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Q These dining room tools – a pickle fork and petit fours lifter – were inherited from my great-grandparents, who were married in 1881. I know little about these tools that reflect back on gracious dining times. My mother used the lifter to serve asparagus. Hallmarks on the lifter are “WH & S,” gothic ‘B’, and another which I cannot decipher. It is 28.5 long and 6.3 cm wide (11.25 x 2.5 inches). The fork is about 23 cm long (9 inches) but has no markings. Can you identify their manufacturers and possible value?
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A Your mother had it right – it is an asparagus server. The dessert would be served with a small cake server. It was made by William Hutton & Sons of Sheffield, England circa 1900. They operated throughout the 19th century. The gothic letters are ‘B’ and ‘P’ for British Plate. Its has a stunning design with shaped profile and pierced foliate decoration. Your fork is also silver plate. A similar fork, with an extra long handle and plain stem is illustrated in an 1888 reprint catalogue of the Toronto Silver Plate Company labelled as a ‘chow chow’ fork – a pickle-style relish condiment well known in the southern United States. Your Victorian opulence is worth $145 today.
Q My mother collected hens on the nests for many years and this two-piece chicken dish is one of her favourites. This one is unique with a different head, a space in the tail and the wings partly free of the body. It measures 16.5 high by 17 long by 12 cm wide (6.5 x 6.75 x 4.75 inches). She would like to know more about it. Thank you, on her behalf.
Sarah, Newmarket, Ont.
A These dishes are also called egg boxes, egg crocks or egg tureens. This particular form is distinctly called ‘Hen with chicks’ and is actually a breed suggested as Polish and called ‘crested’ with the ‘hood’ of feathers. It dates earlier than many circa 1860 to 1880 and was made in the English Staffordshire region. A maker has not been identified. Handwork was required to make this dish with The wings were molded and applied separately by hand. The split tail would also be more difficult to make which accounts for their rarity. They still command attention when they appear and it is worth $650.
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Q About 35 years ago, at a country estate auction in Banbury, England I made a bid of $30 for two French copper chocolate pots in a box which included this small pottery vase with a tubular design. It is 18 cm high (7 inches) and there are no cracks or chips. It is marked ‘Mintons Ltd’ and a bold ‘No. 32.’ I would appreciate a date and any other information. Many thanks.
Frank, Domville, Ont.
A You have identified ‘tube lining’ – a technique where design outlines are highlighted in relief. Moorcroft is well known for this but Mintons also used it with its Secessionist Ware – your vase. The Art Nouveau design, with stylized flowers is called ‘Sol-fleur’ or Groundflower dating close to 1905. Leon Solon and John W. Wadsworth created many of these designs. The red glaze is produced by use of very high firing temperatures – more difficult to produce. The ’No. 32’ refers to the vase design. It is striking and worth $275.
John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to his column, go to the ‘Contact John’ page at www.johnsewellantiques.ca. Please measure your piece, say when and how you got it, what you paid and list any identifying marks. A high-resolution jpeg photo must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.)
* Appraisal values are estimates only.*
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