Antiques & Collecting: Rule, Britannia

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, but she celebrates her birthday on several different days. The English monarch’s birthday had been celebrated on the actual date of his or her birth since 1788.

But in 1936, after King George V died, the date was changed to the second Monday in June to commemorate his death and to get better weather for the “Trooping the Color,” a British regimental parade. The date was changed again in 1959 to the second Saturday in June.

To add to the confusion, some places, including Canada, Australia and New Zealand, chose a different day. In 2020, her 94th it will be celebrated in Britain on Saturday, June 13.

A Roman goddess was the inspiration for Britannia, the personification of Britain, by 1797. She always wears a Corinthian helmet, carries a trident or spear and has a lion lying at her feet.

This Staffordshire figure of Britannia was made about 1820. It was sold at a Thomaston auction for $586.

I have a Louis Vuitton of Paris trunk. For its age, I think it’s in excellent condition inside and out. It is marked on the inside “Louis Vuitton (in script) / 1 Rue Scribe Paris / 454 Strand London” and has the number 117 033. What is it worth, and where can I get the best price?

Louis Vuitton Malletier (1821-1892) opened a shop in 1854 in Paris. The first trunk was introduced in 1858. Vuitton’s trunk was covered in gray Trianon canvas, waterproof, and the first to have a flat top.

The checkerboard pattern on your trunk, called Damier canvas, was introduced in 1888 and is still used. Squares were either deep red and white or dark and light brown, like your trunk. Worked into the design is a trademark logo.

From about 1890 to 1900, the Vuitton London store was located at 454 Strand, near Trafalgar Square. That address plus the serial number on your trunk dates it to the late 1890s.

The value of Vuitton steamer trunks depends on condition. In rough condition, your trunk is worth $3,000 to $4,000. In professionally cleaned but not restored condition, the value would be $5,000 to $7,000. In completely restored condition, L.V. trunks like yours have sold for as much as $23,000 at auction.

Current Prices

Sterling silver belt buckle, interwoven bands, enamel decoration, Cymric, Archibald Knox, Liberty & Co., 1903, 2 1/2 inches, $500.

Gorham bowl, copper, hammered, applied silver insects, heron & fruit, bulbous, ruffled rim, early 20th century, 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches, $1,415.

Shaker sign, "Shaker Store, Plain & Fancy Goods," wood, stenciled letters, old paint, 13 x 52 inches, $3,480.

Barbie doll, No. 1, brunette ponytail, striped swimsuit, original accessories, box, Mattel, $5,750.

Tip: Never use your own hairbrush on your doll. Your hair oils will harm the doll's wig. Dolls should have their own brushes.