Veterans Day is a time to reflect on American history and those who made it. Fighting in World War I ended with a ceasefire on the 11th hour of Nov. 11, 1918. In the following years, Nov. 11 was observed as Armistice Day. In 1947, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks organized ceremonies on Nov. 11 to honor veterans of all wars. President Eisenhower signed the bill that made Veterans Day a national holiday in 1954.
Parades have honored veterans and celebrated patriotism since Weeks organized his first celebration, and long before then, too. We don’t know what occasion this 40-star parade flag was made for, but it would have brought patriotic pride to any event. We do have a good idea of the year it was made: 1889. There were 40 states, and therefore 40 stars on the American flag, but only for a brief time. North and South Dakota became the 39th and 40th states, respectively, on Nov. 2, 1889. Montana became the 41st state just six days later. That makes this flag especially rare. It sold for $1,216, just passing its high estimate, at Cowan Auctions.
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Q: I have a 1976 Vernon Seeley doll. Although the body needs to be tightened, all limbs are intact and the doll has pants, a shirt, vest, cap, stockings and shoes. His hair needs to be reattached. I believe he is between 24 and 27 inches tall. It’s hard to say without his head attached. Can you tell me about him and if he’s worth repairing?
A: Vernon Seeley operated from 1946 to 2009 and sold reproductions of antique European porcelain dolls with composition bodies. We have seen Vernon Seeley dolls sell for under $50 to more than $700. The doll’s value can vary depending on condition and rarity. Whether your doll is worth repairing depends on whether you want to keep him or sell him. If you plan to sell a doll, we recommend against restoring it. Collectors usually want to see the doll as it is, and dealers can get the restoration done for a lower price. Have the doll restored if you intend to keep it for display or play. Either way, if there is a doll hospital or antique doll dealer in your area, you may want to consult them for advice.
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Q: My parents brought this Koa wood coffee table back from Hawaii in 1952. I still have the original receipt and factory documentation. I am wondering about its value and possibly how to dispose of it.
A: Koa is a tropical hardwood tree that grows only in Hawaii. Its limited range and the beauty and quality of its wood make it one of the most prized-and most expensive-woods in the world. Vintage Koa tables have sold for more than $1,000 at auctions. Furniture from the mid-20th century, like your table, is very popular and sells well. The original receipt and documentation will increase the value. If you plan to sell it, we recommend contacting an antiques dealer or auction house, especially one that specializes in furniture or midcentury design. Look up reviews and ask for references before you sell anything.
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Q: Who can help me identify this marking? It has the words “Fine Porcelain” over a row of four Chinese characters.
A: The characters in your mark mean “Zhongguo Zhi Zao,” which is Chinese for “Made in China.” This style of mark was used in the late 20th century, starting about the 1960s. Vintage pieces sell for about $20 to $50.
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TIP: Flags have been made of many different fabrics, so cleaning requires testing. A wool flag should be tested with a drop of water and blotting paper. If no color is removed, you can wash it in warm water with a wool washing product. It can be dry-cleaned with care.
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Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or email us at [email protected].
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CURRENT PRICES
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
Advertising, carrier, Moxie, red, blue and white graphics, man’s face, speech balloon, “Mad About Moxie since 1884,” holds six 10-ounce bottles, $30.
World War II, poster, “Ours … To Fight For,” “Freedom From Want,” dinner scene, color, OWI poster no. 45, Norman Rockwell, frame, 28 x 20 inches, $60.
Iron, candle holder, 1/4 circle, flowers, multicolor paint, to surround a birthday cake, c. 1930, 9 inches, four pieces, $100.
Toy, truck, log, yellow cab, red trim, open, seat inside, green bed and wheels, tin lithograph, J. Chein & Co., 9 1/2 inches, $125.
Glass, contemporary, vase, Heart, multicolor iridescent, allover swirls, raised ribs, shoulders, flared neck, signed, dated, Lundberg Studios, 2007, 8 inches, $135.
Basket, Penobscot, lid, figural, berry shape, purple body, green stem and leaves finial, signed, Kim Bryant, 2002, 6 inches, $140.
Quilt, patchwork, red and yellow diamond checked field, 20 multicolor checkerboard blocks, red and pink checked borders, early 20th century, 74 x 64 inches, $310.
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