Arts and Crafts style taboret made circa 1900
Q. Could you tell me something about the little table seen in this photo? It is at least 90 years old. There is a label on the bottom, but part of it is missing and it's hard to read. The finish on the top is not in good condition. It stands about 18 inches tall.
A. You have an Arts and Crafts taboret and it was used as a plant stand or beverage stand. Arts and Crafts furniture was made in Europe and the United States from around 1880 to 1910. The movement began in England and quickly spread to the United States. The simple lines were a reaction to the heavy ornate designs of the Victorian Era.
Your taboret was made around 1900 and would probably be worth $75 to $150.
Q. This mark is on the back of a set of dishes that I have. It is a service for four and each piece is decorated with multicolored irises and trimmed in gold. The plates are square with scalloped corners.
I bought the set at a yard sale and am now curious about its age, maker and value.
A. Crescent China Co. made your dishes. They were founded by F.A. Sebring in 1920 in Alliance, Ohio. “Sienna Ware” is the name of a line of dinnerware. “Iris” is the name of the pattern. Most of their wares were decorated with decals. In 1926 Leigh Pottery bought Crescent China Co. They closed in 1931. Because of the gold trim, the dishes shouldn't be used in the microwave. Also, hand wash your dishes rather than place them in the dishwasher. The dishwasher could damage the trim and the design.
Your dinnerware was made sometime between 1920 and 1926. The set would probably be worth $100 to $150.
Q. We have my parents' cherry marble-top dresser that was made by John Widdicomb in the 1950s. It is French provincial style, is over 60 inches wide and has four drawers. The finish is the original.
What can you tell me about our dresser?
A. John Widdicomb Co. was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1897. Much of their furniture was made in the early 1900s and was inspired by several 18th-century periods of design. By the mid-20th century, some of their lines were designed by well-known artists.
Your dresser would probably be worth $300 to $500.
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