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Attic treasure's value depends on size

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By JAY MOORE

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 15, 2009

My wife and I would like to learn more about an object we found in our attic. It is marked on the bottom. I believe it is sterling and was made before 1800 in London. I also would like to know its value.

J.J.

Tampa

Your sterling silver bowl was made in London in 1878. To say that it is extravagantly decorated is an understatement. It is typical of many pieces of Victorian silver; 18th-century silver often is sparsely decorated.

The maker's mark is partially obliterated or rubbed. You did not provide dimensions or weight, major factors when pricing silver. It may retail for $400 to $900, but keep in mind, that is an approximate range only.

I am trying to get some information about antiques my parents own, including a tall solid-wood bookcase. I searched but cannot find any marks or writing. It is 7 feet tall by 5 feet wide.

D.H.

Tampa

Your parents have an Eastlake-style bookcase made between 1875 and 1885. Like much good quality Eastlake, it is made of walnut solids and veneers. It was factory made, probably by a company specializing in office furniture.

The style was named for English designer Charles Locke Eastlake who wrote the book, "Hints on Household Taste." In America, his ideas were bastardized and he complained bitterly about products branded with his name.

Pieces like this bookcase are in demand today because they are extremely useful, although a pain to move since they were made in one piece (plus you need a ladder for the top couple of shelves). It would retail for about $1,200.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear, high-resolution digital image in JPG format to baylife@tampatrib
Free antiques appraisal by Dr. Lori

Lori Verderame, whose Ask Dr. Lori columns appear occasionally in the Tribune, will offer free verbal antiques appraisals - one per person - Monday at the St. Petersburg Public Library, main branch, 3745 Ninth Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

Recipients must arrive before 2 p.m., when appraisals begin. Bring the item or a clear photograph. Additional appraisals can be provided for $20 per item.

For more information, visit www.DrLoriV.com.

.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (not computer printouts or Polaroids) to Jay Moore, Getaway, The Tampa Tribune, P.O. Box 191, Tampa FL 33601. Because of the large volume of mail, not

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