Featured Finds Thread

So did I, Pat, quite irresistible to this magpie. I thought the Monet enamel was really unusual.

 

I particularly like the Monet, too, Bear. Great colors and shapes.

 

Love the moonstone bracelet especially, Bear!

 

I get too far behind in reading this thread to comment very often on all of the wonderful things. Just know, all of you, that they are beautiful!

 

$125 lot...

19th/early-20th C. Chinese Cong-shaped vase. (former lamp's base. a similar one, also a former lamp's base, sold on eBay for a decent amount not too long ago: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Late-1...201?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item41916b14a9 )

19th C.(?) carved wood parasol or walking stick handle. (this thing is finely carved and detailed, can't really tell from that image. not sure the country of origin).

19th C. Russian silver spoon.

19th C. brass trade(?) sign or advertising display sign/stand(?). (it appears to be pretty rare whatever it is/used for. The company closed down sometime in the 1880s if I'm not mistaken).

19th/early-20th C. Austria bronze box.

 

That box is enough to make anyone drool. @Bear - the moonstone bracelet is definitely costume from the construction, but it's hard to care.

 

When I seen it up for sale me eyes almost popped-out of my head. The linked dealer below had the same exact box and sold it 2 years ago. Unfortunately, I'm unable to see what is sold for.

Link: http://www.rubylane.com/shop/marshacraftsantiques

 

Hi Nuff,
Love the box, I have a frame to go with it. The smaller one is plainer but has real garnets. The larger fancy frame I assume it does not have real stones, never had them checked, please let them be fake. I do not want to sell it.
greg

 

I have jeweled photo frames that remind me of 'Nuff's box and Greg's larger frame, though may have a different origin. I believe mine were from Bohemia or Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic, depending upon their age. I'll look for some comparables and post them.

 

Hi,
Forgot to say that both of mine have Austria om the back.
greg

 

Thanks, Greg and very nice!

I believe most of the stones are semi-precious. The link below shows a decorated Austrian bronze, enamel and semi-precious stone frame very similar in design to my box. It's from the same dealer who sold the almost same exact box as mine two years ago.

Link: http://www.rubylane.com/item/519537-RL503/Austrian-Bronze-Jeweled-Easel-Back-Picture

 

Hmm, couldn't find any frames like mine. I've seen them on eBay and elsewhere before, but not this time. I don't have photos of mine and they're packed away.

 

Hi,
I can not believe the prices they are asking for those frames, I thought perhaps 75 dollars tops. Mine has the same back as the one on Ruby Lane.
greg

 

@$75 each, I'll take 10 of them.

Yeah Greg, they're pretty pricey....especially for the frames and boxes with all the bells and whistles similar to the one I posted and those within the links below.

Link: http://www.rubylane.com/item/519537-RL630/Austrian-Bronze-Jeweled-Box78

Link: http://www.rubylane.com/item/262281-MP-530/Box78ed-Antique-Austrian-Jeweled-Shell-Cameo

 

I was surprised by the prices, too. The Czech/Bohemian eBay frames I've seen in the past usually sold for maybe $75-150 each. But their base is brass, not gold-plated, and they don't have as many stones.

'Nuff, if you test the stones, I'd be curious to know if they're semi-precious or glass.

 

If they can get the $$$$ for it, I'd high five the seller. I'm guessing the $75 mark is more realistic, unless there's sterling under the gold plate. The Austrians did that regularly with jewelry.

 

I'll agree, the prices shown within those links are a bit high, but just about right on a retail level.

Auction prices for comparables (frames) are in the $400 - $800 range and for the boxes, around $600 - $900.

I've only seen one in sterling (a box), and it sold for $5.5K at auction. Retail would be around double that price or just a bit higher.

If you guys have similar Austrian frames and boxes (similar to the ones within those links), I'll have no problem taking them off your hands at $75 a pop...

 

Hi Nuff,
For 75 dollars I'll keep it, for 1500 I would have to sell. Again it would end up in the dumpster. Too prissey, too old fashioned whose is the guy in it and who cares?
All remarks by family who would be tossing. They are looking for the 401's and bonds and my 1000 shares of Apple.
greg

 

& that's why it's best to sell off your entire collection ....and have the kids split the cash....................best for the kids that is !