The Lunar New Year, as observed in East Asian cultures, occurs on the first day of the first lunar month, not on a calendar date. In 2025, it falls on January 29. It is celebrated in China, North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and many other countries. Festivities include parades, fireworks, exchanging gifts and, most importantly, family reunions and traditional meals.

Each year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals. The animals that belong to the zodiac can vary among cultures and are usually based on which animals are native to the region. The most common is the Chinese zodiac, which has been used for over 2,000 years. It consists of the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

The year 2025 is the Year of the Snake. These animals play important roles in mythology and folklore. They also appear in decorative arts. This cloisonne charger, which sold at Keystone Auction LLC for $500, is effectively an illustration of the zodiac cycle. All 12 animals are pictured around the rim, in order, counter-clockwise, separated by panels with flowers.

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Q: I have an antique footlocker with a key and a removable shelving unit. The lock says, “Patented with Eagle Lock Co. / EVURS / Terryville, Conn USA”. What can you tell me about it? What is its value?

A: The Eagle Lock Company was established in Terryville, Connecticut, in the mid-1800s. It was a consolidation of several lock manufacturers in the area, including the James Terry Company, which was founded by the son of clockmaker Eli Terry Jr. Terryville is named after the family. In the 1800s, the Lock Company was the world’s largest maker of trunk and cabinet locks. Production slowed after World War II. The company was sold in the 1960s and closed in 1975. Their locks are sought by collectors and often appear on antique furniture and trunks. The letters “EVURS” are probably a code for the model of the lock. Antique trunks with Eagle locks sell for about $75 to $250, depending on their size, material and condition.

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Q: Can you tell me if my Singer sewing machine has any value? It has a red eye decal design and a treadle “drop down” cabinet. There are several patent dates on the machine starting with 1900-1910. It’s from the G series: G5350458. It’s in good condition.

A: Singer made the G series sewing machine in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Your serial number is for model number 44, made in 1917. According to the International Sewing Machine Collectors’ Society, Singer used the “Red Eye” or “Red Head” decal, officially named “Scroll (red)” for its gilt scrolls and red shapes, between 1902 and 1923 on machines made in the U.S. These machine models were part of Singer’s 66 class, which were made in both hand and treadle machines. We have seen this model of sewing machine sell for anywhere from about $50 to $300. Working condition and the presence of accessories increase the value.

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TIP: Some disciplined collectors have a rule: Add a new piece to the collection only if you can get rid of a less desirable old one. Many of us just keep adding.

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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.

Photography, camera, Polaroid, instruction book, brown leather case, 10 x 9 x 3 inches, $25.

Cash register, receipt box, National, cast iron, nickel finish, three glass panels, c. 1900, 6 x 7 x 7 inches, $85.

Jewelry, pin, figural, snake, Etruscan style, coiled, textured scales, cabochon eyes, ruby, jade, marked, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1985, 2 inches, $130.

Pottery-midcentury, bowl, raised dots around side, blue and purple tones, black ground, rough texture, mottled gray interior, short foot, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Italy, 4 x 10 inches, $160.

Clock, advertising, Longines, electric, round dial, The World’s Most Honored Watch, script lettering, lights up, 14 1/2 inches, $170.

Lamp base, electric, prancing goats on arm and around base, pierced triangular base, ring finial, signed, Robert Garret Thew, 1920s, 58 inches, $210.

Rug, Arts & Crafts, light blue field, repeating yellow and salmon stylized flowers, leafy lattice, flower vine border, William Morris, runner, 2 feet 8 inches x 7 feet 10 inches, $290.

Glass-Bohemian, box, jewelry, hinged lid, rectangular, green flashed, cut to clear, ormolu mounts, 1800s, 3 x 4 inches, $520.

Furniture, sideboard, H.W. Klein, teak, two cabinets, sliding doors, flanking four drawers, recessed square pulls, bracket base, paper label, Bramin, Denmark, 17 1/2 x 88 inches, $1,125.

Furniture, mirror, Victorian, bamboo, shield shape, pierced crest, embossed ground, rectangular glass, side & lower shelves, c. 1900, 25 x 21 inches, pair, $1,665.