Colourful decoration reveals table origins 

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Q I have just inherited this unique table and I’m looking to know what it might be worth so that I might get an honest value for it. Thank you.  

Maurizio, Toronto

A You have an outstanding centre or breakfast table. The legs are carved with acanthus leaves and ‘ball and claw’ feet and the outer edge has a naturalistic floral ring. I believe the top reveals its origins and was probably a special commission from Italy. The colourful carved wood floral centre was a Florentine-inspired rendition of Italian ‘pietra dure’ – stone inlaid with coloured stone. The background of the flowers and vine even emulates mosaic work. The plain outer band is embellished with metal rosettes. It appears to be the second half of the 19^th century. It might take time to find a serious buyer for this unique table but it is well worth $1,250.    

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Q I inherited this painting and took it out of the frame and learned that the type of board it is painted on was used from 1850 to 1880. It was in a smoker’s home and needs cleaning badly! I cannot find a signature. I was offered $1,000 just for the frame as it is in mint condition – but I refused! I am willing to sell it but would like to know its value. I hope you can tell me anything at all about it. Sincerely,  

Gloria, Ottawa

A You have a folk art painting – often defined as painted by someone with talent and a desire to paint but no formal training. A.R. Lanigan was a folk artist active in Quebec around 1885 and painted landscapes and rural scenes, often of winter and similar to yours. They are often not signed. The frame is very high quality and of a type that was made in the 1880s and appears to be original to the painting. It is in great shape and the silver border contrasting with the gilt inner liner is striking. The scene almost appears to be a snow-covered rail line with a broken sign opposite the building and a watchful person in the doorway. It is very pleasant and conveys a winter’s day very well with mountains in the background. I love exuberance but the offer was about four times what the frame is worth today at $250. As a unit – $500.   

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Q This beautiful blue glass cup and saucer has come down through our family. The saucer has a 12.5 cm diameter (5 inches). The two faces, on the cup are slightly different and the acorns on the saucer are very realistic. I would like to know its history and value. Thank you very much. 

Joanie, Calgary

A You’re cup and saucer was made fairly close to home in Findlay, Ohio by the Columbia Glass Company on Crystal Avenue. It was the first tableware-manufacturing glass company of five in Findlay and began in 1886. Natural gas wells located there were advantageous to production. The company produced utilitarian items and novelties like your child’s cup. The acorns and faces might have inspired the artist from oak tree folklore or ‘the Green Man’ in England with foliage surrounding the faces. A century after its making this ‘hard to find’ vessel will help a child face up to a tasty drink well worth $75 today.    

John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to his column, go to the ‘Contact John’ page at www.johnsewellappraisals.ca. Please measure your piece, say when and how you got it, what you paid and list any identifying marks. A high-resolution jpeg photo must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.)  

* Appraisal values are estimates only.* 

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