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Victorian child's rocking chair is a family heirloom

Q. Enclosed is a photo of a child's rocking chair that I received from my great-aunt 55 years ago. The family story goes that her father, my great-grandfather, purchased it secondhand for her in 1905. I was told that he had it recaned at the time of purchase, but I don't know for sure if that's true. I can't find any markings on the chair, but it is in solid shape and has all its original pieces. It appears to be made of oak and has a dark stain finish.

I would appreciate it if you could provide any history about this type of chair and its value — not that I would sell it, but I am curious. Thank you for any information you can give me. I so enjoy your column every Sunday in our newspaper.

A. You have a Victorian child's rocking chair that was made around 1880. The spindles in the back and supporting the arms were inspired by the innovative work of George Hunzinger. He emigrated from Germany in 1855 and was known for his innovative furniture designs, including his decorative lollipop spindles with round wooden balls at the end. Many of his designs were patented and signed.

If you plan to have your rocking chair insured, the value would probably be $200 to $250.

Q. The enclosed mark is on a set of dishes that I inherited from my aunt. It is a set of eight and includes all the serving pieces. The dishes are decorated with a soft blue glaze and are in mint condition. I don't think my aunt used the dishes at all except for special occasions.

She was my favorite aunt and I would never part with the set, but would like to know more about its maker, age and value.

A. The Homer Laughlin China Co. made your dinnerware. The company was founded in East Liverpool, Ohio, in 1871. They eventually relocated to Newell, West Virginia. Skytone is the name of the pattern, and the dishes have the Jubilee shape. Skytone, Suntone and Debutante are patterns within the Jubilee line; they were produced in the 1950s. The Jubilee shape can be recognized by the sleek streamlined design. The handles and finials are all applied and ribbon-shaped. Blue clay was used to make Skytone. Suntone is similar to Skytone, but terra-cotta clay is used to make it darker. Debutante is white. The letters “L — 50 — N — 8” show that your dishes were made in December 1950 at Laughlin's plant Number 8.

The value of your set would probably be $225 to $325.

• 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.

© 2016, Creators Syndicate

Homer Laughlin China Co. was founded in 1871 in Ohio.
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