My kind of "Tickle Trunk"

[sapphire]

While I'm waiting for the weather to warm up so I can haul my on-hold projects outside to work I figured I should
start digging through what my kids used to call Mommy's Tickle Trunk.  It's my aunt's cedar chest where nearly
everything I have left of hers and my mother's things are stored.  I know there's other odds and ends all through
the house and hiding in boxes.......to be found when I'm in the mood for a treasure hunt. 

Be prepared for an onslaught of pics and questions as I wade my way through. 

[sapphire]

First up 

Are these who I think they are??




http://www.kovels.com/priceguide/kovels_salt_pepper/1999/gingham_dog_calico_cat/837506.html (Not that they'd ever realize that price)

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20041112/ai_n11486167/
 

http://www.grovenet.net/~cirplex/gallery4.htm



Brayton Laguna "Calico Cat" 8" Tall - ca:1940
SOLD

[ironlord1963]

Wow are you going to have fun  .   Sure looks like a really close match to me on the dogs,  I do notice the eyes are much different.

[sapphire]

That's one thing I noticed as I searched ironlord.  There seem to be a lot of variations on them. Here's a 'selection'
on Worthpoint.
 
http://www.worthpoint.com/inventory/search?query=brayton+gingham+dog

Interesting tidbit from one of the links I posted previously (not that I'd go that route)

"For insurance replacement purposed, the cookie jar should be valued in the $500 to $575 range, and the shakers in the neighborhood of $100 to $125."  

Wonder if I should tell my old girl she now has competition in the $$ department


Be forewarned Lord of the Silver........I've already started digging.  The tea service that belonged to my grandmother and was used for my Aunt's and mother's weddings (1939/1940) came to light. Also came across a vase of my mom's, it's been around for as long as
I can remember, clear/burgundy (sitting in left corner of the chest). Think it's pressed and painted, but we'll see.

[wendy177]

Really cute Sapphire and they are who you think they are!!!  If you find a purple bull let me know!!!! check for faint marks in pencil on the bottom  artists first letter of first & last name only. small differences account for many artists doing the same type pieces for the studio, no 2 are the same as with any art studio pottery, Funny I just bought a salt & pepper shaker Price guide this past weekend!!!  

[talesofthesevenseas]

Oooh! Looks like MORE silver pieces in there to research!!

[KC]

NICE!!!!  Like your trunk of tickles!!!!!

[Dean Perdue]

Nice stuff.I'm liking the cedar chest a lot.

[sapphire]

Thanks Dean.  I've always loved this chest. Mom had one too, wish I had pictures of hers.  After her death I passed
it along to my oldest niece. This one will go to my oldest daughter as I've already bought the younger one hers.

It's an Eatonia (made for Eaton's), by the Honderich Furniture Co.  No idea on it's exact age, but likely from 1940's.
Before coming to this forum I would never have thought to look under it to find the other label.   

[sapphire]

After a quick run through the items in the chest I've pulled this one hoping for some input. As all seem to have either a
Sterling (very few) or plated mark, this one is the exception.  As it's not marked sterling and has some scratches to the
surface (likely a carving knife) I'm going with plate.  After scouring the entire piece, top, bottom and even all along the
braided edge, the only mark is an impressed 21 (underlined). It's quite heavy in the hands and compared to two larger
platters appears to weigh more.

I did find a reference to 'coin silver' bearing marks of '12' or '18' making them European. Not really sure exactly what
coin silver would be classed as or even if the '21' would fall in that category.

Hoping for a little enlightenment here  


Platter

11 3/4" x 16 1/2"

(Edited to change 'spoon' to 'coin' )

[ironlord1963]

    With out the mark of Sterling, I would have to say it was plate at least I would assume that.  They are pretty good about having it marked.  I have seen many plate items mark with simple numbers or nothing at all.  Since it is heavy, I would say it was thick Nickle Silver base, something that heavy would be worth mega in Sterling.   As for Spoon or Coin Silver I would have to refresh My memory be making any commits, I do know that some flatware that is marked Coin is actually Coin Silverplate.
    I did cringe a bit at the commit of "After Scouring" .  Silverplate items you don't want to use any abrasive surface to clean it.  Alway use mild soap, hand wash, Dry it right away, let it cool down before storing.  Polish only when necessary.  Silverplate is easily rub and scratched away.  Sterling not so much of a issue at least with Abrasive washing and polishing, This will add to the patina over the years.

[sapphire]

Excuse my terminology ironlord. By scouring I meant looking over ever square inch of this thing several times. 
I did use a silver cream to clean the back as it was so black it looked as though it came off the bbq. It's likely not
seen the light of day in more than thirty years. It takes forever, but seems to be fairly kind to the surfaces. It's the
same kind my mother used (or rather made me use) every time we dragged out the 'good silver' for special occasions.

[ironlord1963]

Whew  , sorry just had me all  for a moment 

[KC]

That was better than the humor that is purposely put on here....LOL.  I scour quite a bit Ironlord, without steel wool!  Ha!

I also believe that this is a silverplate.  Nice large tray!!!!

[sapphire]

Well I think I may have a clue as to the significance of the  '21' mark on my platter (I think  ).

I've come across several references to 'pennyweight' in relation to silverplating. An old term
that was used in England (and discontinued) and also in Europe.  It relates to the content of
silver in the plating.  In most cases, but not all, it is combined with a maker's mark.  Seems
to turn up, at least online, on items that were owned by the German Reich. Not necessarily
German made though.

Tried reading all the stuff explaining 'pennyweight' and got a headache. 

At least it gave me a possible answer to the mysterious number.