Q & A

We have inadvertently lost the name of the person who sent us this query. If it’s you, please get in touch!

I have two items that I would like some information on.

The first is a picture of a young girl and it is entitled "Pussy Willows." In the lower left-hand corner it says "copyright 1897" and there is additional information however I would have to take the picture apart in order to read it. In the left-hand corner it reads "Supplement to the Family Herald and Weekly Star - Montreal." Any information or its value would be appreciated. I bought this at an auction for $40.00.

The second item is a plate that was given to my Mother in Poland as a wedding gift approximately 50 years ago. The leafing on the front has gold and brown colouring to it and the leaf in the centre is a dark brown. I have also attached the insignia found on the back. I was watching a Antique Roadshow program where one of the Appraisers was speaking to a woman who had a plate with the same insignia however it was only a vignette on the show and more information was not provided. I have no idea of its value.

I would appreciate any information you could provide me on either of these items.

We asked Charles Cripps to respond:

Firstly, the print titled "Pussy Willows". The information indicates that it is a lithograph published as a supplement to the "Family Herald and Weekly Star", a Montreal newspaper publication. This publication dates back to the 1800's and continued well into the 1900's. This was of course an era when there was no radio or television. The intent of the paper was to provide news and entertainment for people on a week-end. With the advent of radio and particularly television, people relied less on the printed word and the need for such a bulky publication disappeared. The 'Star' regularly gave such supplements, leaning towards subjects that would interest families in particular. The originals were executed by various artists. The frame is circa 1940.s, the style being popular at the time. Such prints do not have a great deal of value and the print and frame in question would have a replacement value of $100.00.

The plate, from the back-stamp, the crossed swords in blue underglaze would most certainly be European in origin. The provenance of course lends further support. Without viewing the plate, and from the mark and provenance, it would appear to Meissen (Dresden). Being a wedding present, it was obviously considered as being 'special' by the donor and most probably taken from a collection for the occasion. Again, without viewing the plate, the age is difficult to ascertain. Design and general appearance are factors. Other companies including Worcester of England also used a 'crossed swords' logo. However, the origin and provenance would tend to establish it as Meissen (Dresden). It is no doubt in very good condition and the value as a guess would be upwards of $300.00.