#MiddleburyCT #Antiques #BrokenMirror #NestingTables #Delft
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” These were words to live by in the days before mass production, online shopping and overnight shipping.
Broken mirrors don’t have to be bad luck. This one was made into a piece of folk art that still had its use. (Kovels.com)
This leaf-shaped hand mirror in an irregular wooden frame is a “make-do” mirror, made by setting a broken mirror in a frame so it could still be used. It sold for $438 at Cowan’s Auctions. The shape of the mirror and the chip carving on its frame and handle show it was made with care – a piece of folk art as well as a utilitarian object.
Q: I recently saw some dishes with red, green and yellow flowers labeled “Delft.” I always thought Delft was blue and white. Was I mistaken, or were the dishes mislabeled?
A: Delft, or delftware, is a type of tin-glazed pottery like faience and majolica. It was first made in the city of Delft in Holland in the 17th century, and later in England and other countries. It is often white with blue decorations but sometimes can be multicolored, known as polychrome. Pieces are usually everyday-ware like dishes and tiles. Delft marked “Holland” was made in 1891 or later. If it is marked “Delft,” it is probably from the 20th or 21st century. Today, blue-and-white porcelain may be marked and sold as Delft. Authentic Delft is pottery and softer than porcelain, so antique pieces often show signs of wear. Prices depend on age and condition.
Q: I have a set of three wooden nesting tables. They’ve been in our family for as a long as I can remember. They are lightweight and small. The top on the largest one is only 20 inches by 14 inches. Who invented nesting tables and are antique ones valuable?
A: Nesting tables were made in England in the 18th century. The cabinet maker Thomas Sheraton is credited with being the first to make them. They were designed to be functional while taking up very little space in small English houses. Sets of antique nesting tables similar to yours have recently sold for $90 to $240.
TIP: To get rid of mildew on wooden furniture, wipe the wood with a cloth dipped in a mixture of 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of bleach and 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent. Then wipe the wood dry.
Current Prices
Card, baseball, Willie Mays, New York Mets, outfield, No. 305, batting record on reverse, Topps, 1973, $60.
Bronze vase, art nouveau, asymmetrical, overlapping petals, patinated, gilt flower, cast signature, Antoine Bofill, 12 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches, $320.
Cabinet, Kas, Baroque, walnut, two sections, carved panel doors, tortoiseshell medallions, ebonized trim, pilasters, six lion’s mask ring pulls, bun feet, Dutch, 68 x 72 x 29 inches, $1,920.
Saddle blanket, Navajo, bands of diagonal stripes, center band of serrated zigzags, red, white, yellow, black, green, c. 1875, 74 x 53 inches, $2,480.
Looking to declutter, downsize or settle an estate? Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2023 by Terry and Kim Kovel has the resources you’re looking for.
© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.
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