Back in the good ol’ days, when I watched TV on a more regular basis (”Still a much slimmer chunk of time by national comparison,” she said, in a way intended to make her feel superior), I loved catching episodes of PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow.”
I don’t have an obsession with antiques but I do have some interesting things leftover from my grandmother’s life. Despite being raised by her, many of her treasures were a surprise to me when I returned to the Home Place as an adult.
Some had been tucked away in high cupboards, other things were revealed to eyes newly able to appreciate real craftsmanship.
Thus the interest in the PBS show that features people hauling in everything from costume jewelry to enormous wardrobe cabinets, all hoping to hear their particular antique is worth a gazillion bucks.
Down to the last person, they all express delighted surprise to discover Grandpa’s baseball card collection would pay for retirement.
There’s the rub, isn’t it? All these lovely antiques, worth ever-so-much money…but who’s lining up to buy? Of course, I know it’s not all about dollar signs for everyone — indeed, most folks claim they wouldn’t think of selling.
Like my little plates. I have no idea what they might be worth, if anything, but I am very interested in finding out something…anything…about them.
Four little plates, all in a row
For years, this little set was stuck on a corner display shelf, covered in wheat field dust and ignored. When I took possession, I put them in a more visible spot. But aside from cleaning them regularly, the little plates (each one measures about four or five inches across) are still under-appreciated.
I always thought, “These are what I would cart over to an appraisal by the Antiques Roadshow experts” as I carefully wiped off dust and the stray pet hair.
Last week, it hit me — there are lots and lots of people who know plenty about antiques. Maybe some of them read my blog, or someone who knows someone…why not post pictures and see what happens?
So here I go. I’m hoping for at least some information about the genesis of these little darlings, which always seemed like “story” plates to me — the pictures representing some Swedish tale.
If you can tell me anything, please, please do. Or send it to someone who might be able to weigh in. Let’s see if this experiment works.
And, no, I would never sell them. That’s what I would say on the show, with just the proper hint of righteousness. But it’s true, I wouldn’t. I love them, too and these plates meant a lot to my grandmother. I am hoping someone can tell me why.
This is the back, excuse the remnants of wall putty. Each plate has an individual number on top, over the edition number, I assume
Remember that clicking on a picture gives you a better view. Which, by the way, you can’t so when this blog is still in email form…you have to open the link by hitting the blog title.
If you have additional questions about the plates, please email me at sheilahagar@wwub.com.
My favorite
