Unmarked porcelain figures' origin is perplexing
Q. The porcelain figures seen in this photo have been in our family for at least 65 years. They are both 13.5 inches tall, including the base, and they are all in mint condition. The figures are wearing 17th century-style clothing, and they are both coated with a glossy glaze. One is marked with the number "7258" and the other "7259." There is no manufacturer mark on either one.
We are celebrating our 65th wedding anniversary and would really appreciate any information about these figures, because we are keeping them for our children.
A. Without a manufacturer mark it can be difficult to identify the origin and maker of your figures. Many similar figures were made in Germany. Those made after 1891 were marked with the country of origin and, usually, the name of the manufacturer. The numbers in sequence indicate that the figures are intended to be a pair.
Your figures were probably made in the late 1800s and might be worth $125 to $150 for the pair.
Q. This is the mark on a jardiniere and pedestal that belonged to my great-aunt. My mother inherited the set before I was born, and she passed it on to me. She used to display it in the corner of the family room. Everyone in the family called it "great-aunt Lily's jardiniere." It is decorated with a glossy, green glaze that gradually fades to tan. The jardiniere is 8 inches tall, and the pedestal is 14 inches tall. A friend of my mother who collects antiques told us the pattern is called "Dogwood" and was made from an old Weller Pottery mold.
What can you tell me about the set's history and value?
A. The mark you provided was used by Robinson Ransbottom Pottery. The company was founded in Roseville, Ohio, in 1920. In 1900, Frank Ransbottom and his brother opened a pottery and stoneware factory. In 1920, they merged with the Robinson Co., a factory that made tiles and bricks. After the merger they produced garden ware, art pottery, birdbaths, spongeware and utilitarian ware. In 1948, Robinson Ransbottom bought old Weller Pottery molds after the pottery closed. By 2005 Robinson Ransbottom had closed its doors.
Your Dogwood pattern jardiniere and pedestal were made around 1948 and would probably be worth $300 to $350.
• 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