Bustle bench was not made for love
Q. Could you please tell me about this love seat/bustle bench? It has been in my family for over 125 years, and I am the fourth generation to have it. I had it reupholstered in 1950. The original covering was soft green sculptured velvet. It is about 40 inches in length; it has castors; and it is in excellent condition. The wood frame is oak and has the original finish.
I have visited many antiques shops nationwide and never seen any that even resemble it. I hope you can tell me about the origin, age and value of this piece of furniture.
A. You have a Victorian bustle bench rather than a love seat. It is an example of the Eastlake period of design that was popular during the Victorian era from around 1870 to 1890. Charles Lock Eastlake was an English author, reformer and architect. In his book "Hints on Household Taste," he discussed and advised readers how to decorate a home with style and grace. He rejected the lavish, ornate scrolled furniture that filled Victorian homes and called for a return to integrity of design. The low relief carving, stick and ball construction, and wood castors represent the Eastlake period of furniture. Bustle benches were created for ladies' hoop skirts, bustles and large petticoats.
Your bustle bench was made around 1880 and would probably be worth $300 to $350.
Q. This mark is on a set of porcelain dishes that I inherited from my grandmother. It is a service for 12 and includes a serving bowl, a covered bowl, several platters, a gravy boat with attached tray, a sugar bowl and a cream pitcher. Each dish is decorated with multicolored flowers and a colorful bird with a red plume tail. All pieces are in perfect condition.
I would appreciate any information you can give me, especially the age and value of my dinnerware.
A. Hertel, Jacob and Co. made your dinnerware. The firm was in business from 1906 to 1979 in Bavaria, Germany. The mark you provided was used from 1910 to 1922.
There is no demand for vintage porcelain dinnerware at this time. A similar set can be found in antiques shops in the range of $200 to $400.
• 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