#Middlebury #Antiques
Prices for antiques and collectibles are determined by many things that change with time – age, availability, condition, decorative value, fame of maker, artist or past owner, and even who is bidding and if there is a bidding war. Most of these things change with time, so rare Beanie Babies that cost hundreds of dollars for the few years they were in demand are sold today in a dump display for a few dollars.
This is one of a pair of 15-inch high obelisks made of rare Blue John stone and rock crystal that sold at a Neal Auction in New Orleans for $2,176.
In the early 18th century, an attractive new stone was found in Treack Cliff Cavern near Derbyshire, England. It was a rare form of the mineral fluorite with bands of purplish-blue or yellow. It came to be called “Blue John.” Matthew Boulton, a famous manufacturer in the 1700s, made many urns and other decorative objects using Blue John. The stone became a symbol of British art and was wanted by the elite.
Recently, a new vein of Blue John was found, the fifteenth known, and new jewelry and objects are being made. A pair of antique Blue John and rock crystal obelisks recently auctioned for $2,176.
Q: At an antiques show in Pennsylvania, I saw a small quilt that was labeled a “privy bag.” Of course I know what a privy is, but I’ve never heard of a fancy bag used to hold toilet paper in an outhouse. I have a bet with my husband that it is dealer’s joke term.
A: You lose. There are references online dating back to 2010 for books and exhibits in Pennsylvania that feature quilted privy bags made to hold toilet paper. Some examples were at a recent show and one was priced $995. There are other kinds, some embroidered, some from fancy fabric and some just reusable cloth food sacks. The quilted ones have almost all been reported from the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, area.
Privy toilet paper often was pages of the old Sears and Roebuck catalog, or squares of newsprint that were stored on a large nail. A decorative holder was crocheted in the 1920s-’30s from directions in some sewing magazines. A full, round, colorful crocheted skirt was made to fit a small doll. The legs of the doll were stuffed into the cardboard center and the skirt covered the paper. It was kept near the seating area. A few outhouses left in the United States today are in camping and hiking areas. The parks furnish a portable biodegradable kit that is carried out of the park at the end of the hike.
Current Prices
Roseville bean pot, Raymor pattern, lid, elongated handles, 7 1/2 x 16 1/2 inches, $25.
Venetian glass, goblet, double swan stem, cobalt blue, Salviati, 9 1/4 inches, $125.
Candelabrum, bronze, 6-light, geometric swirls, patinated, art nouveau, continental, 24 x 2 x 7 inches, $180.
Fountain Pen, Parker, marbleized white resin, 18-karat gold nib, 5 1/2 inches, $240.
TIP: Toothpaste and a toothbrush can be used to quickly clean a piece of silver jewelry.
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© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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