Salt has played an important a role in human history as it does at the dinner table. It provides necessary nutrients, and it made food preservation possible long before refrigeration. The difficulty of obtaining it and the amount of processing required made it extremely valuable.

Many known prehistoric towns were salt production sites; human migration, trade, and even wars have been driven by access to salt. For centuries, salt was served at the table in open dishes, which collectors may call salt cellars, salt dishes open salts, or simply “salts.”

It wasn’t until the 1900s, after the discovery of additives that allowed for a finer grind and prevented lumping, that the familiar saltshaker became commonplace. Even then, some companies continued making salt dishes. They were often highly decorative, like this three-part open salt that sold for $584 at Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates. It was made in Czechoslovakia and dates to the 1920s. It features the rich colors and elaborate decorations collectors associate with the region’s glassware.

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Q: Being the curator at the Ward-Thomas Museum for over 40 years, we sometimes have strange things donated to the museum and become perplexed in trying to determine what they are and what they are used for. Such is the case of the 9×19-inch wooden board with many wire bars that slide into attached slots. A ledge-like piece on one side holds the wire bars in place. The wooden frame that holds the metal bars looks worn, leading me to believe it was held in some person’s hands while using the item. If it is a part of something else, we do not know. There is no instruction pamphlet.

A: This came as a challenge to us, too, but we suspect that what you have is a pleater, or “plaiter,” as it used to be called, to make pleats in fabric for home sewing. Similar devices, wooden boards about the same size with movable metal bars, were patented as “plaiters” in the late 1800s. Unlike the fluted irons or mechanical rollers available at the time, also known as crimpers or rufflers, these pleaters allowed for different types and sizes of pleats. Some surviving examples have paper labels with the maker’s name and instructions for use, but these labels wear away easily.

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Q: I have a complete set of flow blue china in the peach pattern. It includes a place setting for eight with serving pieces. What is the best way to sell them? Do they have any financial value?

A: China sets can be difficult to sell, but flow blue patterns are popular among collectors. Sets in various patterns have sold well over their estimates at recent auctions. “Flow blue” refers to a cobalt blue print on white china where the blue coloring flows slightly, giving the design a smeared appearance. The most famous flow blue was made in England from about 1830 to 1900. “Peach” is a flow blue pattern made by Johnson Brothers, an English company that made semiporcelain dishes starting in 1883. They introduced flow blue patterns around 1913. Depending on the condition of the pieces, your set may be worth about $300 to $500. It is usually best to sell china sets locally, if possible, to minimize the packing and shipping work and the risk of breakage. You could contact a consignment store or antiques dealer in your area. Selling to a matching service is another option; you would have to pack and ship the dishes, but you may get a better price. For more information, you could also contact a collectors’ club like the Flow Blue International Collectors’ Club (flowblue.org).

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Q: What is my teapot worth? It has a light green glaze and a raised flower pattern. It is round with a short spout and a bamboo handle on top.

A: The pale green glaze is called celadon and has been used by ceramists in Asia for centuries. However, the style of your teapot was made for export in the 20th century. Teapots like this are usually worth under $50.

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TIP: A small chip in a glass goblet or vase can be ground off by a glass-repair expert, but there is little that can be done for cracks.

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Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, (Name of this newspaper), King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

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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.

Lamp, oil, Vaseline glass, Sheldon swirl, opalescent, clear pressed stand, round foot, hurricane shade, 16 inches, $90.

Toy, Kiddy Cyclist, child on tricycle, red overalls, animals on wheels, multicolor, tin lithograph, windup, Unique Art Mfg., 8 1/2 inches, $110.

Textile, panel, embroidered, center peacock, birds, flower vases in corners, metallic thread, frame, 18 1/2 inches, $250.

Lalique, clock, Iris, round, frosted, molded flowers, oval base, etched mark, Lalique France, 6 3/4 x 8 inches, $315.

Lamp, electric, glass dome shade, Verre de Soie, etched garland and flower, Steuben, Pairpoint base, silver plate, glass column, square stepped foot, white marble, 19 1/2 inches, $320.