Posted from 10/22/05:
Question: This old Maytag electric wringer washing machine was my mother's. It is still in good working order. What can you tell me about it?
Answer: Frederick Maytag founded his washing machine company in Newton, Iowa. Judging from your photo, you have his 1940 "Model J Commander" washer that was available in either electric or gas models. Collectors of both washing machines and small motors would find your Maytag washing machine electrifying!
It would probably be worth $225 to $325 to the right buyer.
Question: This mark is on the bottom of a vase that is decorated with applied stylized flowers and geometric shapes. The vase stands 10 inches tall and is a cylinder shape. It belonged to my mother and is in perfect condition. I am 90 years old and can remember the vase sitting on a shelf as a young child.
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What can you tell me about the maker, vintage and value?
Answer: Amphora Porcelain Works located in Turn-Teplitz, Bohemia, used the mark you provided. They made earthenware and porcelain from 1892 to 1945. The factory was founded by Edward Stellmacher, Rudolf Kessel and Karl and Hans Riessner.
Your vase was made around 1905 and would probably be worth $500 to $800.
Question: While visiting the ancestral home of my mother-in-law in Ireland, we were given a platter that had belonged to her grandmother. It is decorated with a blue willow pattern and measures 18 by 14 inches. Marked on the back is a rope with three loops and the words "Machin and Potts - Staffordshire Potteries."
We hope you can tell us when our platter was made and if it is of any value.
Answer: William Machin and William Wainwright Potts formed their pottery in 1833. Machin and Potts was one of many potteries in Staffordshire, England, in the 1800s. The rope with three loops is a symbol of Staffordshire potters and often included in their marks. The Blue Willow pattern on your platter has been popular for around 200 years and is a transfer print design. Your platter is circa 1833 and would probably be worth $175 to $185.
Question: My wife has been collecting Holly Hobbie figurines since the 1960s. They are all in mint condition. What can you tell me about them?
Answer: The image of a quaint old-fashioned girl dressed in calico and wearing a large bonnet was named for her creator, Holly Hobbie in the late 1960s. Hobbie presented American Greeting Co. with her portfolio of drawings. The card company was enchanted with her images of a young girl who reflected the peace and charm of days gone by. She first appeared on greeting cards and quickly captured the hearts of many consumers leading to the manufacturing of a plethora of Holly Hobbie-related items.
The value of your figurines would probably be $25 to $40 each.
Question: I hope you can tell me something about a glazed ceramic covered box that I have. It is decorated with multicolored flowers and leaves. The overall measurements of my box are 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/4 inches. Marked on the bottom are a crown and shield and the words "Emaux - Longwy - France."
Answer: Longwy Faience Co. made your box sometime between 1920 and 1940. They have made faience (tin glazed earthenware) and art pottery in Longwy, France, from 1798 to the present.
Your covered box would probably be worth $175 to $200.
Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. For a personal response, include picture(s), a detailed description, a stamped, self-addressed envelope and $15 per item (one item at a time).
- Copley News Service
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