Combining classic techniques with modern sensibilities
Glass can be extremely difficult to identify and date. Fortunately for collectors, the vase pictured here is signed and dated: Lundberg Studios, 1977. Lundberg Studios, founded in 1970 and still active, makes iridescent glass with shapes and patterns reminiscent of famous art glass makers like Tiffany. They are not copies or reproductions but contemporary pieces taking inspiration from older styles.
When it comes to contemporary glass (which Kovels defines as glass made after about 1970), the highest prices usually go to sculptural, avant-garde pieces made with unconventional techniques; simpler, more traditional pieces can be bargains. For example, this vase at Rivich Auction sold for $94 — a fraction of the value of similar-looking vases from the art nouveau and art deco eras of the early 20th century. But remember, all it takes for a contemporary piece to become an antique is time.
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Q: I want to know the value of these Tropicana Hotel Las Vegas silver charms. One is listed on eBay for $129.99 the other for $54.99. The only difference I can see is that the $129.99 charm has a tag on it that reads “Las Vegas Nevada.” Both have a mark on the bottom that reads “sterling.” That is the only mark.
A: Sellers can list their items on eBay for any price, but that doesn’t mean they will get customers who pay that price. Online sellers may have to lower their asking prices or accept a customer’s best offer. To get a better idea of an item’s value, search for sold prices on eBay (use the Advanced Search page and click the box for “Sold Items”).
There are some collectors’ clubs that specialize in Las Vegas memorabilia. For more information, you may want to contact the Casino Collectibles Association (ccgtcc.com). Don’t forget about crossover appeal! Many collectibles fit into more than one category, which can increase their desirability (and value). Hotel charms like these may also interest collectors of vintage jewelry, travel souvenirs and advertising.
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Q: I have three antique chairs. There are a rush seat rocking chair and a rush seat chair that are 105 years old in very good condition. They were given to my grandparents as a wedding gift in February 1919. The other is a Kennedy rocker that my mother had for approximately 50 years. I am wondering what is the value of these chairs; especially the rush seat 105-year-old chairs.
A: The 105-year-old chairs come from the Golden Oak furniture period. This was one of the first types of mass-produced furniture. Despite the name, furniture from this period was not only made of oak. Combinations of woods were used. Rush seat chairs from this period usually sell for about $50 to $150 each.
The Kennedy rocker is named after John F. Kennedy, who had about 14 rockers specially made for the White House by P & P Chair Company of Asheboro, North Carolina. Many other companies made rockers in a similar style, which sell for about $100 to $200 today.
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TIP: To remove the remains of masking tape and labels from glass, rub the spot with WD-40 lubricating and penetrating oil.
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CURRENT PRICES
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
Jewelry, earrings, iridescent pink center stone, pearl and aurora borealis rhinestone surround, gold tone, clip-on, Schiaparelli, 1 1/4 inches, $60.
Copeland Spode, Plate, dinner, Reynolds, multicolor, fruit bowl, flowers, 10 1/2 inches, 15 pieces, $110.
Textile, weaving, pictorial, bear, stylized, red, white beaded trim, dark blue ground, red side borders, Tlingit, 20th century, 38 x 36 inches, $160.
Furniture, desk, postcard, wicker, painted, green, solid top, openwork frieze and skirt, X-shape stretcher base, 1920s, 36 x 28 x 22 inches, $185.
Sewing, lacemaker’s lamp, whale oil, pewter, two lenses, stepped round foot, early 1800s, 9 inches, $220.
Enamel, vase, champleve, multicolor, raised flowers and leaves, elephant’s head handles, ebonized wood base, Chinese, c. 1870, 18 inches, $280.
Print, Parrish, Romance, mountain landscape with castles, carved wood frame, The House Of Art, N.Y., c. 1924, 25 x 16 inches, $530.
Libbey, compote, amberina, panel optic, ruffled rim, spool connector, round foot, alexandrite edge, signed, late 1800s, 8 x 12 inches, $560.