#MiddleburyCT #Andirons #FiestaDinnerware
“Chenet” is the French word for “andiron,” the iron brackets that hold logs in a fireplace. The andirons keep the burning logs off the floor, allowing air to circulate. “Chenet” comes from the French word for “little dog,” and they are sometimes known as “firedogs” in English. Perhaps they reminded people of small dogs lying down by the fire. Dogs were a popular decoration on them!
This set of Louis XV chenets, made in France in the late 19th century, sold for $500 at New Orleans Auction Galleries. (Kovels.com)
Cast figures in a shiny metal, like brass, were often added to andirons to reflect the light of the fire and brighten the room. Metal crafters experimented with designs, including columns, animals, human figures and mythological characters.
This set of Louis XV style chenets, which sold for $500 at New Orleans Auction Galleries, features putti (cupids or cherubs), grapes, wheat and gilt bronze scrolls. The set was made in France in the late 19th century.
Q: With the holidays coming up, I am pulling out the Fiesta dinnerware that I began buying at flea markets 20 years ago. I was wondering if Fiesta ware is worth a lot of money. I don’t plan on selling it because I love it, but I am curious.
A: Fiesta ware was introduced in 1936 by the Homer Laughlin China Company of West Virginia. Pieces of this American-made glazed dinnerware were found on Depression-era tables across the United States and continue to attract collectors. Its value is tied to color and rarity. Everyday items such as bowls and serving items are popular but do not bring the bigger prices unless they are a rare color. The original colors were red, cobalt, yellow, light green, old ivory and turquoise. In the 1950s, gray, rose, chartreuse and forest green were added. The rarest color is medium green, introduced in 1959. In Kovels Antiques and Collectibles 2022 Price Guide, a rare medium green soup bowl with molded handles sold for $735. Fiesta is still being made and a new color is introduced every March.
TIP: Mint, rosemary, lavender and thyme will repel moths. Hang bunches of the herbs near stored textiles.
Current Prices
Christmas tree stand, cast iron, traces of old green paint, cast with stylized flowers and scrollwork, square base with shaped sides, cylindrical insert with turn screws, 7 3/4 x 10 x 10 inches, $125.
Christmas tree, goose feather branches, red berries, wood block base decorated with garlands and bows, Germany, c. 1900, 22 inches, $590.
Candy container, Santa Claus holding feather tree branch with berry tip, red coat with white snowy trim, composition, fur beard, early 20th century, 8 inches, $1,415.
Royal Doulton figurine, Father Christmas, Santa in forest green coat with gilt fur trim, white beard, holding scroll with Christmas scene, prototype, Royal Doulton backstamp, HN3399, c. 1990, 9 1/4 inches, $2,875.
Looking to declutter, downsize or settle an estate? Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2022 by Terry and Kim Kovel has the resources you’re looking for.
© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.
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