for a list of local shows. Regional chapters in many states host shows where buttons are bought and sold. A visit will clue you in on current values and help you contact chapter officers.
Because button collectors amass by category (glass, uniform, figurals, etc.), selling the collection as a whole may be problematic.
AUCTION ACTION
Probably a storefront decoration or display piece dating from 1910-1920, a 41-inch circumference German papier-mache clockwork pumpkin head brought $10,350 in a recent toy, doll and advertising auction at James D. Julia in Maine. A large hole at back of the pumpkin head exposes a clockwork motor that activates the eyes and tongue. When the mechanism is activated, his tongue darts and the crossed eyes roll about. The head is about 11 1/2 inches high without his hat. Halloween is a uniquely American holiday, and he was probably made for the American market. Unusual early decorations are avidly collected.
Danielle Arnet welcomes questions from readers. She cannot respond to each one individually but will answer those of general interest in her column. Send e-mail to smartcollector@comcast.net or write Danielle Arnet, c/o Tribune Media Services, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611. Please include an address in your query. Photos cannot be returned.