Dear John,
My husband bought this beautiful Handel lamp many years ago. We love antiques and have many in our home. We are also parents to many indoor cats that love to sit on our sideboard where the Handel is. We have decided that the risk of having the lamp broken is too great, so we would like to know its value and if you can recommend a reputable dealer to either buy or consign it. It will be sad to lose such a beautiful piece, but the thought of it getting broken would be much worse. Thank you for your help.
—C. & K.B., Mount Dora
Dear C. & K.B.,
Phillip S. Handel, 1866–1914, formed a partnership in 1885 with Adolph Eyden in Meriden, Connecticut, called Eyden & Handel. Handel took control of the company in 1893 and renamed it Handel & Company. The company specialized in decorating glassware with etching and enameling. Reverse painted lampshades were a specialty.
Handel lamps are very collectible. I agree that your reverse painted shade is beautiful. However, the lamp base appears to have been painted at a later time. If so, that would have a negative effect on dollar value. I think it would sell in the $1,000 range.
Dear John,
This hand-carved chair was purchased by my grandmother at a rummage sale in Miami in the 1960s. My grandfather reupholstered it soon thereafter. When I received it recently, the chair was shabby but still had potential. I had a local upholstery shop restore it, which was expensive, but the chair came out beautifully. The wood is waxed, not stained, and there are no maker’s marks. The man who worked on it thought it was from the mid-1800s or so. I would love to hear your comments about the chair. I try to listen every Saturday, read your articles, and enjoy learning something new every time.
—K.M., via E-mail
Dear K.M.,
Yes, indeed, the chair came out beautifully. You have a slipper chair—traditionally used in the bedroom for removing or putting on one’s shoes in an elegant manner. I think it was manufactured in England circa 1850–1870. The overall quality appears to be good. Potential dollar value is $250 to $500.
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