Inscriptions could add value to World's Fair collectibles

A: Our reader adds that, according to inscription on the inside, the chest that measures 20ƒ inches high, 37.75 inches wide and 20¼ inches deep was exhibited as a “masterpiece.”

In photos sent, we see a handsome wooden chip-carved piece in classic treasure-chest shape with a domed top and decorative brass straps. Wood-burned print on the inside dated 1931 has provenance and linkage, stating that it was bought by Robert Lindblom, Esq. for his daughter and how she later gave it to et cetera.

Smart collectors know that the piece can be assessed in several ways. First, as memorabilia from an immensely popular World’s Fair, and also a decorative item … one with stated provenance.

Marsha Dixey, a specialist in historical Americana at Heritage Auctions in Dallas, agrees.

Looking over the photos, Dixey said, “A wooden chip carved chest such as this certainly has a nice value all on its own.”

She adds, “This type of item was sold in the expo hall of the Swedish Building at the Columbian World’s Fair.” That info tells us that it was originally a souvenir from the fair. But it was a high-end souvenir.

“What adds particular value to this piece is the inscription carved into the wood,” adds Dixey.

Robert Lindblom, a Swedish immigrant, became an important Chicago businessman. A significant figure in bringing the fair to Chicago, he was appointed a director of the fair. As a result of his efforts, Lindblom also served as Swedish Royal Commissioner to the event and was later knighted by the King of Sweden.

We’ve often written about the attraction of souvenirs for early World’s Fair attendees. Before the era of selfies, leaving a fair with a marked item from the event was the only way to prove one had attended. This chest is a perfect illustration of how souvenirs came in all sizes and shapes, and at a wide range of prices.

In Lindblom’s case, we’ll call the chest a memento.

Inserting background on the original buyer enriches provenance and makes the piece more interesting. Certainly it did to someone (we’ll infer that it was a later owner) in 1931 who burned it into the chest.

According to Dixey, “A pedigree of this type would add value for anyone collecting 1893 World’s Fair items.” She estimates value at $1,500.

The key to value on this type of item is finding the right buyer. Who knows? A World’s Fair collector who specializes in the Columbian event, who is of Swedish background and values the chest for its pedigree and/or aesthetics, could bump up the price significantly!