Messages

1

Antique Questions Forum / Re: Marking on Japanese vase

« on: May 31, 2012, 05:00:24 am »

That mark looks modern. Not sure of the value. There is a mark very similar to yours on this Gotheborg page (check under "Unidentified seal marks" near the bottom of the page).

http://gotheborg.com/marks/index_jap_marks.htm

2

Antique Questions Forum / Re: standing ashtray era?

« on: May 19, 2012, 05:17:13 am »

I have one very similar to yours. It had belonged to my grandparents. When they had it the finish was polished metal but through the years it got a little rough looking. I know that they bought it new in the early to mid 40's. Maybe yours is from the same time period. I don't think these ashtrays are really worth much but they look great painted (which is what I did with mine). Value is subjective though. You might come across a collector who will make you a good offer.

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Antique Questions Forum / Re: Old Board Games

« on: May 19, 2012, 04:50:36 am »

You might try checking your local library or book store for reference books on board game values. I found a list of highly recommended titles. If you can find copies of any of these, perhaps it could give you an idea of the value of your games. Hope you find what you need! 

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Games: American Boxed Games and Their Makers, 1822-1992 : With Values by Bruce Whitehill
 
Board Games (Schiffer Book for Collectors) with Price Guide by Desi Scarpone

American Games: Comprehensive Collector's Guide by Alex G. Malloy

Board Games of the 50's, 60's, and 70's: With Prices by David Dilley

4

Antique Questions Forum / Re: 7 Piece Japanese(?) Nut Set

« on: May 19, 2012, 04:15:55 am »

Very pretty set! The style of this set with the orange edge and ladies in komonos looks like Geisha Girl ware. When doing a search for "Geisha Girl ware" (in looking for information about similar pieces I have) not only does Geisha Girl Ware (porcelain) come up but also I found references to Kutani and Satsuma. I lost the page where I found that this style of design was referred to by more than one name but did get a nice page of information here:

http://www.gotheborg.com/glossary/?http://www.gotheborg.com/glossary/geisha_girl.shtml

At the top of this page you can search the site for "kutani" and "satsuma" to perhaps find more information about the design.

Also found a mark that looks very similar to your set (go to "Giokusei, Seto/Nagoya" about halfway down the page):

http://www.gotheborg.com/marks/index_jap_marks.htm?http://www.gotheborg.com/marks/20thcenturyjapan.shtml

I couldn't find any information on value pricing though. Maybe in your search you can find leads to someone who knows more. Seems to be difficult to find information on this style. Love the look of it and wish I had a collection of it.

5

Antique Questions Forum / Re: Permanent Marker Removal?

« on: May 19, 2012, 02:26:32 am »

The best thing I've found to remove permanent marker is a product called Awesome Orange (a degreaser and spot remover). I've had better luck with this than with Goo Gone. Gets off all kinds of residue (especially stickers and tape) quicker and cleaner than any other product I've used. After using it, wash the area with soap and water to avoid any film. Definitely at the top of my list!

6

Antique Questions Forum / Re: Antique Silver Frame and Mirror - Would like info

« on: February 05, 2012, 06:53:20 am »

Great piece! My great-grandmother had a mirror with the same design but hers was a bit thicker thicker frame made of carved wood. The mirror in that one was flat but had the same edge type. I don't know exactly how old hers was but I think that she got it around 1910. Pretty popular design for folks it seems. Hadn't thought of the mirror in years. Thanks for the memory jog!

7

EBay Forum / Re: Shipping.

« on: February 04, 2012, 07:04:45 am »

I've had the same issues with shipping little padded envelopes for small items. When I was told that I couldn't ship it because it wasn't thick enough, I took it back home and added some cardboard inside the envelope. It made it thick enough and I've done that ever since.

When I was told I couldn't add confirmation on the thin envelope, the postal worker had a piece of 6" X 8" cardboard with a 3/4" slot in it and slid my envelope through it. He explained that when it is thinner than 3/4" then it counts as a letter (which can't have confirmation). I actually ended up getting the same worker who tried it on the "slot" when I returned to mail the revised envelope and it was fine...  with first class postage and confirmation.

I guess it was live and learn.