Collectors are Stoked by Victorian Fireplace Mantels by Anne McCollam on Creators.com

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Collectors are Stoked by Victorian Fireplace Mantels

Q: I would appreciate an approximate value of the pictured marble fireplace surround with mantel. The overall measurements are 68 inches wide and 42 inches high. Any other information will be appreciated.

A: You have a Victorian fireplace surround with mantel, which was made around 1880 to 1890. Salvaged architectural antiques in good condition are often sought by decorators and people restoring homes.

In an urban area, your marble surround with mantel would sell in the range of at least $1,500 to $2,500.

Q: This mark is on the bottom of my pottery vase. The green vase is 8 inches tall and in mint condition.

What can you tell me about the manufacturer, the age and value of my vase?

A: In the early 1900s, Abingdon Pottery Co., located in Abingdon, Ill., produced sanitary ware. Under new management in 1934, they began making a line of art pottery. In addition to the art pottery, they created cookie jars, lamps, utility ware and novelties. By 1950, the pottery was once again producing plumbing/sanitary ware.

Your vase was made around 1940 and would probably be worth $35 to $50.

Q: We have a Hummel Madonna figurine that has been in our family since the late 1940s. She has a halo and is wearing a blue cloak with white flowers and a pale pink gown.

The infant Jesus is standing on her lap, and they both are looking at a flower in her left hand. An open book and a small bird are on her lap.

She was sent to us from Germany. Marked on the bottom are a crown and the letters "WG." In spite of our many moves, she is still in pristine condition. Is there any information you can provide?

A: Berta Hummel designed your "Flowered Madonna with Child." Berta was a Franciscan nun, also known as Sister M. Innocentia. Her figurines were made by Franz Goebel Art Inc., which was located in Rodental, Germany. Used from 1935 to 1949, the crown mark was the first of several marks used by Goebel. Subsequent marks were variations of their famous bee marks.

Your "Flower Madonna with Child" is a very desirable collectible and would probably be worth $600 to $800.

Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters. To find out more about Anne McCollam and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.