Q: Please tell me anything you can about my Plymouth rocking chair. It is in wonderful condition, put together with old-fashioned [nuts] and bolts. It has the original decal under the seat and has been refinished. I paid $200 for the chair but love it and believe that it is vintage, maybe antique. I cannot find any information about the maker on the Internet. — M.M.
A: This stained hardwood, armless sewing rocker was made around 1920 by the Plymouth Rocker Co., of Plymouth, Wis. Chairs were marked with a decal picturing a pair of Plymouth Rock chickens. Rockers featured a patented "Ribbed Laminated Seat."
The shop was in operation during the first half of the 20th century, but little is known about it. The community of Plymouth had an active furniture industry because of its proximity to timber and water, as well as Lake Michigan. There were several factories in town, including Plymouth Chair and Plymouth Furniture.
The rocker is a study in simplicity, and I can see why you were drawn to it. Hopefully, all the refinishing work was done before you bought it. Most importantly, the seat has not de-laminated. It would retail for around $150.
Q: I would like information about two Chinese pieces I inherited. According to the original bill of sale, the pieces are identified as a "Chinese Ching Lung period lamp" and a "Chinese 18th-century carved teakwood end table, circa 1780."
I am sure the vase is worth less because of the conversion. The items were purchased in New Orleans. I have included a copy of the bill, dated 1958. Also, should I obtain a homeowner's insurance rider to cover the items? — B.S.
A: I guess the seller was confused. It is the Ch'ing dynasty and the reign of Emperor Ch'ien-Lung. In any event, it is a famille noire ginger jar, probably from the 18th or 19th century. Drilling, which includes a hole in the lid, devalues the jar.
Famille noire means black is the predominant color. Famille is a category of Chinese enameled ware of the 18th and 19th centuries, which include famille rose and famille verte. The colorful ceramics have long been popular in America.
The tall table, a plant stand or incense table, probably dates from the mid 19th century. The wood is hard to make out, but it is not teak. Because it is Chinese domestic furniture, it could be made of easily sourced elm.
Some of the information on the bill of sale is incorrect, but keep in mind it is more than 50 years old. The ginger jar would retail for about $125, the table $400.
A rider is a provision attached to an insurance policy to cover additional items for an additional premium. Riders often are required to cover antiques. In this case, your basic coverage may be adequate, but talk to your insurance agent.
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