Antiques & Collecting: Homemade sleds

Do you have fond memories of spending a winter day sliding down a snowy hill? Sledding is a pastime that has been around for a long time.

Archaeologists have evidence that the earliest sleds were used not in snowy climates, but in ancient Egypt. Heavy loads like stone for construction or monuments were loaded onto platforms with runners and pushed along tracks to their destination.

Sleds have been in use for so long that it’s uncertain when they went from being practical vehicles to children’s toys.

The first steerable sled for children, the Flexible Flyer, was patented in 1889. Before then, children played with homemade sleds that are now collected as folk art.

This sled, painted blue with yellow stripes and a spray of flowers, with metal swan’s head handles, was made in the 19th century and sold for $328 at an auction by Pook & Pook, Inc.

I’d like to know the possible value of a Florence Ceramics three-section bonbon dish. It’s light pink with two applied pink roses and one rose bud in the center where the three parts come together. It has irregularly shaped ruffled and fluted edges and is about 9 inches by 9 inches.

Florence Ward started Florence Ceramics Co. in Pasadena, California, in 1942. She worked out of her garage until moving to larger quarters in 1946. The company was in business until 1964, when it was sold to Scripto Corp., which closed in 1977.

The company is best known for its figurines depicting historical or fictional characters. Boxes, bud vases, candleholders, candy dishes and other decorative items were also made.

Several different pieces were made with delicate applied roses. A dish similar to yours was listed online for $50.

Tip: To remove wax from a Hanukkah menorah or another candleholder with small candle cups, run hot water in the holes or use a hair dryer to warm the metal, then remove the wax with cotton swabs.

Current Prices

Pair of Christmas ornaments, acorns, mercury glass, silver finish, kugel style, 8 inches, $50.

Toy, Santa Claus, Steiff, plush, stuffed, red suit, hat and boots, white faux fur trim, stitched felt fingers, tag on chest, 14 x 8 inches, $110.

Furniture, cupboard, hanging, yellow fir, flat molded top, wood peg construction, single paneled door opens to two shelves and three small over wide drawers, hand-forged hinges and lock, 28 x 23 x 10 inches, $750.

Daum cameo glass bowl, scenic landscape, river, distant village, white shaded to green, acid etched, gilt ginkgo leaves, round, four-sided undulating rim with band of enamel flowers, marked, “Daum Nancy,” Cross of Lorraine, 4 x 5 x 6 inches, $3,600.