Posted on: Saturday, January 17, 2004
ISLAND TREASURES
Silver spoon could be worth up to $250
By Brenda Reichel
Q.I have a collectible spoon that belonged to my mother. It is marked "sterling silver" on the back and with King Kamehameha at the top. Is this valuable?
— C. Martin, Manoa
A. It sounds like you have a sterling-silver spoon from the 1940s or '50s. The manufacturer could be Grossman-Moody, Wall & Daugherty, Gorham or Dawkins-Benny. Check the back of the spoon for a hallmark. There were even Hawaiian-themed spoons that were made in England. The spoon you have, if sterling, would have a value of $125 to $250. If the spoon is silver-plated, it is worth about $35 to $50 if not worn or bent at the bowl.
Q. Ming's jewelry stores in Hawai'i closed in October 1999. I have several old ivory pikake earrings, and a brooch to match. I understand ivory is not legal. What value can old ivory have?
— C. Ramsey, Atlanta
A. You're lucky to have those pieces, because there won't be any more coming. There has been a ban on the sale of ivory since 1972, except "pre-ban" ivory. Ming's jewelry has become highly collectible since the stores closed. The pikake-carved ivory earrings with sterling-silver accents are the screw-back style. The earrings have a value of $150 (for one carved ivory flower) and $250 (for two flowers) in the antique/estate market. There should not be any cracks in the ivory.
Ivory may have an aged patina that you never want to alter. Ivory has a higher value if you leave the patina alone.
The brooch also should have the Ming's hallmark and sterling-silver mark on the back. The brooch and earrings are fabricated and assembled. The brooch has a value of $250 to $350.
If you own any Ming's jewelry, I recommend that you have the pieces appraised for insurance purposes. Because of the increased value in the secondary market, what you originally paid for the pieces is "nothing" compared to the replacement cost in the estate/auction market today. What was $50 in 1948 would be worth a minimum of $200 today, depending on the metal and gemstones, and the signature.
Q. I have a "Sleeping Beauty" Liddle Kiddle doll by Mattel. I have been told these dolls have value. Is that true?
— K. Patten, Springfield, Mo.
A. I have several myself, so I know how dear these can be. A vintage Liddle Kiddle doll comes from the 1960s. It sounds like you have the Sleeping Beauty Kiddle from the storybook series. Depending on the condition of the dress, belt, chase lounge settee and the book, Sleeping Beauty's value is $250 to $350. If you have the original box, unopened, the value would be more than $450.
Brenda Reichel is the owner of Carats & Karats Fine Jewelry. She is a graduate gemologist and a member of the International Society of Appraisers, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers and Accredited Gemologists Association. Reichel is the host of Gemnews, a weekly radio program on KWAI 1080AM.
Have a family treasure and wondering what it's worth? Send your questions, along with a photo of the item, to: Brenda Reichel, Carats & Karats, 1254 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96814 or flawless@lava.net.
