ISLAND TREASURES
Gun's value depends on its engravings
By Brenda Reichel
Q. I inherited an old gun which has engraving similar to that on Hawaiian hand-engraved jewelry. I don't know the maker's name. Can you help?
— S. Schmidt, Pearl City
A. There were many hand engravers during the 19th century on the Mainland who worked with guns, sterling silver objects, watch cases and with jewelry. Many of the names of the engravers are lost because they didn't always sign their work. Large gun manufacturers would employ several engravers to engrave ornate scroll work on their guns and even knives. Without further examining the gun you have for additional markings, a preliminary value would be $250. Modern engravers use English, American, filigree, scrolling Germanic, motifs and designs on guns. Of particular interest are guns engraved in the Bulino style, also used on the engraved metal plates used to print U.S. currency. Your gun, depending on the engraving artist, could be worth $3,000 to $10,000.
Q. I have a very small spoon that is marked sterling silver on the back with a fancy design. The spoon measures 2 1/2- inches long. What kind of spoon is this, and what value does it have?
— C. Jones, Maui
A. You have a vintage salt spoon. These were used as individual salt servings when setting a fine dining table. This was typical of the Victorian era and the early 20th century. The silver salt spoon usually was accompanied by a small round, cut-crystal dish, approximately two inches across.
The pattern of the spoon is Madam Jumel, which was made by Whiting, a division of the Gorham Silver Co. The spoon is dated 1908.
Your spoon is not monogrammed and has a value of $25. If there was a monogram, the spoon would be worth $15 to $20.
Brenda Reichel owns Carats & Karats Fine Jewelry. She is a graduate gemologist and a member of the International Society of Appraisers, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers and the Accredited Gemologists Association. Reichel is the host of Gemnews, a weekly radio program on KWAI-AM 1080, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Saturday
Have a family treasure and wondering what it's worth? Send your questions, along with a picture of the item, to Brenda Reichel, Carats & Karats, 1254 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96814 or flawless@lava.net.
