#Middlebury #Antiques
Antique handmade game boards are popular as decorations in homes filled with folk art. Most are for chess or checkers, and the square boards look important in a group on the wall. But there also are game boards that are other shapes. The game “Pope Joan” was popular in the 18th century and still is popular in some countries. The rules for the game first appeared in Hoyle’s rule book in 1826. Three to eight people may play on a circular board with eight round “wells” surrounding a center well that holds game pieces. Four picture cards, plus four others called Matrimony, Pope, Intrigue and Game, were used.
This elaborate Pope Joan game board is carved from wood and painted. It sold for $1,000 at a James D. Julia auction in Maine.
The winner was the player who ran out of cards first. An elaborate Pope Joan board was sold at a James D. Julia auction a few years ago for $1,000. The board is 12-1/2 inches in diameter and was made from a cut-out wooden circle and painted green and red. Playing cards were painted around the center well.
Look for other game boards, even printed ones with interesting graphics, from the 1930s and after. Do not hang them in the sun because printing, especially from the 1940s and ’50s, will fade to blue.
Q: I bought a Roseville pedestal in the Moss pattern for $8 at a Goodwill store, and I’m trying to get an idea of its worth.
A: Roseville Pottery Company was in business from 1890 to 1954. It started in Roseville, Ohio. Another plant was opened in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1898. Moss pattern was introduced in 1936 and was made in Coral, Russet and Sapphire. A Moss pedestal with matching jardiniere would sell for about $800 to $1,000. Pedestals without the jardiniere don’t sell well and are worth under $200.
Q: My copper teakettle got overheated on the stove, the water boiled away, and the spout came off. Is this something that can be repaired?
A: Yes, the spout can be soldered back on. It can be difficult, since copper spreads the heat and the spout must be held firmly in place until the solder sets. Don’t use lead-based solder, since the lead will leach into the boiling water when you use the kettle. A metalsmith will be able to repair the teakettle and can tell you how much it will cost in advance. If it is not a valuable antique, you may decide to just buy a new kettle.
Current Prices
World’s Fair needle case, 1892, Chicago, Columbian expo, barrel shape, 2 inches, $70.
Cinnabar box, round, lidded, fruit, insects, leaves, vines, 5 x 2-1/2 inches, $125.
Coronation cup, Czar Nicholas II, enamel, crest, red, blue, 1896, 4 inches, $285.
Dresser, pine, stained, 3 banks of 9 drawers, turned knobs, 33 x 84 inches, $375.
TIP: To clean wax from glass candlesticks, scrape with a wooden stick, then wash off the remaining wax with rubbing alcohol.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com.
© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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