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Q I’m interested by this brass piece I’ve had for years which was a part of my Nice-Aunt’s belongings. It’s unmarked and formed like a chunk of bags with strap particulars. It has a loop on one finish so it may be hung from a sequence and the spherical stem on the aspect is a plunger that exposes a needle when pressed down. It measures solely 3.3 x 2.2 x 1 cm thick (1.3 x 0.86 x 0.4 inches).
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A Having stitching instruments and the talents to make use of them was prestigious and an indication of significance in family life within the 18th and 19th centuries. Your tiny fake baggage is a stitching stiletto – additionally known as an axe or punch – that might be suspended on a chatelaine with different implements and hooked up to clothes of the Head seamstress. Yours has the benefit of managed depth and straightforward dealing with for marking many holes on the undertaking. This uncommon figural may need been made by the corporate of W. Avery and Son that made many figural needle instances. It possible dates to the 1870s. Uncommon figural stitching instruments are very fascinating, presently and it may lay the best way to $550 in a short time.
Q This glass flask has been in my household for some time now. It’s dated and marked ‘1887 JD&S’ and the underside half is easy. It measures 14.5 excessive by 9 vast and a couple of.5 cm thick (5.5 x 3.5 x one inches). The cap is lined with a cork. I’m questioning if it has any worth. Thanks.
Tyler, Ottawa
A Your prime quality sterling silver and glass flask held a favorite alcoholic beverage at one’s discrete comfort and was a standing image for many who may afford them. Maker James Dixon & Sons of Sheffield, England operated for many of the 19th and 20th centuries. The higher half of the outer glass physique is decoratively panel-cut and the sleek decrease half had a overlaying of sterling silver which might operate for bottle safety, grip and generally ornament. Full this could be price $550. It’s nonetheless good ‘as is’ and value $250.
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Q This very heavy torch caught my eye over 35 years in the past. It seems that the wick has by no means been lit. The one markings are on one aspect with ‘Dayton Malleable Iron Co’s Store Torch’ and a date that seems to be 1895. It stands 25.5 cm excessive (10 inches) and its function stays a thriller. I might respect any perception on its origins and use. Finest regards,
Mike, Ottawa
A You might be in possession of a kerosene torch gentle utilized by railway personnel. Some had been made to order and have the railway initials on the clean aspect. The Dayton Malleable Iron Firm was shaped throughout 1866 in Dayton, Ohio and operated for properly over a century. Railway gadgets had been made to final and never meant for family use. Options for different makes use of had been inspection of steam engines – air or steam leaks may be exhausting to listen to over engine noise, so a deflected flame would spot escaping air. It is also used to soften ice in brake traces. These are scarce and it’ll shortly gentle up $75 at the moment.
John Sewell is an antiques and tremendous artwork appraiser. To submit an merchandise to his column, go to the ‘Contact John’ web page at www.johnsewellantiques.ca. Please measure your piece, say when and the way you bought it, what you paid and listing any figuring out marks. A high-resolution jpeg photograph should even be included. (Solely e-mail submissions accepted.)
* Appraisal values are estimates solely.*
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