‘Jeweled’ Porcelain favored by collectors

#Middlebury #Kovels

The “jeweled” Coalport porcelain of the late 19th century attracts buyers with its beauty and unfamiliar beading, but few know the history of the porcelain. Coalport porcelain was first made in England in 1795. In the late 19th century, a new type of porcelain vases, teaware, boxes and other ornamental wares were created. It was hand decorated with small colored “beads” of glaze, as well as sections with simulated gems like moonstones or emeralds. These pieces were very expensive when compared to the useful wares made before that time. In 1895, Coalport was able to make the jeweled porcelains by a less-expensive method, and more pieces were sold.

This round Coalport box with a lid may have been made to hold powder. It has turquoise “jewels” and a medallion. Price at auction, $461.

Collectors have favored these pieces since the 1950s, and prices are high today. At a 2016 Skinner auction in Boston, which included over 60 pieces of this type of Coalport, a round covered box, just 2 1/2 inches in diameter, brought $461. The box has turquoise beading and a central medallion. A two-handled shaped bowl with a cover sold for about $1,000 at the same sale.

Q: Back in the day, many brides selected a pattern of sterling-silver flatware. Today those sets of silver aren’t used and are a problem for the families that inherit them. This is the dilemma I am facing. How do we get rid of the flatware? I have two sets of sterling silver flatware and additional items. How do I find a reliable and safe way to sell the flatware, either for the value of the set or for the value of the silver? I have a set of Meadow Rose by Wallace and a set of Oneida’s Damask Rose. I also have miscellaneous pieces such as salt and pepper, candlesticks and cutlery.

A: Sterling silver is always worth at least the meltdown value, and there are shops that buy silver and gold to melt down, but you also can sell silver flatware to a matching service. Many are listed online. Search for “matching service silver” or “matching service silver plate.” Expect to get about half what it will sell for because dealers have to make a profit. Wallace introduced Meadow Rose pattern in 1907. It sells for more than Oneida’s Damask Rose, which was first made in 1946. Monograms lower the price.

Current Prices

Bottle stopper, kissing couple, carved wood, push lever, heads turn and kiss, Anri, c. 1950, 6 1/2 inches, $20

Golf club, Brassie, brass sole plate, lead back weight, blonde fruitwood head, Epsom golf club, marked, McWatt, 1800s, 42 inches, $100.

Stringholder, cylindrical, Planters Cocktail Peanuts, figural Mr. Peanut, chalkware, turquoise and yellow paint, 1950s, $455.

Cloisonne Teapot, brass and copper, green enamel, lotus flower petals, loop handle, carved frog finial, lid, 1900s, 5 x 8 inches, $1,500.

TIP: American carousel figures are more heavily carved on the right side, because they went around counterclockwise. The left side is more ornate for European figures, because the carousel turned the other way. American figures sell for more money.

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(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.