Clocks, Compasses, Corkscrews And More
Featured In Recent Books
BOOK REVIEWS
Recent titles from Schiffer Publishing once again include a wide variety of offerings.
|
This is a mystery clock, made by Guilmet. It features a pendulum, suspended from the outstretched hand of a statue, which has no apparent connection to the clock and yet controls the movement.
|
|
A Life with Antique Clocks, by Derek Roberts, invites us into the world of an antique clock dealer who has been involved in the field since the 1960s. He shares his knowledge of buying and selling clocks; researching, restoring and conserving them; and documenting them. His background ranges from an earlier period when antique clocks were plentiful and prices moderate to today, when they’re harder to find and much more expensive.
The book also covers many of the factors involved in running an antiques business and some of the pitfalls one may encounter. There are also several personal stories told, including some interesting “cops and robbers” ones.
It is beautifully illustrated with some rare and unusual clocks. If you collect and/or deal in antique clocks, this will be an excellent addition to your library. Note: it is not a price guide.
A Life with Antique Clocks (ISBN: 978-0-7643-3378-1) is priced at $29.99.
***
|
A 1918 Girl Scout compass. The center of the dial displays the Girl Scout Trefoil. This was the first model produced and was used until the early 1930s. It was made by Taylor of New York and was originally sold for $1.
|
|
Also on the technological side of antiques is Compass Chronicles, by Kornelia Takacs.
Magnetic compasses were first used in Asia, many centuries before the western world discovered this important aid to navigation. It wasn’t until the 16th century that Italian navigators invented them for use in Europe. With this ability to monitor a ship’s route and progress, world-wide expansion followed quickly. The examples shown in this book range from the 1700s to the 1940s, with emphasis on those made from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s.
The history of compasses is discussed, special uses by the U.S. Engineering Department and civilian groups are presented, and patented improvements are covered.
Over 500 compasses are pictured, and while the book does not include a value guide for each, it gives the following approximate information for average models in excellent condition:
Late 1700s - early 1800s: $350-$600.
Mid - late 1800s: $150-$350.
1900s -1940s, British, French & Swiss: $120-$160.
1900s-1940s, American: $100-$130.
Early 1900s French: $50-$60.
Compass Chronicles (ISBN: 978-0-7643-3396-5) is priced at $39.99
***
|
Silver pieces designed by Alphonse La Paglia may show this mark. Others were also used; look for the LP.
|
|
Jensen Silver, The American Designs, was published in 2008. It is written by Nancy Schiffer & Janet Drucker.
Sterling silver tableware and jewelry sold at the Georg Jensen store in New York City in the 1940s included pieces by two American craftsmen, William G. deMatteo and Alphonse La Paglia. The pieces which they designed incorporated the Danish styles of the parent company in Denmark.
Tea sets, bowls, serving spoons and jewelry were among the items produced. The book includes reproduced catalog pages, original working drawings, design sketches and marks, a well as numerous photographs.
Jensen Silver (ISBN: 978-0-7643-2738-4) is priced at $49.95.
***
|
This is an oval lilthophane mounted as a buttefly-shaped candle shield, made of filigree and gemstones. It would have been fastened to a wall sconce. The overall height is just under 8 inches.
|
|
Lithophanes, also a 2008 publication by Margaret Carney, is an in-depth look at the porcelain three-dimensional pictures that were a popular 19th century European art form.
Lithophane pictures can only be seen when backlit, and they were incorporated into many household items, including lampshades, beer steins, night lights, fans, fireplace screens, match boxes, and even dollhouse miniatures.
In the 20th century, the teacups made in Japan with lithophane pictures of geishas became popular and are the most widely available lithophanes available today.
Lithophanes (ISBN: 978-0-7643-3019-3) is priced at $59.99.
***
|
The head on this corkscrew is carved from the Tagua or Corozo nut. It is valued at $200-$300.
|
|
Figural Corkscrews, by Donald A. Bull, is a 2009 Schiffer publication. It the book, you’ll find corkscrews disguised as everything from airplanes to zebras. The author has used over 900 photographs to display the numerous possibilities. Many are funny, some are naughty, and others make you wonder “Why in the world?”
The only part that is fairly constant throughout is the worm. (I didn’t know until I saw this book that that’s what the part that screws in is called.) While the number of twists appears to vary from two to five, there’s not too much else that can be done with the worm.
The author points out the factors that bring value up: two or more collectors lusting after the same corkscrew at an auction; overzealous buyers; inflation; low supply and high demand; increased awareness and interest in figural corkscrews; and the factors that bring value down: missing parts, broken parts, cracks and chips, poor markings, uneducated sellers; apathetic buyers. This book does include a value guide for each piece shown.
Figural Corkscrews (ISBN: 978-0-7643-3315-6) is priced at $79.99
***
For these and other Schiffer books, check with your local bookseller first. Online, visit www.schifferbooks.com. Books may also be ordered from the publisher at 4880 Lower Valley Rd., Atglen, PA 19310, phone (610) 593-1777. There is a $5 shipping charge if ordered from the publisher.
Return to Index |
