Collectors seek pottery pieces

Art pottery was first made in the United States by a group of women in Cincinnati who had seen the pottery exhibits at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876. Several groups were making pottery by the 1880s. A pottery was started in 1883 by two men: Matt Morgan, an English political cartoonist, and George Ligowsky, the inventor of the clay pigeon for target shooters. The Matt Morgan Art Pottery Co. of Cincinnati made pieces inspired by Moorish designs and colors. Matt Morgan Pottery closed in 1884. Matt Morgan pieces are hard to find today, even though almost all are clearly marked with the name of the firm. Important pieces sell for more than $1,000.

Q. I have an upright cedar chest that was in my grandparents’ house for many years. Inside the lid, it is marked “West Branch Novelty Company, Milton, Pa.” I think it’s mahogany. Can you tell me anything about it?

A. West Branch Novelty Co. was founded in 1893 in Milton. The company started out making bamboo furniture, but by the early 1900s, cedar chests were its most important product. The company made boxes for shrapnel shells during World War I. Furniture production was resumed after the end of the war. The company is no longer in business. Many different styles of cedar chests were made. Some sell for $50 to $100 or more, depending on size and condition.

Q. I keep an old tin toy truck stored away in an old Sharps toffee tin. I was going to ask you a question about my truck, but I’ve become more interested in the toffee tin. It’s a cylinder covered in paper painted to look like a dandy. He’s wearing a monocle and carrying a cane. The round tin top is shaped like a hat with a brim. It’s marked “The Happynak Series, British Made.” How old is it, and is it worth saving?

A. Edward Sharp & Sons was founded in Maidstone, Kent, England, in 1911. Its “Sharps Kreemy Toffee” was sold in all sorts of decorative tins until the company closed in 1999, when it became part of Cadbury. Your tin is an early one, perhaps made as early as 1930. Old figural tins are collectible and, in good condition, sell for $50 to $150. Prices are even higher for more popular brands. Keep it away from sticky hands and bright light.

Terry Kovel answers as many questions as possible through the column. The volume of mail makes personal answers or appraisals impossible. Write to Kovels, The Vindicator, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019. For more information, visit Kovels.com.

2010 by Cowles Syndicate Inc.