#Middlebury #Antiques
When an unfamiliar, puzzling item comes up at auction, there is no previous sale to give a hint of the value. So, when this Warner Brothers Pictures clock was offered at a William Morford sale, the catalog just said “minimum bid $100.” The cast iron is shaped like an ark. It has a clockface and the “clock” runs for a short time when the ark is rocked. The clockface shows scenes from the 1928 movie “Noah’s Ark” – a part “talkie” movie. There were several collectors who probably wanted movie memorabilia who bid until the final price was $855. If there had been no description of how and why it worked, the ark might not have even sold.
Ever see a movie clock before? This unusual apparatus made in 1928 sold for $855. It was used for publicity for the movie “Noah’s Ark,” a Warner Brothers picture with Dolores Costello and George O’Brien – long forgotten movie stars.
We researched the name of the maker, Art Metal Works, and learned it was started by Louis Aronson (1869-1940), an inventor with a company in New York City, then Newark, New Jersey. The company is famous for the Ronson lighter patented in 1910. (No doubt Mr. Aronson inspired the name.) The company was sold to Zippo in 2010.
Q: I’m moving into a senior living residence and won’t have room for my large collection of half dolls. One of the dolls has her hand broken off, but I don’t know the best way to fasten it back on. Many of the dolls are from around the world. I bought them when I worked in Germany and Okinawa. How can I find someone interested in buying them?
A: Half dolls, also known as pincushion dolls, were first made in 1908 and were popular until the 1930s. They were made with a porcelain upper body attached to a large cloth skirt and were used to cover a pincushion, powder box, pot of tea or other items. Most are found today without the skirt.
Prices depend on size, decoration, condition and style. Closed arm half dolls sell for the lowest prices. Those with arms extended away from the body sell for the highest prices. Contact an auction house that specializes in dolls. Half dolls have sold at auction for $100 to over $1,000. They are hard to find and a popular collectible. Don’t try to repair the broken doll yourself. A poorly done repair significantly lowers value.
Current Prices
Delft plate, blue, white, women and children standing on riverbank, windmills and trees, small boat, c. 1841, 9 inches, $72.
Coca-Cola cooler, airline, metal, side mount, bottle opener, red, 1950, 14 1/2 x 18 1/2 inches, $200.
Double stained-glass window, Art Nouveau, green, orange, maroon, stripes, arcs, oak frame, 31 x 51 inches, $370.
Stickley library table, oak, plank top, block legs, center stretcher, tenon construction, 29 x 29 inches, $520.
TIP: Don’t try to remove dents in silver or pewter. This is a job for an expert.
Looking to declutter, downsize or settle an estate? “Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2021” by Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel has the information that you are looking for.
© 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
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