By HELAINE FENDELMAN and JOE ROSSON, Scripps Howard News Service
Sorting out the value of a wall plaque
Dear Helaine and Joe:This wall plate or plaque appears to have been made by Mettlach, and we are interested in knowing its age and approximate value. It is 17-1/4 inches in diameter and has the numbers 1044 and 1123 on the back along with the company's other marks. The glaze has a light crackled effect on both sides, but the plate has no chips or cracks.Thank you,
An old hooked rug in good condition is worth about $2,000
Dear Helaine and Joe:I have enclosed a photo of a handmade rug that my grandmother recently gave to me. It is oval and approximately 9 by 12 feet. There are two labels on the rug -- one is still readable, the other is not. The rug is in very good shape for its age. Can you tell me anything about this rug and its value?Thank you,S.P., Baldwinsville, N.Y.
An old desk has little value
Dear Helaine and Joe:Enclosed please find photographs of a desk given to me by my mother and father several years ago. My father bought the desk in the mid-1940s in or around Statesville, N.C. Any information would be greatly appreciated.Thank you,S.F., Jackson, S.C.Dear S.F.:
Figuring out the value of a 'Minnesota Sewing Machine'
Dear Helaine and Joe:I am enclosing pictures of a sewing machine once belonging to my mother. I remember hearing that she paid $30 for it when it was new. There is no date anywhere. What can you tell me about it, and what is its value? Thank you.-- J.F., Sheboygan, Wis.Dear J.F.:
Figuring the value of a Depression-era quilt
Dear Helaine and Joe:Enclosed is a picture of a quilt bought by my aunt on her honeymoon in Kentucky around 1938. It is in excellent condition. It is huge -- queen-bed size -- and it appears to be completely hand-sewn. Please comment. Thanks.-- G.Y., Buckingham, Pa.Dear G.Y.:
Valuing a possible Cipriani
Dear Helaine and Joe:This painting is a family heirloom that was shipped to me from England in the 1970s. I was told that the artist was John Cipriani, and I would like some more information.-- J.L., Fulton, N.Y.Dear J.L.:
Valuing a head vase
Dear Helaine and Joe:Would you please help me find the current retail value of a Jackie Kennedy head vase by INARCO, style number E1852, dated 1964? I saved one of your articles from back in 2001 that said the value was $500 then. The condition is good.Thank you,D.C.Dear D. C.:
Flaws sink 'Battle of Omdurman' print's value
Dear Helaine and Joe:Could you please give me some information on this print. It is titled the "Battle of Omdurman Sept. 2, 1898."Thank you,B. A., Gate City, Va.Dear B. A.:
Mamie Eisenhower letter needs more personal touches
Dear Helaine and Joe:Enclosed is a copy of a letter I discovered among my dad's possessions. It is from Mamie Doud Eisenhower concerning an orchid that was grown by my father and brothers' greenhouse in Bergenfield, N.J. Does it have any monetary value?Thank you,G. G.-S., Port St. Lucie, Fla.Dear G. G.-S.:
