Dear John: Can you give me some information about this Heywood Wakefield chair? I would like to know if it is valuable. Also, I would like to sell it, and can you direct me to someone that would be interested in it. — N.V., internet
John Sikorski
Sikorski’s Attic
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Dear N.V.: The Heywood Brothers Furniture Company of Massachusetts was established in 1826. The Wakefield company was established in 1855.
They were famous for their Victorian-era wicker furniture that was produced in massive quantities. The two companies merged in 1897 forming the Haywood Wakefield Company.
The wood furniture plant in Massachusetts was closed in 1979 and in 1983 it was added to the National Historic Register. The company produced most of their metal furniture in Menominac, Michigan, which continued production into the 1990s.
In 1994, the South Beach Furniture Company purchased the rights to the Heywood Wakefield name. They manufacture reproductions of the popular mid-century wood furniture designs in the same high-quality originally produced.
The metal chair you have was likely made in the 1950s to ’70s. It is of very little interest to collectors looking for antique and vintage Heywood Wakefield furniture. Potential dollar value is below $50.
Cathay Collection dolls can be found in large quantities for sale on various internet websites at affordable prices.
Dear John: I found this porcelain doll in the photo at a yard sale.
The only marking I could find is the one on her neck. It has Cathay Collection 1-5000 all in a triangle. Could you tell me anything about her? Thank you. — S., internet
Dear S.: There is no specific collector interest for Cathay Collection dolls within the big category of doll collecting. Large quantities can be found for sale on various internet websites at affordable prices.
I suspect if you got $10 for your Cathay Collection doll it would be par for the course.
Dear John: I always read your article in Sunday’s paper. I am writing to you about a gift given to me.
I have a large, heavy outdoor spiritual Christian cross that I have been told was on church property. I was also told that it was made in the 17th century, but not a known value.
I do not have a computer. Thank you for any information you can give me. — D.E., Beverly Hills
Dear D.E.: I would be glad to help you. Look the cross over carefully for any marks and make sure to include them. Take good, clear photographs of the front, back, and include the dimensions.
Then, hopefully, I will fill in the details.
Dear John: Could you give me the name of a reliable, honest coin dealer in the Crystal River area? It would be very much appreciated. Thank you. — C., internet
Dear C.: First, I suggest you make an inventory of the coins. Then open the website www.coinstudy.com. This will give you the information you need to establish the relative dollar values of your coins.
If it looks like you have some valuable coins, contact Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas. They are one of the big boys on the block in the coin collector’s world. The website is www.ha.com. Good luck.
John Sikorski has been a professional in the antiques business for more than 30 years. Send questions to Sikorski’s Attic, P.O. Box 2513, Ocala, FL 34478 or [email protected].
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