Wise old adage inspires figurine
Q. This is a photo of a porcelain figurine that I inherited and believe may have some antique value. I have tried to contact some local appraisers but had no luck. Marked on the bottom are the words "A Stitch In Time - H N 2352 - Copr 1965 - Doulton & Co. Limited." There is also a lion above a crown and the words "Made in England - Royal Doulton." The figurine is about 6 1/4 inches tall and in perfect condition. She is about to thread a needle to mend the dress on her lap. She is wearing a shawl, and her feet are resting on a footstool.
Anything you can tell me about my figurine will be appreciated.
A. Royal Doulton was founded in 1815 near London, England. It has produced dinnerware, giftware, Toby jugs and character jugs. Your figurine, "A Stitch in Time," was designed by master sculptor Mary Nicoll. It was introduced in 1965 and retired in 1981. In 1913, Doulton began issuing an "HN" design number to each new piece. The numbers were in chronological order until 1949. "HN" is the initials of Harry Nixon, who was responsible for painting the figurines.
Your figurine can be seen selling on the internet in the range of $50 to $100.
Q. I have enclosed the mark that is on the back of an antique berry bowl that I inherited. It is all that is left of a set of dinnerware that has been in my family for generations. The diameter is approximately 5 inches, and in perfect condition. It is decorated with a wide cobalt blue and rust band on the border against a white background, and it is trimmed in gold. I learned the pattern was inspired by Asian Imari designs. My mother was born in Ireland in 1911 and came to the United States in 1929. We think she might have brought it with her.
Can you tell me anything about the maker, pattern, vintage and value?
A. Alfred Meakin Ltd. made your berry bowl. It made ironstone and earthenware in Tunstall, Staffordshire, England, from 1875 to 1960. Imari ware was first made in Japan in the 16th and 17th centuries and imported to Europe. Imari ware was decorated with cobalt blue, rust and gold tracery against a white background. European potters recognized its popularity and soon copied the patterns. Meakin dropped the "Ltd" from its marks after 1930.
Meakin first used this mark in 1937, which would rule out the thought that the set was brought with your grandmother in 1929. Your bowl would probably be worth $15 to $25.
• 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.
© 2017, Creators Syndicate