by Lisa C. Cantwell
Dear Reader: This is a column to help you determine the history and value of your heirlooms, attic finds, flea market purchases or antique items. Please send a picture and description of your piece, such as how you acquired it and any details about its history to tomandlisa@wildblue.net. I’ll research any item, whether it’s a piece of furniture, a painting, a tool, a doll, a figurine, or an article of clothing. An approximate value will be determined to inform you if it’s a “Trinket or Treasure.” Please submit all pictures and questions by the preceding 15th the month for possible publication in the next monthly issue of The Catoctin Banner. All inquiries will be answered; however, only those selected for publication will include approximate value assessments. Furthermore, not all submissions may be published in the Banner due to space considerations. Please include your name or initials and where you reside. Thank you and happy treasure hunting!
“I bought this plate from a gentleman who said a lady gave it to him, and she had bought it from an estate sale in Philadelphia. She further said it came from a villa in Italy. It’s made of bronze or thin brass and is about three feet in diameter.”
— RL Eyler, Thurmont
You have a decorative treasure! After much research, so far, I’ve not found another with a Roman or Biblical scene of the slaughter of innocents by Herod. The portraits of the explorers are unique, also. It makes a nice focal point and is very detailed, but these plates are common. Many were made in the 19th and 20th centuries in England, of brass, primarily. They were affordable décor, often came in pairs, and depicted pub scenes, ships, fruit, the fox hunt, and historic themes. France, Italy, Germany, and Holland also produced these plates of bronze, copper, and brass. So far, I’ve found one “Adam and Eve” plate, made in the 16th century in Germany of repoussé and chased brass. It was quite valuable, of course. Because there’s no identifying mark as to its Italian heritage, I’d value this plate between $18.00 to $24.00 as a fair price. If your plate had a mate, you could expect to ask $35.00, or a bit more for the pair. Thank you for sharing this brass plate.
“ I am interested in having two chairs appraised. They are in very good condition and the wood is beautifully carved. I
have attached several photos of each one. The chair with red fabric has a small wooden end broken off on the left side. There is also a split in the top rail on the right side. The chair with beige fabric has nothing broken or missing as far as I can tell. They have been in my husband’s family for many years. We had them re-upholstered several years ago. Can you give us an idea of their value? We have recently moved to a smaller house and are interested in selling them and want to know a fair price.
— Christine Joyner, Thurmont 
These chairs are heirloom treasures! These two lovely heirlooms are antebellum fireside or parlor chairs in the Rococo style and made of walnut. Chairs such as these were made throughout the 19th century and graced Victorian homes. Yours may date to 1860. Finely carved, the large eagle on the beige chair is highly desirable among collectors and sets it apart. More common images are found on the red, smaller chair, with its Grecian lady’s profile on the back and noble ladies’ heads carved on the arms. The upholstery is correct for the period in shade and pattern. These chairs were originally part of a larger parlor set and would be of more value as a unit. My sources indicate that the larger beige chair is of most value and $275-$300 would be a good asking price in the current market. The smaller, red chair, with its tassel carvings and ladies’ faces, might fetch $175 due to its cracks and missing piece. Demand is not high for these parlor chairs, as there are many available at auction. Less ornate chairs have sold for as little as $75.00. A carved, high back, red-tufted Victorian chair is selling at a local antique market for $175.00. Still, your chairs have beauty and character and, if you are in no hurry, the right buyer may make you an offer you cannot refuse. Thank you for sharing them.
Please note: Prices realized at actual market may differ from those printed here. Neither The Catoctin Banner newspaper, nor the author, bear responsibility for a difference
