Oct 8, 2016 5 min read

Many American Indian tribes almost lost their culture by the 1960s because of 19th- and early 20th-century U.S government rules. American Indians could be removed from their land, resettled on reservations and even have their children sent to special boarding schools to be taught a new way of life. The children were punished if they continued to practice their ceremonies or speak their native language. Children from the Potawatomi tribe went to either a boys’ or girls’ boarding school, where they learned English and a trade. The American Indian Religious Freedom Act passed in the 1970s led to the end of the boarding schools and the beginning of efforts to bring back the Indian culture. A recent auction sold a toy Indian cradle decorated with beads and silver buttons, but holding a European porcelain-headed doll. It was made by Millie R. Hall, who lived at a Potawatomi boarding school in 1900, an important historic source for a handmade doll. It sold for $11,070.

Q. I have a rose-colored glass bowl that I believe is called a “banana boat.” I’ve been told the pattern name is Delaware. The bowl is 11 3/4 inches wide and has a ruffled edge. Could you corroborate my information and help me with a value?

A. Your bowl is indeed a banana boat. The pattern name is “Delaware,” but it was also known as “New Century” or “Four Petal Flower.” The pattern was first made in 1899 by the U.S. Glass Co., a group of 15 glass companies that merged in 1891 and had a headquarters in Pittsburgh. Delaware was made in crystal (colorless), emerald green, custard, milk glass and ruby stain, like yours. Some pieces had gold trim. Other Delaware shapes included a sugar and creamer; various bowls; shakers; celery vase; compote dish; cruet; custard cup; toothpick; berry, table and water sets; dresser boxes; and a pin tray. Early American pressed glass was made between about 1850 and 1910. It fell out of popularity by the 1920s. Prices peaked in the 1990s, when your bowl might have brought more than $200. Today it is worth about $50.

Q. I have an antique Alfred Andresen cast-iron waffle iron that makes heart-shape waffles. The baking surface is divided into five heart-shaped parts that make five waffles at a time. It’s marked “Minneapolis” and “999” on one side, and “981” on the other. What is it worth?

A. Alfred Andresen & Co. was in business in Minneapolis from 1893 to 1913. The company sold products for the home that were made by other companies. Alfred Andresen was granted a patent for his heart-shape “design for a cover for waffle-irons” in 1904. The waffle irons were made for Andresen by Griswold. Alfred Andresen & Co. also imported Swedish spinning wheels, Swedish saws and other items that appealed to the Scandinavian community in the area. Waffle irons are not popular collectibles, but the heart shape and age of your waffle iron might make it worth $100 if it still works.

Q. My Architector Building Set No. 15 was bought from Home & Garden in 1944. It’s in its original wooden box and cost $15 when it was new. All the pieces for building a model brick house are there, but the glue bottle is cracked. Was this a toy or for an architect? What is it worth?

A. This building set was made by Architector Co. of New York and was advertised as a toy for both boys and girls. The complete set includes white and red bricks, wood molding, shingles, glue and building plans. The plans were designed by professional architects. Building sets are popular today and your set, still has all the pieces and can be used to build a house, so it’s worth about $100.

Q. I’m looking for information on a maker’s mark on a porcelain clock. The initials “GB” are embossed above a plow. The letters below the plow but the last three letters are “ose” with an accent mark over the “e.” It may be depose. I wondered if it is Spanish.

A. This mark was used by Gustav Bossenroth, a German clockmaker. There is almost no information about him, but he is sometimes listed in Berlin and as working in the early 1900s. The word depose is French and means the design was registered.

Tip: Nineteenth-century Indian blankets generally are not restored by museums. They stabilize them, mount them on a backing fabric to keep them from further damage, and hang or frame them. There is some thought that even the dirt may be wanted in original state in the future.

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.

• Button, animal rescue league, Boston, Mass., dog photo, tin lithograph, blue and gold, pinback, 1930s, 1-inch diameter, $25.

• Picture, engraving, Christopher Columbus on death bed, priest at bedside, last rites, holding hand, black and white, 1850, 10 x 9 inches, $50.

• Stuffed animal, Waggy weasel, brown and white dralon plush, felt paws, plastic whiskers, glass eyes, tag, Steiff, 1962, 7 inches, $210.

• Bronze Navy bell, curved top handle for mounting, silvered, rope ringer, embossed U.S.N., 1938, 7 x 7 inches, $300.

• Musical instrument, temple drum, ritual, wood with yak skin, double leather, symbols, forged nails, Tibet, c. 1905, 7 x 23 inches, $450.

• Pin, love knot, 14k yellow gold, blue enamel flowers, center diamond, Victorian love symbol, c. 1910, 1 inch, $545.

• Desk, teachers, walnut, slant top, turned legs, dovetailed back board, top knobs, book storage, c. 1900, 33 x 52 inches, $800.

• Worcester Dessert Set, cake stand and plates, turquoise enamel beaded edge, flowers, marked, c. 1845, 9-inch plates, 5 piece set, $,1500.

• Button, plique-a-jour enamel glass, green and white, silver dome frame, mistletoe design, openwork, 1800s, 1 1/2 inch diameter, $2,525.

Write to Kovels, Observer-Reporter, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019.