Posted on: Saturday, September 18, 2004
ISLAND TREASURES
'Orphan Annie' cup issued in 1933
By Brenda Reichel
Q. I'd like to know the value of a "Little Orphan Annie" cup that is about 65 years old. It has a handle and a decal of Annie and her dog, Sandy. She is saying "Didja ever taste anything so good as ovaltine? An it's good for yuh, too," and Sandy is saying "arf."
The name Harold Gray appears on the right side, bottom of the cup. It is ivory, hard plastic. Under the cup it says: BEETLEWARE Manufactured Exclusively for The Wander Co., Chicago Maker of OVALTINE.
— M. Beamer, Manoa A. The cup you described was manufactured by the Wander Co. in 1933 as an advertising premium. I found values of $3 for a re-issue and a vintage cup was offered for $30 at www.hakes.com. The condition of the cup is the key.
Q. I have an ivory brooch that has been in my family for at least three generations. It was my mother's, but she doesn't remember who owned it previously or how old the brooch is. It has two flower designs and is approximately 2 inches across. Can you help me with it?
— R. Payne (via Internet) A. The brooch appears to be elephant ivory. The metal frame could be 14 karat gold, gold plated, or gold filled or even sterling silver. The ivory carving depicts several flowers, and looks very similar to the Four Seasons pattern typical of Chinese carvings of the early 1900s.
The condition of the carving looks good from the image you e-mailed. Similar brooches are valued from $35 to $375. The Web site www.BathAntiquesOnline.com offers a similar brooch, with silver frame circa 1890, for $284. Your brooch should have a value of $225.
Q. I have a heavy, cut glass/crystal decanter. I was told it was purchased from an antique store many years ago. It is in the shape of pyramid and has a beveled edge. The name on the bottom reads "Ciori Mario" Italy, on the other side is the etched "Ciori Mario." I have not been able to find anything on the maker or the crystal. — J. Maguire, Honolulu A. It was manufactured by Mario Cioni & C. SNC Via Delle Ginestre 28-30 50056 Capraiae Limite F.T. Italy.
They also have a Web site, www.mariocioni.com. They have been making lead crystal objects since 1958, varying in price from $199 to $600. Your decanter would have an approximate value of $280 to $350.
Brenda Reichel is the owner of Carats & Karats Fine Jewelry. She hosts Gemnews, a weekly radio program on KWAI 1080AM, Saturdays from 6-7 p.m. Have a family treasure that you're wondering what it's worth? Send your question and a picture of the item to Carats & Karats, 1254 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96814 or flawless@lava.net.
