#Middlebury
Most Americans in the 17th and early 18th centuries had very small houses with no clothes closets and little storage space. Storage consisted of built-in corners, shelf units and chests, often located under eaves or stairs. Odd-shaped cupboards were made to fit into the space. They did not use the wall as part of the cabinet. A piece was made so it could be moved. Folk-art cupboards of all kinds made before Victorian times are popular with collectors.
Folk-art furniture with the original paint sells for much more than a repainted, stripped or even unpainted piece. This cupboard with original yellow on the outside and red on the inside brought $1,140 at auction, far more than the $250 to $400 estimate. (Submitted photo)
The most efficient cupboard is made from square or rectangular sections. The simple panel door framed by four narrow boards is preferred. Even the sides are made from rectangular panels.
In 2016, Garth’s Auctions of Ohio sold an “under-the-stairs” cupboard. It was made of pine and painted a mustard color finish. The three doors in the front are made with applied molding to match the panels on the side. The inside has a red wash. The color and condition made this cabinet a popular auction item. Even though there was no maker’s identity, it sold for $1,140, several times the estimate. An oddly shaped piece like this often sells for a low price.
Q: I have a 1969 Polaroid camera. Is it worth anything to a collector?
A: Polaroid was founded in 1937. The first Polaroid Land cameras were sold in 1948. They were named after Edwin Land, who invented the instant camera and demonstrated it in 1947. The name “Land” wasn’t used on Polaroid cameras after Edwin Land retired in 1982. Film and batteries for old Polaroid cameras can be bought on Amazon and other sites. A Polaroid 350 model, which was made from 1969 to 1971, in perfect condition, sells online for about $50 to $75.
Q: Could my silver clown pin with enamel decoration really be made by Tiffany & Co.? That is what it says on the back, and I saw a similar pin in an auction ad recently.
A: Yes. Tiffany & Co. made a series of pins as part of the Gene Moore Circus group about 1990. The juggling clown with polka-dot pants recently sold for $976 at a New York auction. They have come down in price since 2000.
Current Prices
Needle threader, magnifier and spool holder, wooden base, magnifying glass on curved metal arm, 1916, 4 x 2 inches, $50.
Compass, Girl Scout, silver plated nickel, round beveled glass top, fob, US Gauge Co., c. 1935, 1 1/2 inches, $95.
Saltshaker, Wemyss, Plump Porker, figural pig, posie design, white with pink clover blooms, leaves, sleepy eyes, 3 x 5 inches, $120.
Pin and clip-on earrings, cherries jubilee, dangling cherries, red bakelite, green celluloid leaves, red chain, 1940s, 5 x 3 inches, $230.
TIP: Some types of fumes can damage paper. Don’t store your collection near the kitchen, garage, barbecue pit or freshly painted areas.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com.
(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.
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