#Middlebury
It is sometimes the unique collectible at a show or sale that is a “must have” for an unsuspecting collector. Folk-art collectors often see “one-offs” that are too expensive, too large or too outrageous to fit into the house. Recently, James Julia auctions had a “Late 19th-century American … unique spool art chair.” It was too big, too unfamiliar, too gawdy and too uncomfortable-looking for most collectors.
Is this chair art? Collectors answer that type of question every time they go antiquing. Clever, unfamiliar designs are becoming more desirable and more expensive. This folk-art chair of no special design period sold for $968.
It was made of padded upholstered panels joined to make arms, a seat and a back. The frame was made with spool-turned legs, and other parts of the frame looked like real spools. There was more – the chair featured gilt metal scrolling, cast metal serpents and brass rosettes, and its back was 53 inches high. It sold for $968. Folk-art collecting started in the 20th century, and there are few rules about what is considered “good” or “bad.” Collectors are writing these rules with their purchases.
Q: When were typewriters invented? I know mine is very old. It is a Royal Quiet Deluxe, and it was bought by a relative in the 1940s to use at college.
A: Your typewriter is not very old to a collector. The first commercial typewriter in the United States was the Sholes & Glidden typewriter, which was made by E. Remington & Sons in 1874. It typed only uppercase letters. Hundreds of different types of typewriters were made, and there were many that were very different in appearance and how they worked. The earliest ones did not have the letters in the order used today (known as the QWERTY keyboard). Your typewriter was popular in the 1940s and would sell today for about $25. Unusual-looking, older typewriters can sell for thousands of dollars if they’re in good condition with the original decoration.
About 10 years ago, a new group of typewriter collectors started buying working machines. They wanted to use them instead of a computer or electric typewriter. Those who learned to type on the old machines with a bell, typing sounds and the noise of the return couldn’t get used to the new improved machines. So there now are clubs, social events, type-ins, writing parties and even a typewriter orchestra. And there is even a book and a movie about the typewriter revolution.
Current Prices
Medal, red cross, donor award, Dr. Landsteiner portrait, bronze, 1939, 2 1/4 inches, $20.
Book trough, carved oak, arched ends with cut-out Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet figures holding hands, book storage, c. 1940, 8 x 20 inches, $80.
Wristwatch, Omega, 14-karat gold, oval face, brushed gold band, felt case, Swiss, woman’s, late 1900s, $375.
Weathervane, silhouette of St. Florian, patron saint of firefighters, black metal, stand with arched base, Austria, 1700s, 30 x 15 inches, $1,500.
TIP: Don’t store costume jewelry in the bathroom. The moisture will damage the plating. Keep jewelry in another room in cloth bags or a plastic bag with a piece of cloth.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com.
© 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.
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