#Middlebury
Sometimes a designer becomes very popular with a new design, sells his products, becomes wealthy, and then his designs become commonplace and he eventually goes bankrupt. That is the sad story of Warren McArthur, a talented designer of the 1930s who was among the first to make aluminum furniture.
This brushed and polished aluminum armchair made in the 1930s has the original paper label. The wooden arms have weathered original green enamel paint. It auctioned for $2,400 last year at a James Julia auction. (Submitted photo)
McArthur (1885-1961) was born in Chicago and grew up in a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. He went to Cornell to study mechanical engineering, and by 1914, he had filed for 10 patents for lamp designs. He moved to Phoenix and, with his brother, owned car dealerships and a radio station, and built the Arizona Biltmore. He also patented a useful adapter for a car radiator. All were successful.
In 1929, he moved to Los Angeles and started a metal furniture business. He improved the manufacturing process with his inventions, including an aluminum that didn’t tarnish and a way to permanently color the metal. The brightly colored metal furniture was popular in Hollywood, and was featured in movie theaters and stars’ homes.
During the Depression in the 1930s, McArthur moved to New York City and then to Connecticut two years later. His company made airplane seats during World War II, but went bankrupt in 1948. McArthur died in 1961.
Q: What is the value of a Fowler’s Cherry Smash syrup dispenser? It was used at a soda fountain counter. It’s about 17 inches tall. There’s a pump at the top, and it reads “Always drink Fowler’s Cherry Smash – our nation’s beverage” on the front and back. There is a 5 cent symbol on both sides and three cherries with stems. Underneath the base it reads “John E. Fowler, Richmond Va., to be used by Cherry Smash only.”
A: At one time, Cherry Smash was the second most popular soft drink in the United States. The name “Cherry Smash” was registered by John E. Fowler in 1909. The company started out in Richmond but moved to Rosslyn, Va., in 1920. After Prohibition ended in 1933, Fowler started the Dixie Brewing Corp., but no beer was ever brewed there. Cherry Smash was produced in Rosslyn until 1935. Your dispenser was made before that. Value about $2,000 to $3,000.
Current Prices
Biscuit tin, embossed with blueberries and leaves, square canister, serpentine corners, beaded border, hinged lid, c. 1905, 7 x 7 inches, $25.
Strawberry serving set, sugar and creamer, oval tray with inset holders for jugs, strawberry leaf design, G. Jones, c. 1880, 14 inches, $360.
Lap guitar, steel, wood with inlaid mother of pearl dots, 29 frets, tube amplifier and speaker, case, Kay, 33 x 10 inches, $635.
Pudding spoons, sterling silver, medallion handle tips and flower button on reeded stem, Ball Black & Co., 1860s, Set of 10, $1,560.
TIP: Never use mending tape or transparent tape on a book. It will eventually permanently damage the paper. Even Post-its eventually will leave a spot.
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(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.
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