Antiquesmart

Jade Elephant - What is it Worth?

Question: hi. was wondering what this jade elephant is worth, Grade A I have been told. It is about 3"x 3" weighs about 12-16 ounces'

RD Langer Answers: If it is jade, from $100-150. I would have to examine it.

Japanese Vase with Marking - what is it worth?

Dear Doc need to find out of this is worth anything and possibly how old it might be. Can you help me out please?

RD Answers: Re Vase, probably early 20th century; looks around 7" high. Probably bring $100.-125. at auction. Good luck. RDL

WWII Japanese Items - What are they worth?

Hello,

My father-in-law had these items. He brought them back from the Pacific Theater. I have been trying to find someone who could tell us what they are and and their value. If valuable they would like to sell them. I would be interested in buying them from my in-laws if the original owners could be located. I would return the photographs to the owner or relatives of the owner. Otherwise I would sell the items for my in-laws. Perhaps you can tell me something about these items or refer me?Any help is appreciated. Thank You.

Items:

One blue covered book 1st photo is of inside page.

One Piece of paper with Japanese writing on both sides. (Photo 2&3).

One apparent post card with writing front & back (Photo 4&5).

4 photographs. 2 have printing on back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RD Langer Answers: I am going to speculate and assert these papers and photos were removed from a Japanese soldier. Further speculation leads me to believe one photo is of his wife/girlfriend, the others family members. To research these in its entirety, I would have to charge you $125.00 per hour. If I bought them from you, I would give you $100., try to locate the family in Japan, and return everything to them. Kindest regards, R.D.Langer

Serpentine Carving of a Phoenix - What is it Worth?

Hello Mr. Langer,
I greatly appreciate your expertise in evaluating this carving. It is of extraordinary size, 22 inches tall and weighs in excess of 50 pounds. It is nicely carved in high relief with phoenix, lion dogs, elephant head handles, etc. The phoenix lifts off revealing a 7 inch deep cavity. There are no markings on the bottom. and it is identical on both sides. The rosewood base is intricately inlaid with fine brass wire.
I have found nothing online comparable in size, so I am guessing it may be quite unusual in that regard. I thank you in advance for your help and advice which will be most welcome.

RD Langer Answers: Your piece of Serpentine: I would estimate an auction value of $800.-$1200.

Jade Carving - What is it Worth?

Question: Hi I have a jade carving that I would like you to value please. When I first bought it it was covered in hard wearing paint. I have since removed the paint to discover that the carving was jade underneath. What baffles me is why would any one want to paint over such a beautiful carving. I have been advised that it may be a burmese jadeite hat ornament from the 1900s. The reason why it may have been painted was to hide the value of the item so that it would’t be confiscated by the communist goverment. Can you give me any more info on it please. No one seems to know much about it. The measurement is 6.5" x 5".

 

 

 

 

 

RD Langer Answers: Hi......I love the piece. It looks to me like $2000.-3000. at auction and possibly considerably more. I suggest you contact Lark Mason at I.Gavel, 212-289-5588. He will want an e-mailed photo. Looks to me you may have a winner. Good luck and keep me advised.

RDL Antiquesmart

Chinese or Japanese Vase - What is it Worth?

Question: Dear R.D. Langer, I would sincerely appreciate your help with a vase that my father has, we took it into a place to have it appraised and not only did it take her weeks to get back to us but we truely believe she is way off base on the appraisal. This originally belonged to my grandfather who had it appraised back in November of 1973, at that time he was given the history on the vase and an appraisal. I can tell you this person we took it to recently appraised it $900 less then what it was back n 1973. I am not convinced this particular vase would have depretiated in value.

The following is the infomation from the original appraisal: 1- vase, 18-1/2" high, Chinese porcelain, Ch ' ng Dynasty, Yung Cheng Period, 1722 - 1735, base with Ch'eng mark, often used during the Yung Cheng Period, club shape, all over cream crackle glased ground, overglased decorations in enamel colors, "Battle Scene with Mountainous Background" deep brown glazed bands of incised wave and dragon patterns, flared lip with brown trim, dragon grips in applique.

Any help you could give would be so appreciated, my father is 82 and was so completely disappointed with how the person I took it too handled this but also upset do to what she charged us just to repeat the information I gave her. 

Thank you in advanced for any input you may have.

 

RD Langer replies: The vase looks to me like Japanese, not Chinese. I cannot identify the mark; it is unknown to me. You may wish to contact Bonhams in San Francisco, ask for the e-mail address of Ms. D. Goddard, e-mail photo.  Let me know what they think. Thanks and good luck. RDL

My Pair of Vases - What are they Worth?

Dear R,D, Langer, Please ! can you help me. I have a pair of Vases of which I know nothing, I would like to know where they are from they look Japanese but who knows they are Quite large at 20 inches tall I will attach some pictures yours

 

RD Langer Answers: Nice vases...Japanese.....I did not notice any repairs.. $1000-1500. pr at auction

Imari Phoenix Vases

Dear Sirs: I have two (2) Old Imari Phoenix vases 31 cm - mint condition. On the bottom it says GOLDIMIARI HAND PAINTED an they both have the same hand-painted number on the bottom of 9302553. They also have red stickers on the bottom which say HEUGILE JAPAN IMPORTS Could you please tell me the value? Thank you so much.

 

RD Langer answers: Value $200-300. RDL Antiquesmart

Rose Medallion Vase - What is it worth?

Dear RD,

This vase was owned by my late mother, it was given to her as a gift from a former boss, and thats where my knowledge on the history of my piece ends. I was wondering if you could give me some information and possibly a valuation? Thank you.

RD Langer answers: The vase is rose medallion, chinese, probably late 19th century. Value $200-300. Caveat: RDL

Japanese Carvings - What is it Worth?

Question: Hello...   I came across your website today.   My Mother passed away recently, and these vases were once used as the base of two lamps she had custom-made back in the 1950s.  I have no idea regarding their origin or date of carving - no markings by artist anywhere - but they are solid stone of some sort, quite heavy, and clearly hand-carved.   Dimensions of each are roughly the same - approximately 11" tall \ 7"-8" wide \ 5" deep.   Attached are some pictures I took, which are pretty accurate of how these appear to the naked eye.   Do you have any idea how old these may be, and what they might be worth & to whom?   Thank you.

RD Langer answers: The vases are chinese soapstone, made around 1920-1930. They are worth around $250. for the pair, as long as there are no holes in the bottom ( they were base lamps), and no cracks around the edges. There are many versions of carved soapstone of various qualities and vintages.