Florists use Hoosier Glass, which has little value

- Ann, Tucson

A: Hoosier is commercial glass and not highly collectible. Much is used by florists, to hold cut flowers for sale. I suspect that's the original purpose for the vase seen in a sketch. Most pieces sell at under $10.

Q: I've decided to sell a Belter sofa, a gentleman's chair, one or two side chairs, and two slipper chairs. All are carved in the Rosalie pattern. In a column on Belter, you suggested Artfact. Any other marketing suggestions for me?

- Carolyn, Claremore, Okla.

A: A chair and sofa seen in photos are handsome. Each certainly has the Belter "look," but they must be assessed by a Belter specialist.

I can tell you that many top auction houses would love to sell the furniture, especially if they feel they are authentic examples from John Henry Belter, the pre-Civil War furniture maker.

Other period cabinetmakers worked in the same "French" rococo style, and identification of true Belter is not easy. As a result, academic nitpicking is an occupational hazard in the world of Belter experts. If a definitive identification becomes difficult, be prepared to see your treasures catalogued as "in the style of" Belter.

I always suggest that when you think you have something special, pay for short-term use of www.artfact.com or other auction results databases. That way, you see realized prices. Results also show which auction houses had luck with your treasures. Knowing that makes selecting auctions to approach an easier process.

Now is not a great time to sell Victorian furniture, but the old rule stands: The best always sells best. And Belter is the best of a kind. With good merchandise to sell, your responsibility is to sell smart.

Q: My John F. Kennedy PT-109 motorized toy boat has never been opened. It's a 1:32 scale model. Value?

- Constance, Hampton, Va.

A: Unopened toys still packaged as they were when new in a store are MIB, or mint in the box. Unfortunately, the reader does not mention if the boat is old or new, remote controlled or on/off, and other variables. Many versions of JFK's command boat have been made, and value varies widely.

I recommend tracking online sales, certainly eBay completed sales, for a similar model. New versions by Lindberg are $87.93 on Amazon.com.

Q. I bought this vase in Jamaica decades ago. The only mark on the bottom reads, "France." I've never seen another like it. What is it worth?

- Belle, Sunrise, Fla.

A: Seen in a photo, the ceramic vase is in the style of an ancient Greek amphora, but the handles are flattened and stylistic. Very modern.

The shape is amphora-like, but too tall and elongated to be authentic. Raised decoration resembles Wedgwood's version of Greek figures, but is not as finely done. In short, the vase is a contemporary decorative piece designed to appeal to neoclassical tastes.

Value is as a decorative piece. For an idea where it stands in the current market, I recommend that you contact an auction house new to Florida. A branch of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers (www.lesliehindman.com), a Chicago powerhouse, opened this month in Naples. Evaluation days as well as in-house sales are planned.

Q: Here are two Paul Klee paintings I want authenticated. I also want to find out their value. How do I do that?

- Michael, Melbourne, Fla.

A: The framed artworks seen in images seem to be prints, not paintings. For authentication and value, a certified appraiser who specializes in art is needed. See info below on how to find one in your area.

If the goal is to sell, a good auction house that sells paintings and prints will price them before selling. It's in their interest that you get top dollar, so expect an expert assay.

FYI: To find a professional appraiser in your area, key: www.appraisersassoc.org, www.isa-appraisers.org or www.appraisers.org

AUCTION ACTION

Estimated at $40,000 to $50,000, a large fossil palm frond from the Eocene period of the Green River Formation in Wyoming did not sell when offered recently at Bonham's and Butterfields in Los Angeles. The fossil, in its original matrix, shows the subtropical climate of the area 51 million years ago, as it grew in an ancient lake system surrounded by lush vegetation, fish, turtles and crocodiles.