Antiques & Collecting: Insightful labels

Brass inlaid inkstands were not a rarity in Victorian times. This one recently sold for $188 at New Orleans Auction Galleries.

It features a brass handle, two compartments for ink pots and a stamp box in the center. If you turn it upside down, you can see a nearly intact paper label on the base.

The original paper label adds value to an antique. It also provides useful information, often more than just a mark.

A label can tell you the name and possibly the address of the maker or retailer. This inkstand was made by “L. Leuchars, Writing & Dressing Case Maker,” located at “38 Picadilly, London.”

The label mentions the maker also made “Ink Stands, Chess Men, Tea Chests” and “Work Boxes,” and it includes a crest with a crown showing a royal warrant “To Her Majesty and the Royal Family.”

An online search for “L. Leuchars” brought up Lucy Leuchars, the widow of James Leuchars, who took over his business.

Later, when their son joined the business, it was called “Leuchars & Son.” The royal warrant was issued in 1837, the first year of Queen Victoria’s reign.

I have many Barbie dolls and collectibles, Ertl metal tractors that were my husband’s and airplane banks that I’d like to sell. None of my great-grandchildren seem to be interested. Do you have a price list that tells what I might be able to sell them for?

Old toys sell at house sales, estate sales and garage sales. The price you can get depends on rarity and condition.

Parents buy them for their children to play with and may even buy the toy if it’s in worn “used” condition if the price is right. Adult collectors look for vintage Barbie dolls, banks and farm toys in good condition.

Prices for toys are listed in our latest price book, “Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price List 2023.” You can also check eBay and other online sources to see what toys like yours have sold for. Be sure to check “Sold” prices, not asking prices.

Barbie dolls sell for $12 or less to a few hundred dollars or more. Barbie’s clothing and accessories sell for a variety of prices.

Ertl tractors in used condition sell for $25 or less. Some in good condition sell for $60 to a few hundred dollars.

A 1920′s aluminum “Spirit of Saving” airplane bank commemorating Lindbergh’s flight sold for $480 recently. It was in near mint condition.

Tip: The longer the cylinder on an old music box, the higher the price.

Current Prices

Porcelain-Asian, bowl, blue underglaze garden scene, peony flowers, ivory ground, soft paste, short foot, six-character Chenghua mark, Vietnam, 4 3/4 inches, $360.

Blanket, Navajo, double saddle, cream field, light brown, pink, 16 Valero stars, eight feathers, early 20th century, 30 x 53 1/2 inches, $750.

Chair, Fritz Hansen, beechwood frame, blue wool-blend upholstery, butterfly back, pillow, open sculptural arms, c. 1950, 40 x 27 x 35 inches, $1,600.

Jewelry, necklace, arts & crafts, three multicolor enamel plaques, five amethyst cabochons, two freshwater cultured pearls, gold chain, marked, James Cromar Watt, 1910s, 15 3/4 inches, $5,850.