Terry and Kim Kovel

Antiques & Collecting

Some designers become so popular that their name becomes synonymous with their style.

This can make matters confusing for collectors. Duncan Phyfe furniture is one of the most famous examples. Cabinetmaker Duncan Phyfe (1768-1854) came to America in 1784, served in an apprenticeship in Albany, New York, and had his own workshop by 1792.

He made furniture in many styles popular in the late 18th to early 19th centuries, including Sheraton, Empire, Regency, and Rococo Revival.

By the 20th century, however, “Duncan Phyfe” referred to a reproduction of Empire style. The name was, and still is, frequently attached to the style of drum table with sweeping legs, and to a type of drop-leaf table popular in the 1930s.

The best way to recognize an authentic piece of Duncan Phyfe furniture is by its label. Phyfe was one of the first American cabinetmakers to mark his pieces with a paper label.

Unfortunately, paper labels tend to deteriorate over time. This classical recamier sofa, which sold for $4,305 at Brunk Auctions, did not have a label or identifying marks. However, it was attributed to Duncan Phyfe and dated to about 1840 because of how closely its design, including proportions, matches confirmed Phyfe pieces.

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Q: I purchased this larger size hourglass (about 15-minute timer) from the gift shop of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Magic Kingdom at Disney World in April 1976. Unfortunately, it has no marking or labels anywhere. It has no damage whatsoever. Do you know of any collectors who might be interested in this piece? Other than a Disney collector, I believe it would have limited interest.

A: You are right that a Disney collector would be the best buyer for your hourglass. Fortunately, there are plenty of Disney collectors out there! While Disney memorabilia, including theme park souvenirs, can be found at many auctions, particularly toy auctions, and antique stores, there are some auction houses that specialize in it. You may want to contact an auction house like Van Eaton Galleries (vegalleries.com) or Hake’s Auctions (hakes.com), both of which hold auctions dedicated to Disney memorabilia.

Your hourglass could be worth hundreds of dollars to the right buyer. A souvenir hourglass from the Haunted Mansion ride sold for $130 at an auction in 2024. A Pirates of the Caribbean souvenir mug from about 1990 sold for $380 at another auction.

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Q: I am wondering if you could tell me where to find the value of three paintings by Felix Tabasco. One painting is 26 x 33 inches and two are 16 x 32 inches. These were given to my partner when he was living in Spain and was a good friend of the painter.

They are early paintings and somewhat different in style from later ones. What I was told is that after a night of partying, Felix fell on some church steps and broke his arm. The arm did not heal properly and he started painting with his other arm. I also have some notes from Felix and brochures showing some of his artwork.

A: Felix Tabasco (1947-2007) was a modern Spanish painter. There are several online databases, such as Artnet and ARTBnk, that have recent sale prices for paintings. They require paid subscriptions, but you may be able to access them through a library or museum in your area.

Another way to find the value of your paintings is to consult an art gallery or an auction house that deals in fine art. Because yours are unusual and have an interesting story attached, they may be worth more. If you are planning to sell your paintings, the notes and brochures will add to their value.

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Q: Years ago, my mother-in-law was looking for treasures and found a porcelain box with painted cows and roses. Knowing my fondness for cows, she gave it to me. I have been curious about its age and value. The bottom is marked “Lille 1767.”

A: Lille is a city in northern France that has produced faience, a tin-glazed earthenware pottery, since the 15th century. Royal Manufacturers of Lille, one of the first factories in the area to make porcelain, was founded in 1764. Your box was probably made in the 1800s.

The “1767” in the mark may be the year the factory that made the box was founded. Beware, however: The “Lille 1767” mark has been faked on recent copies. Decorative boxes marked “Lille 1767” typically sell for about $100. Don’t confuse it with Fives Lille faience, which is a different maker. Fives Lille has more elaborate, sometimes three-dimensional decorations; has an impressed mark; and sells for higher prices.

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Tip: When replacing old upholstery, look at the marks left by the tacks. Round tack holes indicate a date after 1880.

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Current prices

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

â-  Advertising, tip tray, Wolverine Supply & Mfg. Co., scenic graphic, factory, yellow ground, red rim, tin lithograph, 5 x 6¢ inches, $55.

â-  Lampshade, gold iridescent glass, painted scene, trees, water, c. 1900, 12¢ inches, $75.

â-  Opaline glass, cologne bottle, blue, stopper, enamel, flowers, leaves, berries, gilt trim, silver plate holder, pierced leafy vine, dome foot, repousse flowers, Meriden, Victorian, 9 inches, $145.

â-  Sports, baseball, figure, Willie Mays, San Francisco Giants, holding glove, Major League Baseball Stars, box, Hartland, 1950s, $195.

â-  Enamel, vase, multicolor, birds perching on leafy branches, cherries, tapered base, dome foot, cobalt blue trim, art nouveau, France, c. 1900, 5¢ inches, $225.

â-  Furniture, table, tilt top, round, porcelain insert, multicolor flowers, two perching birds, nest with eggs, adjustable column, tripod base, paw feet, 46¢ x 16 inches, $350.

â-  Paper, book, “A Tale of Two Cities,” Charles Dickens, illustrated, hardback, green boards, gilt lettering, T.B. Peterson & Bros., Philadelphia, 1859, 9 x 6 inches, $510.

â-  Porcelain-contemporary, vase, bottle shape, iridescent, blue green drip band, signed, Hideaki Miyamura, Japan, 18 inches, $750.

â-  Silver-Chinese, box, hinged lid, relief scenes, marketplace, figures, trees, flower vine and geometric borders, character marks, export, 1800s, 4¢ x 9 x 6 inches, $1,535.

â-  Rug, Tabriz, center medallion, ivory field, salmon spandrels, all-over multicolor flower vines, golden brown border, Persian, 9 feet 10 inches x 10 feet 4 inches, $2,000.