It’s Just Stuff

I found this beautiful platter in my mother-in-law’s home after she passed away. I have tried to find information about Waldron, Tennessee, which is printed on the back. It looks very old. I would love to know more about it.

Lisa

Dear Lisa,

Although Waldron isn’t on the map, the Waldron family settled in the LaVergne area in the early 1800s. To this day, Waldrons live and work in the area. Trying to connect Waldron to Nichols, I found a W.E. Nichols III trucking company in Alamo, Tennessee. You may need a genealogist and historian to seal this deal.

I do, however, know a bit about pretty plates. All that I’ve seen marked in this manner suggest a business either sold or offered the plates as premiums for advertising. In a retail market, yours would be priced under $20. I’d date it just before 1950. State abbreviations were reduced to two letters in 1963.

Dear Connie,

This was my grandmother’s. I remember it as a child. I am 46 now. I have looked for similar pieces. I haven’t found anything close. Can you give me any information?

Sangria

Dear Sangria,

Items with the Norleans Japan mark are quirky and colorful dinnerware and figural pottery made by Meiko China Company. Although Meiko began production in 1908, your bright green cat cookie jar was made circa-1965.

Similar pieces sell for $35.

Dear Connie,

I found these beautiful end tables on Craigslist. The stickers on the bottom of both tables say: “Superior Tables, Model 5441, 1951.” I am having no luck finding any information on them. I also can’t find any tables that remotely look like them. Very unique. Please help.

Celeste

Dear Celeste,

Superior Furniture Company began hand-making furniture in Lowell, Michigan, near Grand Rapids, in 1936. The company was still in operation in 2009. The 1951 date on the label and the clean lines of the blonde tables place them in the midcentury modern era. This is currently the most sought-after style of furniture and decorative arts. In a shop specializing in this era, the retail price might be $225 each. Collectors dream of sneaking up on one at a sale for a fourth of that.

Dear Connie,

This blue china accessory set was in my husband’s family for many years. Now I have inherited it. Could you place its origin and value? My husband’s parents were from the Pittsburgh area.

The markings on the bottom of each piece state, “Rosenthal Bahnhof Selb Germany.” There is also an image of a crown surrounded by two flowers above the words. I have no idea of the age of these pieces. Your assistance would be much appreciated!

Ruth

Dear Ruth,

The mark on your Rosenthal console set indicates it was made between 1943 and 1948. The pattern is often called Chippendale, but I cannot confirm this on my favorite research site, Replacements.com. Similar blue band china with the same flower arrangement sells in the range of $25 to $45 each. I’d place the higher value on the compote and covered bowl and $25 on the vase.