Some unique items - need help identifying/valuing

[scenicdrive7]

I'm not an experienced collector and I'm in the early stages of learning about silver so these are out of my league.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks in advance.


1.  Silver (purity unknown, can't find markings) Squirrel on a Coconut (was offered $150 by a dealer, which made me realize it might have value)




2.  Table Lighter, unknown material, no hallmarks, zodiac symbols, opens up to hold cigarettes




3.  Jordanian (?) Knife -- Value?  Is the Arabic inscription important to its value?




4. Decanter Unknown German Hallmark (verified as unknown) -- value?

[KC]

Are there any markings on the coconut/squirrel nut bowl?  Dimensions of piece please.

[scenicdrive7]

Are there any markings on the coconut/squirrel nut bowl?  Dimensions of piece please.

I can't find any markings at all.  Dimensions are 9" x 7" and 3" deep.  It's a real coconut.  I believe the metal lining on the top edge around the coconut is steel.  The workmanship that went into the squirrel is more impressive in person.  EDIT: I just figured out that the squirrel is silver.  I tried a little tarnish remover.  It was just very badly tarnished that I didn't realize.  Still, no markings or silver purity markings.

[KC]

Squirrels on nut bowls were VERY popular in the late 1800's to 40's - 60's.  Some even earlier.

It wasn't unusual to find a piece like yours with a sterling squirrel or silverplated one!  Make sure you have checked it closely.  Beautifully carved coconuts are very collectible....espe cially if coupled with silver...and a silver squirrel.

If you know of a reputable appraiser in your area that isn't going to charge you an arm and a leg...I would get a "hands on".  This is a nice piece from what I see in your pictures...

You are sure there aren't any markings at all on the piece?

[scenicdrive7]

Squirrels on nut bowls were VERY popular in the late 1800's to 40's - 60's.  Some even earlier.

It wasn't unusual to find a piece like yours with a sterling squirrel or silverplated one!  Make sure you have checked it closely.  Beautifully carved coconuts are very collectible....espe cially if coupled with silver...and a silver squirrel.

If you know of a reputable appraiser in your area that isn't going to charge you an arm and a leg...I would get a "hands on".  This is a nice piece from what I see in your pictures...

You are sure there aren't any markings at all on the piece?

Surprisingly, no markings anywhere unfortunately.  It's very hard getting some of this tarnish off, so hopefully there's a silver marking.  I'm an amateur but I used the ice cube trick and it melted very quickly when I set it on the squirrel.  I'm hoping it's sterling

Thanks so much for the feedback.  I'll get this appraised ASAP.  If anything, the silver should be worth something, but I'll keep the piece fully intact.

[mart]

Ice Cube    Rarely is sterling unmarked,,,silverplate often is !!

[scenicdrive7]

Ice Cube    Rarely is sterling unmarked,,,silverplate often is !!

I know.  I ordered a silver testing kit.  The ice cube was all I had, besides the familiar smell of silver.  Ice melts quicker on silver than other metals.  It's highly unlikely this is plate.  I have plenty of plated items unfortunately, and this guy is different.

[mart]

Sorry to say but I just now was able to see the squirrel,, that's not tarnish I am pretty sure !! Its a type of antiquing often used on silverplate to age it and make it look older than it is. Its frequently used on rings !!  They apply the dark then use a buffer to hit the high points !! Tarnish is not that hard to remove !!

[scenicdrive7]

Sorry to say but I just now was able to see the squirrel,, that's not tarnish I am pretty sure !! Its a type of antiquing often used on silverplate to age it and make it look older than it is. Its frequently used on rings !!  They apply the dark then use a buffer to hit the high points !! Tarnish is not that hard to remove !!

Oy, thanks for the info.  I definitely have to get this looked at then.  Whatever it was came off the back of the squirrel at least...

[mart]

What did you use to remove it ??  May not be what I think,, but sure looks like it !!  Get it checked anyway !! Any jewelry store (reputable one) can tell you for sure !! It doesn`t look like the right color for silver but may be the pics !!

[mart]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lighter-Vintage-Antique-Cigarette-Holder-Table-Lighter-MUST-SEE-Zodiac-Gold-/151353851583?pt=Antiques_Decorative_Arts&hash=item233d647ebf

Here is your lighter but theirs wasn`t marked either !! Most likely had a stick on label on the bottom that is long since gone !!  I am thinking its 40`s or 50`s !! Everyone read their horoscope back then !!  Still looking !!

[scenicdrive7]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lighter-Vintage-Antique-Cigarette-Holder-Table-Lighter-MUST-SEE-Zodiac-Gold-/151353851583?pt=Antiques_Decorative_Arts&hash=item233d647ebf

Here is your lighter but theirs wasn`t marked either !! Most likely had a stick on label on the bottom that is long since gone !!  I am thinking its 40`s or 50`s !! Everyone read their horoscope back then !!  Still looking !!

ha, thats my ebay account.  thank you though for looking!!!  i can't find another anywhere

[mart]

Oh !!  Didn`t know that ! !   Hopefully we will find it !! Can`t believe there is nothing on the bottom !!  Some of the really inexpensive ones are not marked but as a rule,, the good ones are !! Look on the lighter part at top !!  It may be very small !!

[scenicdrive7]

Oh !!  Didn`t know that ! !   Hopefully we will find it !! Can`t believe there is nothing on the bottom !!  Some of the really inexpensive ones are not marked but as a rule,, the good ones are !! Look on the lighter part at top !!  It may be very small !!

I checked everywhere with a loupe.  The bottom is felt.  I think a marking might actually be embedded within the intricate zodiac signs, but it's too hard to decipher which would be part of the design and which would be some kind of marking.  I believe the value may not be too grand, as the inside compartment (to hold the cigarettes) is made of plastic.

I found out what the knife is... a Jordanian Jambiya-Shibriya from 1920.  Are there any weapons experts on here who know the value and/or can read the Arabic engraving?

Thanks again for everything.  This is a very pleasant and informative forum.