Dear Ms. Davenport,
I am writing on behalf of my mother, who is 86. She acquired these lamps in 1951 as a hostess gift for hosting a Stanley party in Indiana, where she resides. They always sat on our end table, and she still uses them. She has replaced the shades, cords and one socket. They say “Aladdin” on the bottom.
She just wanted to know what they might be worth today. Years ago, I saw a pair at the Nashville Flea Market, and the lady was asking $65 each. Any info would be helpful.
Thank you,
Nancy, Manchester
Dear Nancy,
Aladdin began producing electric table lamps in 1923. Your mother’s creamy base lamp, called alacite glass, was introduced in the 1940s. The raised pattern is called “lily of the valley.” Although green is the most common overlay color for this lamp, they were also made in deep pink and a lighter, washed-out pink.
Today, the lamps sell for about the same price or a bit less than the “years ago” price check at the Nashville Flea Market. Although new shades and rewiring won’t affect value, the original alacite glass finials are important. Alone, they sell for $10 each.
Dear Ms. Davenport,
This is a picture of a sorghum pan used to cook juice to make sorghum syrup. It’s more than 100 years old, 4 feet by 8 feet and made of copper. This was my grandparents’. I would love to know the value.
Thanks,
Sue Ann, Linden
Dear Sue Ann,
After hours of searching, I didn’t find a single antique, copper sorghum pan for sale. I did, however, run across a couple of people trying to find one to purchase. If I were selling this 8-by-4-foot copper tray, I might ask $1,000 just to test the waters. A few antique sorghum grinders that prepare the cane for the simmering tray are offered at $1,500. The grinder’s price does not include the copper tray, which I think is the crown jewel. I like the gorgeous green patina of your copper pan and wouldn’t think of stripping this away. I can, however, picture this as a table top — so stay open to new ideas to keep the piece in the family.
I watched sorghum syrup being produced last September at Portland’s Days Gone By Tractor Show and Threshing. You should go next year. Take the picture of your tray, and chat with the sorghum crew.
Dear Connie Sue,
I inherited this pitcher from my mom back in 2008. I know very little about it. It says “Roseville U.S.A. 485-10” on the bottom in a raised print that may have been done by hand. I have seen some Roseville pieces online but none like this one. Anything you can tell me about this piece would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Janice, Smyrna
Dear Janice,
Made in Zanesville, Ohio, your Roseville vase is called, logically, the Pine Cone pattern. It was designed by Frank Ferrell in 1935. The pattern was produced for decades in the form of vases like yours, baskets, bookends, bowls, cornucopias, ashtrays, jardinières and wall pockets. All of the pieces were offered in blue, brown and green. The numbers on the base indicate your vase was made after 1950. Similar vases in pristine condition sell at auction for $145 to $200.
