By Terry and Kim Kovel
Gueridon Tables
If you enjoy trivia, picking up obscure historical references is part of the fun of antiques. Most people probably haven't heard of Gueridon, a character from 17th-century French farces. But if you're a fan of antique furniture, you may be familiar with gueridon tables. A gueridon is a small table with a round top, originally designed to hold a candlestick. They may have long, thin legs or a single column support.
Gueridon tables often reference their French heritage by following classic furniture styles. PHOTO CREDIT: Neue Auctions
As their name suggests, they were first made in France in the 17th century. Early designs often had supports shaped like human figures, which may be why they were named after a popular character. Both functional and decorative, they remained in fashion for centuries and were crafted in the prevailing styles of their time.
Most antique gueridons are in French furniture styles, such as the ornate Louis XV and XVI, or the stately Empire styles of the 19th century. A French gueridon that sold for $246 at Neue Auctions was made in the early 20th century but evokes earlier styles. It features a marbled stone top (although this one is made of onyx, not marble), a popular design element in Louis XV-style furniture. Its brass base features a Greek key band and rosette medallions, and its three legs terminate in supports shaped like the mythical griffin, referencing ancient Greek and Egyptian art that also appear in Empire style.
Q: I have a bottle of Crown Royal aged over 55 years. I would like to know how much it is worth.
A: Crown Royal whisky was created by Samuel Bronfman, owner of the Canadian distiller Seagram's, in 1939, in honor of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth's visit to Canada. It was the first time a reigning monarch had visited the country.
The whisky was made available to the international market in 1964. It is the world's top-selling Canadian whisky brand and one of the most popular whisky brands in the U.S., which means bottles like yours are relatively common. 4/5-quart bottles over 50 years old with the seal intact can sell for anywhere from about $150 to $300. The highest prices usually go to bottles from the 1950s.
If you still have the purple felt bag or any original packaging, the value will be higher. If you are planning to sell your bottle, be sure you check your area's liquor laws first. If the bottle has been stored in a cool, dry place and not exposed to sunlight, the whisky should still be drinkable.
TIP: If a piece of old brass is covered with lacquer, it should not be cleaned. If you are not sure, test a darkened area with a dab of brass polish. If it stays dark, it has been lacquered and cannot be cleaned until the lacquer is removed from the entire piece.
CURRENT PRICES
Inkwell, cut glass, brass lid, crystal finial, cylinder base, ribbed, England, 6 inches, $75.
Toy, cat, Puss in Boots, standing, mohair fur, jointed, glass eyes, stitched nose and mouth, blue velvet boots, straw stuffing, 12 inches, $520.
Candlestick, silver, baluster shape stem, fluted, repousse panels, leafy scrolls, flared cup, round stepped base, four figural feet, masks, pierced scrolls, hallmarks, Germany, 7 1/2 inches, pair, $705.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com
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