Family heirlooms were a theme for our collectors this month, including Chinese vases brought home from war, a 1940s alacite lamp, a great-grandmother’s uranium glass tumblers, and a fine-quality Bohemian crystal vase. I want to express my thanks to Joshua Peterson of Shogun’s Gallery in Portland, who helped identify the Chinese vases discussed below.
Chinese cloisonne (left) and porcelain vases.Courtesy of the collector
My father obtained two vases during or after World War II. He was stationed in China before the war, and in Japan during the Korean War. Any information about these will be appreciated.
— T.G., Aloha.
Your porcelain vase is Chinese, the decoration is hand painted, and the marks underneath are those used during the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty, but are tributary. Your vase likely dates to the Republic era (1912-1949). At an auction, you might expect an estimate of $70-$100 for this type of vase, though you mention yours has a repair at the rim. Such a repair could discount an estimate by half. If in excellent, undamaged, condition, a dealer in Asian antiques might ask $150-$200 for such a vase.
Your cloisonné vase is also Chinese, and likely dates to the mid-20th century. The all-over pattern is sometimes described as a curling grass pattern. Similar vases have recently sold in the $60-$90 range at auction. A dealer specializing in Asian decorative artworks may ask $200-$300 if in excellent, undamaged condition.
This antique is a product of Aladdin Lamp Company.Courtesy of the collector
I am looking for information regarding this lamp. The lamp base is 9 ½ inches high, and the height overall is 21 inches. It has been in our family for 75 years or more. Because of the light in the base, it has served as a nightlight and a table lamp. The word “Aladdin” is on the underside of the base. I would love to know more about it.
— J.A., West Linn.
Your lamp was made by the Aladdin Lamp Company and is their pattern No. G-255, which was introduced in 1942. It is made of “Alacite” glass, which is an “ivory opal” glass that was developed for Aladdin by Henry Hellmers, who was a glass chemist for Aladdin from 1935 to 1942. Aladdin made Alacite glass from 1939 until 1952, and your lamp was introduced in 1942. The glass finial appears to be original to the lamp, which was originally offered with a variety of parchment shades. The history of the Aladdin Glass Company is complex. The Mantle Lamp Company was founded by Victor Johnson in 1908 in Chicago, and in 1909 the Aladdin Model 1 lamp was introduced. They are still in business today as the Aladdin Mantle Lamp Company, located in Clarksville, Tennessee. At an auction, you might see an estimate of $30-$50 for this type of lamp base. Dealers that specialize in 20th-century American decorations might ask $150 – $250 for this type of lamp base if in excellent, undamaged condition.
Northwood tumblersCourtesy of the collector
I recently unpacked my family treasures. My family is originally from southern Illinois. These custard glasses belonged to my great-grandmother. Can you tell me anything about them? They are 4 inches tall.
— G.F., Portland.
Your custard glass tumblers are in the “Chrysanthemum Sprig” pattern by Northwood Glass Company, which was founded in 1887 in Martins Ferry, Ohio, and eventually moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1902. Northwood was a major manufacturer of pressed glassware in America, particularly known for its carnival glass, until its closing in 1925. Your pattern was made circa 1899-1904. Your custard glass contains a small amount of uranium oxide, which helps give its color, and it will fluoresce under a black light. Similar tumblers have recently sold at auction in the $10-$20 each price range. Dealers are currently asking $20-$40 each for tumblers in this pattern in similar condition.
A Bohemian vaseCourtesy of the collector
I was recently gifted this vase that belonged to my friend’s grandmother. It’s 20 inches tall and 11 inches wide. The color is ruby red, and I was told it was Bohemian crystal. I did find a small chip on the base and a tiny bubble in the glass bowl. I’m curious about its history and any information you can tell me about it.
— I.S. Hillsboro.
Your vase is of ruby overlay cut to clear glass, and is almost certainly Bohemian. It was likely made at what was originally the Josefodol glassworks, which was founded in 1861 by Joseph Schreiber. As J. Schreiber & Neffen, their glass became prominent worldwide in the first part of the 20th century. One of their managers, Charles Bačík, left the company before World War II to found Waterford Crystal Works in Ireland. After World War II, the glassworks was nationalized during the communist times, and in 1994 was again privatized, becoming Caesar Crystal Bohmiae. Your vase likely dates to the last quarter of the 20th century. At an auction, you might expect an estimate of $400 – $600. A dealer specializing in quality crystal may ask $1,200, or even a bit more, for this type of vase if in excellent, undamaged condition.
About Today’s Collectibles
The values discussed for items featured in this column were researched by Portland appraiser Jerry L. Dobesh, ASA, an Accredited Senior Appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers, with a specialty designation in Antiques & Decorative Arts. His services include providing appraisals for estate tax, charitable contribution, insurance scheduling and loss, and equitable distribution needs.
To find an appraiser, contact the American Society of Appraisers, the International Society of Appraisers, or the Appraisers Association of America. Estimates suggested in this Collectibles column are for general information purposes only and cannot be used as a basis for sale, insurance, or IRS purposes.
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