Question: I'm sending a photo of a bronze dog signed by J. Moigniez. Can you tell me anything about the dog and what it might be worth? - D.A., Beverly.
Answer: Jules Moigniez the famous sculptor was born in Senlis, France, in 1835, He was very successful in France as well as England and America where the majority of his game birds, dogs, horse sculptures were sold. Jules became very ill in 1869 at the age of 34 and never recovered. He produced no new models from that date, and in 1894, he took his own life. Moigniez's father kept casting his son's work after his tragic death up to World War I when styles and tastes changed. My records show in January 2009, Christies Auction House in New York auctioned off one of these dogs for $6,000, which was only estimated to bring $1,000 up to $1,500 at auction. If you decide you want to sell your sculpture, I can put you in touch with a reputable auction house.
Q.: My mother has a lithograph of Rembrandt's "Girl on a open half door." It's in a glass frame size 30 by 27 1/2, marked "Art institute of Chicago, copyrighted and published by Artistic Pictures Publishing Company, NYC. Would you be able to tell me if its an original lithograph? - L.P., Marietta.
A.: You own a reprint. These reprints are still selling today for $130 plus shipping and handling.
Q.: Have enjoyed your column for years. (I'm 65) and until now didn't think there would be an occasion to write you. I have a porcelain envelope moisturizing machine that was found in an old desk that belonged to my great uncle. The bottom reads number 5 perfection moistener Defiance Sales Corp, New York. Is it worth anything?
A.: Your moistening machine is worth around $25.
Q.: I have a child's 1850 model Oliver tractor. Can you tell me what it would be worth? - name withheld. Marietta.
A.: These child tractors are selling on eBay for $45 up to $50 each.
Q.: I have a copy of a price guide book you wrote a few years ago on Stickley Brothers Furniture. Love the beautiful photos in the book. Do you have any new books out now? - G.R., Lowell.
A.: Thanks for buying one of my books. I have a new book that just came out titled, "Price Guide to Rookwood Pottery Wall Plaques," that were produced in Cincinnati from 1910 up to 1940. Thanks for writing
Readers, check out those attics and write me. See you back here next week, you hear?
Larry Koon is the author of several price guide books on antiques and collectibles. His column appears every Monday on Life. Send letters to Treasure in the Attic, c/o The Marietta Times, 700 Channel Lane, Marietta 45750; or e-mail him at koonantiques@yahoo.com. When writing, send a complete description of the item, along with size, color, any markings on the item along with condition the item is in, and how the item was obtained, and any other information. If possible, send a photograph. Letters will be answered through this column.
