Shell-shaped decorative objects were once popular

#Middlebury #Kovels

This unusual watch holder, 11 inches high, sold for over $700. It had minor wear and unusual color.

Shell-shaped decorative objects were very popular during the 19th century. There were trinket boxes covered in tiny shells, counter bells made with several mother-of-pearl shells put together into a container, or nautilus shells used as part of cleverly shaped lamps that held a special light bulb. Some large conch shells were kept whole as decorations, often with the addition of a cameo carved into part of the shell. Glassmakers adapted the shell shape to their medium, and during the late 1800s, many “shells” were made of colored glass that was decorated with enamel paint or held in elaborate metal frames.

A shell-shaped cranberry glass watch holder with enameled decorations was auctioned recently. The almost egg-shaped glass was held in a gilt metal frame with leaves, flowers and a bird finial. The unusual piece, probably American, sold for $708 at a Conestoga auction in Pennsylvania. It was lined with padded fabric to protect the watch. A pocket watch kept in a holder on a table near the bed served as a bedroom clock.

Q: My mother gave me a small box, 6-1/2 by 3-3/4 by 1-1/4 inches, with five small dolls inside. Each doll is 3-1/2 inches tall. It says on the top of the box “Best Maid Quintuplets,” “No. 63077” and “Made in Japan.” Is this of any value?

A: The Dionne quintuplets, Yvonne, Annette, Cecile, Emilie and Marie, were born in Canada on May 28, 1934. They were the first quintuplets to survive infancy. When they were four months old, they became wards of the Canadian government and were put under the guardianship of Dr. Dafoe, the doctor who delivered them. The girls lived in the Dafoe nursery, where they became a major tourist attraction. They returned to live with their family in 1943. Thousands of special dolls and souvenirs were made picturing the quints at different ages. Annette and Cecile are still alive. The value of your dolls is about $20.

Current Prices

Calendar, 1941, Bensing Bros. and Denney, pin-up girl, bathing beauty, brunette in black swimsuit, cardboard litho, Earl Moran, 10 x 5 inches, $15.

Serving dish, dachshund dog shape, 2 hot dog trays with “mustard and relish” condiment sections, 1950s, 7 x 10 inches, set of 3, $60.

Eye exam chart, wooden plaque, two-sided, black metal frame, E.B. Meyrowitz Surgical Instruments Co., 1935, 8 x 6 inches, $375.

Patio chair, flying saucer-shaped, rattan sphere on iron frame, flared legs, vinyl seat cushions, Ritts Tropitan, c. 1945, 30 x 28 inches, pair, $1,350.

TIP: Decorators say you should think in threes. Accessories on a table look best when grouped in odd numbers.

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