Antiques & Collecting: Nature in art

When we reach the autumn equinox, summer is officially over. That doesn’t mean you have to put sunshine and vacation fun entirely out of your mind. Isn’t that what mementos and souvenirs are for?

Take this shell-shaped porcelain vase, which sold for $2,460 at Morphy Auctions. Even though it’s not a real shell, it can evoke beach trips and the serenity that comes with them.

It was made by Royal Dux, the collector’s nickname for Duxer Porzellanmanufaktur, founded in Dux, Bohemia — now Duchov, Czech Republic — in 1860. This porcelain factory is best known for its art nouveau pieces with natural elements and human figures.

Art nouveau images of people are often stylized and suggest mythological or allegorical characters; the young woman perched on the edge of the shell vase is probably meant to be a sea nymph. After all, there’s a little magic and mystery in the beauty of nature and its ability to inspire.

I inherited my dad’s straight razor collection. I have 450 razors and would like to know the best way to sell them. I tried local antiques dealers here in Canada, but it would take too long for them to be sold. Any ideas or suggestions on what to do with them? I also have 100 hair receivers.

Straight razors have been made for a few hundred years. They lost popularity after safety razors were introduced in 1903, but some are still being made.

Hundreds of manufacturers in many different countries have made straight razors. The maker as well as the design and material of the handle help determine value.

Collectors want old razors in good condition. The original box adds value. Search on Google or on a site like Liveauctioneers.com to find razor auctions.

If you decide to have an auction to sell the collection, be sure to find out what the seller’s commission, buyer’s premium and any other charges will be.

Tip: Either Coca-Cola or Tang can be used to remove stains from porcelain.

Current Prices

Coverlet, jacquard, three colors, red and green stripes, star medallions in leafy wreaths, signed, C. Fehr Emaus, 1840, 96 x 62 inches, $90.

Cobalt blue glass, compote, shallow bowl, baluster stem, clear knop with bubbles, round foot, polished pontil mark, 7 x 8 inches, $100.

Store, bin, Coffee, red paint, slant lid, glass panel, yellow lettering, 19 x 13 x 6 1/2 inches, $120.

Box, traveling, lap desk, artist’s, lift top, interior compartments, front drawer, scrolling brass inlay, recessed carrying handles, 19th century, 6 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches, $385.

Scientific instrument, telescope, Etablissement Vion, France, single draw, brass, oak tripod stand, 57 inches, $585.

Pottery, contemporary, vase, feelie, apple green drip glaze, round, short neck and foot, signed, Rose Cabat, 3 inches, $1,090.