#Middlebury #Antiques
In past centuries before the invention of the camera, heroes and celebrities were remembered with figurines, prints and plates, and mugs of glass or ceramics. Coronations, royal weddings, major exhibitions and historic events were commemorated by souvenirs with depictions of the people or the event.
The Royal Doulton Co. also made many figurines of attractive imaginary people and animals. The company started making several sizes of small character jugs honoring fictional as well as real people in 1930, and it still makes a few new ones each year. Most sell today for under $100.
Lord Nelson is honored on this Royal Doulton limited-edition loving cup made in 1935. Only 600 were made. This one sold for $800. It was accompanied by the original signed certificate which adds value.
Thirty limited edition loving cups and jugs (pitchers) about 10 inches high were made from 1930 to 1938, and two that honor Queen Elizabeth, one at her coronation in 1953, the other at her Silver Jubilee in 1977. The pieces designed by Charles Noke, molded with raised figures and decorated in bright colors, are rare.
Each has a special mark on the bottom explaining the history of the hero and events pictured. The standard Royal Doulton Co. mark, a lion and crown, also is used. These limited editions were selling for more than $1,000 each until about 10 years ago, when all Doulton prices fell.
A commemorative Admiral Lord Nelson loving cup auctioned at Skinner Auctions in Boston in 2015 for $800. Lord Nelson was a naval hero who fought in many naval battles and seemed unstoppable. He lost an arm in one battle, an eye in another, and he was finally killed at the Battle of Trafalgar Bay in 1805. On one side of the loving cup is a picture of the one-armed admiral in his ship; a sinking ship and lifeboat with sailors is on the other side.
Q: I have a silver spoon marked with a small hallmark: the letter “S” in the middle of wings. I’d like to know the maker and when it was made.
A: This mark was used by George W. Shiebler, who started his company in Baltimore in 1876. He moved to Brooklyn and the company name became George W. Shiebler & Co. in 1891. It went out of business in 1910. The company made flatware, hollowware, souvenir spoons and specialty items. A sterling teaspoon is worth about $25 to $50. A plated teaspoon sells for only $10 to $15.
Current Prices
Ballot box, wooden, turned handle, 2 compartments, lift lids, scroll metal latches, sloped front, 3 1/2 x 9 x 5 inches, $150.
Photograph, United States Marine Corps, infantry men battle for Okinawa, black and white, 1945, 3 1/2 x 4 inches, $480.
Book, “The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle,” Beatrix Potter, 1st edition, hardcover, F. Warne, 26 color illustrations, c. 1905, 5 1/2 inches, $1,300.
Doll, Shirley Temple, composition, blonde mohair ringlets, leather cowgirl outfit, hat, smiling, dimples, 1930s, 27 inches, $2,495.
TIP: If you store fabrics in paper, be sure it is acid-free. An acidic paper can discolor a fabric in a year, damage it within three years.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com.
© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
You must be logged in to post a comment.