Table reflects rejection of ornate Victorian design
Q. Enclosed is a picture of our Eastlake table that was given to us on our wedding day 58 years ago. Originally it belonged to my husband's grandmother in Wisconsin. It has a white marble top that measures 28 by 20 inches, stands 30 inches tall, and has porcelain casters. We think the wood is walnut, and it is in excellent condition.
We would like to sell it. We would be grateful if you could you tell us its value.
A. The Eastlake period of furniture was from 1870 to 1895. Charles Eastlake was an English reformer. He was part of the Aesthetic Movement and called for a return to good design and construction in furniture. His book "Hints on Household Taste" provided advice on household decorating and style. He rebelled against the curvilinear, overly ornate and pretentious furniture of the Victorian Era. In his opinion, the criteria of quality furniture and good design were rectilinear lines, incised carving and good construction.
Similar Eastlake tables can be found selling in the range of $300 to $500 in antiques shops.
Q. I am enclosing a photo of the mark that is on the back of a porcelain dish. It was given to me by friends in Bavaria about 20 years ago. The dish measures 10 inches in diameter and is in perfect condition. It is decorated with pastel flowers in the center and has open basket-weave type sides. It was made in the German Democratic Republic, which was East Germany, which of course no longer exists.
I have no idea who made my dish or its value. Can you help?
A. You have a dish with reticulated sides. Porcelain Moschendorf Factory made your dish. They were in business from 1904 to 1957. After World War II, Germany was divided into two separate countries. East Germany was controlled by Russia and West Germany was occupied by the United States, England, and France. The Berlin Wall came down in 1989.
Your dish was made around 1950 and would probably be worth $25 to $50.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
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