It’s Just Stuff

Connie Sue,

I am drawn to odd items, and I found this gem at a local thrift store. Can you tell me what it is and what it was used for? It looks like a waffle iron, but one side has a man and woman with wine glasses, and the other side has a wheat sprig. It’s 4.5 by 7.5 inches, which seems too large to be a biscuit or a cracker. Any help would be appreciated.

Kathy, Clarksville

Kathy,

Apparently your little oddity is quite common in Norwegian kitchens. The cute couple and good luck wheat are typical Norwegian motif. Used over a fire or stovetop burner, the shallow grooves press and bake a thin batter of flour, butter, eggs and sugar similar to that used to make crepes. Similar irons are offered online for $10 to $55.

If I were eating a thin cookie, I’d want it to be 4.5 by 7.5 inches.

Dear Connie,

You appraised some items for my mom many years ago. She recently left me with this wall hanging that I remember as a child. She said it was from Italy, but I have no clue about its value or what I should call it. It’s bigger than 4 feet by 4 feet, and I was hoping for some deeper insight about this piece.

Renee

Dear Renee,

I agree that the wall hanging is Italian midcentury modern. Sellers refer to wire-and-iron lamps, furniture and wall hangings as Italian tole painted. Similar pieces are offered for $250 to $950. In the same style, there were chandeliers, sconces and even furniture decorated in bright colors.

Connie,

The attached picture was in my grandfather’s family when he and my grandmother married in 1927. On the back of the frame, it says “Made in Germany.” Can you tell us if the picture came from Germany and what its current value is?

Randall

Randall,

Yes, your grandparents’ picture was made in Germany. Prior to 1914, only the word Germany or any country of origin would have been required to proceed through United States customs. After 1914, the words “made in” were required in addition to the country name.

Oval or round plaques like this were used to cover the hole in the wall adjoining the chimney during the summer or when the wood- or coal-burning stoves were not in use. Sweet, floral scenes with children and animals were most popular. Although popular enough in the 1970s to be reproduced, originals sell today for $10 or less. Original, late 19th-century flue covers with local advertising or calendars are offered at $55 and sell for around $35.

Mrs. Davenport,

I have this table that I know nothing about — other than it’s old. Can you please give me any information about it and how much it’s worth? Thank you in advance.

Terry

Terry,

Made in the 1940s through 1960s, this pedestal tripod table is a mass-produced reproduction of earlier furniture styles. It is commonly known as a drum table because of its shape. It might also be described as midcentury traditional because it reproduced earlier furniture styles.

I frequently see leather or leatherette tables in homes. They were popular when cigarettes were acceptable, so burn marks are the norm. I compliment the care you’ve given your table.

Drum tables of this era are offered at as much as $175 but more often sell for around $70. I think your table’s missing at least one of its metal cap feet. This will reduce value considerably. Because the table is all wood and has pleasant lines, it might be purchased to be painted.