Q: I have a question about a porcelain vase. In the early 1960s, my mother purchased a vase at a garage sale for $2. It is approximately 10 inches tall and is decorated with a hunting scene. There is a man standing in a river, poking a long stick into the roots of a tree alongside the water. Two retrievers are also in the water next to the man, and another one observing from the shore. Marked on the bottom are the words "Royal Bayreuth - Bavaria - 1794."
Could you please tell us the history and the value of this beautiful vase?
A: Your vase was made in Tettau, Bavaria, by Porcelain Factory Tettau. The firm was established in 1794 and continues to operate today. Royal Bayreuth is the name used on porcelain exported to the United States.
Your vase would probably be worth $175 to $225.
Q: This mark is on the bottom of a pair of jugs that was given to me by my aunt. On the front of each one is the image of a galleon ship in relief and the words "Highland Whisky - Special." They are 7 inches high and are in perfect condition. According to my aunt, sometime around 1910, when she was a little girl, a wagon would deliver new whiskey jugs to a saloon near where she lived and pick up empties. She thought there were pretty and asked if she could have one. The driver not only gave her one, but gave her a pair.
I have heard they have a value of anywhere from $60 to $1,500 and would like to know the actual value.
A: Doulton and Co. has made pottery and porcelain in England since 1853. "Royal" was added to their name in 1902.
The value of each whiskey jug would probably be $150 to $250.
Q: I have a question about Lenox China trademarks. When did they change from using their green mark to their gold one? I collect Lenox vases and bowls that are all marked with gold wreaths.
A: Lenox China Co. in Trenton, N.J., has produced exceptional quality porcelain since 1906. Walter Scott Lenox was inspired by Irish Belleek and his goal was to make porcelain that not only competed with, but surpassed the quality of European porcelain. Their famous mark, the name "Lenox" with an "L" in a wreath, was green and used from around 1906 to 1953 when it was changed to gold. "Made in U.S.A." was added in 1930. Lenox dinnerware has been not only the official White House china since the early 1900s, but also chosen by vice presidents, U.S. embassies and governors. Pieces have frequently been selected as gifts for visiting dignitaries.
Lenox's dream of tradition of elegance and excellence continues today.
Q: In the 1960s, I was given a toy black metal robot. It is approximately 9 inches tall and in mint condition. It still walks, rotates and has sound coming out of the red gun-like barrels on its chest. Marked on the back is the word "Japan."
Does it have any value?
A: Our mid-20th century fascination with space travel was fueled by the exploration into the unknown by the United States and Soviet governments. It wasn't a surprise when the TV series "Lost in Space" and "Star Trek" appeared and became huge successes. All this generated an interest in space-related toys from robots to space vehicles. Toy robots reached their zenith in the 1960s and 1970s. They were either key wind-ups or battery operated and could walk, turn around, spew smoke, emit beams of light and make a variety of sounds. Some were made of plastic and others were metal and many were made in Japan. Robots that are in mint condition, still have the original box and can be identified as to the maker and origin have the most value.
You didn't mention if yours is a key wind-up or battery operated. Even though you can't identify the maker and apparently don't have the box, the value of your robot would probably be $250 to $450.Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
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