Friday, December 30, 2005

Treasures & Trends: Books make replacing missing pieces of Prelude sterling flatware easier

LARRY COX

Tucson Citizen

Question: During the holidays, my mother broke out a set of heirloom sterling flatware for a family dinner. It is the Prelude and she received it as a wedding present in 1941. Even though I grew up with this silver, I don't think I ever fully appreciated it until this year. I have two questions. What can you tell me about the pattern and where can I find several replacement pieces that have gotten lost? - Terri, Tucson

Answer: Nothing dresses up a holiday table quite like heirloom china and sterling flatware. Your Prelude pattern was introduced by the International Silver Co. in 1939. The company was founded in Meriden, Conn., in 1898 by a group of independent silversmiths. The group eventually included other silversmiths including Rogers Brothers, Derby, Webster & Wilcox and Meriden Britannia.

One of the better reference books is Warman's Sterling Silver Flatware: Value and Identification Guide, by Mark F. Moran (KP Books, $24.99). It features more than 18,000 listings and values with 1,200 photos, complete with histories and descriptions. This is an essential reference for those tracking down basic information about prominent silversmiths, manufacturers and patterns. According to this guide, typical prices of the Prelude pattern are dinner fork, $50; butter spreader with flat handle, $16; cream ladle, $48; teaspoon, $24.

Finding missing pieces has been made easier because of several important companies that specializes in free search services. Three of the larger ones are Beverly H. Bremer, 3164 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30305; The Sterling Shop, P.O. Box 595, Silverton, OR 97381 and the Sterling Matching Service, P.O. Box 46, Topsfield, MA 01983.

Q: I have a grandfather clock that has stopped working. It has been in my family for at least a century and I am quite attached to it. Who can you recommend to repair it? - Conrad, Tucson

A: Viki Watson is the owner of Ye Olde Clock Shoppe, and both she and her employees provide competent clock and watch repair. Her address is 6342B N. Oracle Road.

Q: I have a small collection of Chinese coins. Who specializes in this type of coinage? - Mark, Tucson

A: Chris Krubel is a collector and expert. He specializes in Chinese cash coins, the old round ones with the square center holes. His address is 1405 Beaver Ruin Road, Apt. 608, Norcross, GA 30093. For ancient coins, you might want to contact Alex G. Malloy, P.O. Box 38, S. Salem, NY 10590. For a local opinion, I highly recommend Rob Weiss, Old Pueblo Coins, 4420 E. Speedway. His telephone number is 881-7200.

Q: I have a Marshall Enamel box and would like to have it appraised. - Beth, Tucson

A: Bob Smith, Cameron & Smith, Ltd., can help you. He is knowledgeable and buys, sells and appraises enamel boxes, especially those crafted by Halcyon Days, McLaughlin, Staffordshire, Crummles, Moorcroft, Battersea and, of course, Marshall. His address is P.O. Box 637, Vero Beach, FL 32961. For a second opinion, contact Taylor B. Williams, another dealer, P.O. Box 11297, Chicago, IL 60611.

Q: I have a 1939 Dodge automobile and would like to contact other owners of vintage Dodges. Any suggestions? - Ken, Tucson

A: Quicker than you can pop your clutch, I suggest you contact Ray Montgomery, president of the Chrysler Product Owners Club, 806 Winhall Way, Silver Spring, MD 20904. There's also the Dodge Brothers Club Inc., P.O. Box 292, Birmingham, MI 48012.

Q: I have a shaving mug that was given to my great-grandfather during the early years of the last century. He was a fireman and there is a fire wagon in its design. Any idea of how much it is worth? - Tom, Oro Valley

A: Penny Nader is president of the National Shaving Mug Collectors Association, and she might be able to help you determine a value for your mug. Her address is 320 S. Glenwood St., Allentown, PA 18104.

Do you have questions about your antiques or collectibles? E-mail Larry Cox at larrycox@tucsoncitizen.com.