Vintage Phonograph Inspired by Queen Anne Furniture

Advice, Antique or Junque
on September 26, 2013
victor-talking-machine-phonograph
Victor Talking Machine Company was in business from 1906 to 1929.
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Q: While visiting our friend in New England, we observed a crank operated record player in the corner of her dining room. Attached is a picture of it. Our friend, a widow, said it had belonged to her husband and she did not know anything about it. It is in pristine condition and sounds great. It still has a complete set of records, both large and small.
    
Could you please tell us about it and what its approximate value is?
    
A: Victor Talking Machine Company was in business from 1906 to 1929. Your phonograph was made before many homes had electricity. The cabinet style was inspired by Queen Anne period furniture and the Queen Anne cabriole legs are often called spider legs. Victor Talking Machine Company wanted their cabinets to look like a piece of furniture that would fit into family parlors. Many of the cabinets were made of oak or mahogany.

Your phonograph was made around 1920 and would probably be worth $600 to $800.

Silver-Plated Meriden Britannia Butter Dish

Meridenl Britannia Company merged with International Silver Company in 1898.

Meridenl Britannia Company merged with International Silver Company in 1898.

Q: I have an antique silver-plated footed butter dish that has been in my family for generations. I plan to pass it along to my daughter and she would like to know more about its history and value. I have enclosed the mark that is on the bottom of the dish. The overall height with the ornate handle is about 12 inches, and there is a hook on the side for the butter knife, which we still have. There is a glass insert, and the lid revolves to open. It is decorated with engraved flowers and leaves and the silver plate is in perfect condition. Also, we are thinking of insuring it.
    
A: Meriden Britannia Company made your butter dish. They were established in Meriden, Conn. in 1852. In 1898, they merged with International Silver Company. Your dish is circa 1880 and was made of white metal that was triple plated with silver. Originally similar silver-plated butter dishes sold in the range of $10 to $15.

Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P. O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters. To find out more about Anne McCollam and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com