Food slicer promises to perform

Q A few years ago my wife bought this “Vintage” Vegetable Slicer (Popeil Deluxe Dial O Matic) in an antique store for about $50. It is in excellent condition, and came with the original box and several blades — and, it works. We have made waffle fries quite often. What can you tell me about this amazing machine?

Bruce, Kanata, Ont.

Q My mother willed this cup and saucer to me that came from my grandmother. I do not know exactly how old this is. The cup is 5.5 cm high and the saucer is 10.5 cm wide (2 x 4 inches) and both are perfect. There are numbers and a symbol indented on the saucer bottom. I would appreciate any information you can give me about this unique gift. Thank you.

Sylvia, Kitchener, Ont.

A Your porcelain prize is commonly called ‘Royal Bayreuth.’ Bayreuth lies within the town of Tettau, Bavaria,

Q This chair came from my greatgrandfather’s house in Toronto. He emigrated from Scotland in 1871. I think of this ‘Windsor’ chair as being “Jacobean” in style and thus may have come from Scotland. When I notice the asymmetry of the front legs having different slopes it suggests to me that it was made solely with hand-tools (no jigs) which is an indicator of its age. It measures 91 cm high (36 inches) and 54 cm wide (21 inches). The wood is oak with its original finish. What can you tell me as to the likely origin of this chair, and its approximate value?

Harper, Ottawa, Ont.

A You do have a Windsor chair of which there are many forms — defined as chairs that have turned spindles (the legs) socketed into solid wooden seats. But your symmetry observation more likely indicates wood shrinkage over time or just a construction flaw. Your chair, possibly Britishmade was produced commercially and was likely bought new, in Canada circa 1890 at the earliest. Early 19th century chairs have ‘plank’ seats (one piece) and as wood supplies lessened cabinetmakers joined small pieces (yours is four)

A Many people are decorating with ‘Kitchenware’ in a Vintage, Retro or Mid-Century Modern style and these colours work well. ‘Usable’ adds value and the purist collector will appreciate the original box. The entertaining advertising catches attention with “performs miracles with food!” and “glamorous garnishes.” It was produced by the Popeil Brothers of Chicago in 1958 who made many household food aids and gadgets claiming, at the time that “Most women prepare 1,095 meals a year!” Your $50 vested stake gives immeasurable food production value even though the cash profit is ‘nada’ today.

Germany where the original factory was founded in 1794 and granted a privilege by King of Prussia, Friedrich Wilhelm II. During the first few decades of the 20th century this firm — Porcelain Factory Tettau — made a myriad of different but distinctive figurals, like your ‘Spiky Shell’ cup and saucer with a coral handle. Demand has simmered down a lot — at one time this would command $175. Today, it is still very charming with its ‘pearlized’ finish and is worth $50 today. to produce the large width. The patina is very nice and your chair is worth $175 today.

JOHN SEWELL IS AN ANTIQUES AND FINE ART APPRAISER. TO SUBMIT AN ITEM TO HIS COLUMN, GO TO THE “CONTACT JOHN” PAGE AT JOHNSEWELLANTIQUES.CA. PLEASE MEASURE YOUR PIECE, SAY WHEN AND HOW YOU GOT IT, WHAT YOU PAID AND LIST ANY IDENTIFYING MARKS. A HIGH-RESOLUTION JPEG PHOTO MUST ALSO BE INCLUDED. (ONLY EMAIL SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED). APPRAISAL VALUES ARE ESTIMATES ONLY.