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Victorian Rich Made Cottage Chic Hot

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By JAY MOORE

Tribune correspondent

Published: September 18, 2008

My husband and I bought our small, painted chest of drawers with a backsplash in northern Virginia. The dealer found it in Connecticut and we paid $200 for it. How old is it and what is its value?

J.E.

Richmond, Va.

When I first looked at your photo, I thought it might be European. I talked with Austin T. Miller, a pre-eminent dealer in American folk art and painted furniture. He is sure it is American cottage furniture.
Cottage furniture was popular in America from 1850 to 1900, mostly on the East Coast. At first, wealthy people bought it to furnish summer houses and cottages. Then it became popular among the middle class because it was inexpensive. Most of it was created for small bedroom suites.

This little chest, made about the turn of the century, probably was part of a suite that included a bed and washstand. It would retail for $295.

My helpful expert's business is Austin T. Miller American Antiques Inc. of Columbus, Ohio. He can be reached at atmiller @sbcglobal.net.

Please identify and give me the value of my porcelain dog. It has a raised mark on the base with an underlined "1." It has a black muzzle and gold decoration. What can you tell me about it?

J.O.

Tampa

This English Staffordshire pottery dog was once part one of a pair, designed to decorate a mantle. It probably was made between 1880 and 1900. The mutts were first produced about 1840 and are still in production.

It would retail for about $100. Pairs of late pottery English Staffordshire dogs sell for about $250. Early ones retail for much more.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear digital image (.jpg file) to athome@tampatrib.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (plain-paper prints or Polaroid

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