SEATTLE SUN - VOL. 6, ISSUE 3, MARCH 2002

Copyright 2002 Seattle Sun. Please feel free to use the article and photos below in your research. Be sure to quote the Seattle Sun as your source.

What's It Worth?

By TINA SUTHERLAND and CHARLIE BAILEY

Dear What's It Worth?

This blown glass paperweight has a stem that pulls out. It's signed on the bottom "Kosta 48360 Lindstrand" and is about three inches high. What's it worth?

Answer:

Your beautiful apple can be used as a perfume bottle and was made by Vicke Lindstrand. He was an important designer for Kosta, the Swiss glass company. He worked there from 1950-1973. This signed piece should bring $150-$200.

Dear What's It Worth?

Dad kept this decantor even after he got rid of others. The label says "Rare Antique." Is it?

Answer:

We at Charlie Finds wish all "rare antiques" were labeled as such - it would make our job alot easier. But this was probably a series name and the decantor was kept for sentimental reasons, because even with George Washington there isn't a real high value, maybe $30. But he looks great!

Dear What's It Worth?

Grandma had several of these flowers, but we don't know what they are for. They are 3-1/2 inches across.

Answer:

While you'll see these sold as butter pats or nut cups in these P.C. times, these were, in fact, ashtrays. They matched Grandma's Franciscan "Desert Rose" dishes. They are worth $15 each. You can use them anyway you like!

Dear What's It Worth?

This pitcher is one of several we inherited from an uncle. Are they worth much?

Answer:

Barware is a really hot collecting area and these pitchers are fun to gather because they make such a great display. The values vary based on rarity of the liquor brand, the quality of the ceramics and the graphics. This one from "White Label" is pretty common, with a value of about $30, but other examples can get two or three times that.

Dear What's It Worth?

My mother always said this bracelet was made of Jet. Is it valuable?

Answer:

Jet is a kind of coal that was worked into jewelry and buttons. It was carved by hand, which makes lovely pieces like yours really sought after. This should bring at least $150. The strange fact for today is that you can use white bread to polish jet!