Brookfield/Elm Grove Monthly

Q. In 1917, a man used this vase as collateral for a loan from my grandmother who lived in Chicago. He never returned to reclaim it. Any information about it would be appreciated. — C.I., Elm Grove A. Using two different painting techniques on one vase makes a good marketing strategy when selling to wholesale buyers. The early 20th century was a time when inexpensive Satsuma Wares were made especially for Western tastes. It was one of the most profitable Asian imports sold through the Takito Import Co., with offices in Japan and China. A parcel sticker on this vase rim identifies it as being sold from their Chicago firm. Merchants browsed through spacious sample rooms in the heart of the wholesale district to place merchandise orders. Today's market holds little demand for imported Sat- suma-style vases. Adding reproductions to the mix, values continue to decline. Your two-sided vase is in excellent condition and holds interest as a store display, but value is tied to locating the right buyer. It has an exag- gerated height of 19 inches and a 30-inch girth. Certainly not the typical small-scale samples that American trav- eling salesmen carried in the early 20th century. An interested person might pay $200. Q. This Buddy Lee doll was purchased for me at the 1953 Wisconsin State Fair. Please give a value. — J.R., Brookfield A. In 1920, Chester Reynolds, the sales manager and later president for the H.D. Lee Co. (Lee jeans), had an idea to advance sales for men's work garments. The miniature clothing of the "Buddy Lee" doll depicted various occupations and became a nationwide attrac- tion in store displays. Used initially to promote work clothes, the iconic dolls were so popular that the Lee Com- pany began selling them for $1.50. At that time, this little guy became the second-high- est-selling doll in the U.S. The earlier, more rare dolls from 1920-1948 were made of composition, (composite material including glue and sawdust), which cracked eas- ily. Later ones from 1949 to the 1960s were made of hard plastic. Doll condition and com- pleteness of outfits dictate value. Your 1953 example has everything original, except the hat band. His side-glanc- ing eyes, hair, lashes, mouth and brows are painted on. Original clothing includes black shoes, belt, shirt, neck bandanna, 10-gallon hat and Lee denim jeans. Buddy Lee is written on his back using raised letters. Made in the U.S.A. is printed on his hat. Current value: $175 Have an item for appraisal? Tell us about it and it could be selected for a future column. Mail entries to Waukesha Antique Shop, 1427 E. Racine Ave., Unit E-2, Waukesha, WI 53186. Send sharp, well-lit photos of front, back and underside of your item, and measure- ments are important. List any known history or even hearsay, length of owner- ship and all markings, even partial ones. Include your name, address and phone number. No photos can be returned and no purchase of antiques will occur. (Barbara Eash is a mem- ber of the Certified Apprais- ers Guild of America, spe- cializing in appraisals of antiques and collectibles and has extensive experience writing and speaking about antiques.) JANUARY 2015 Freeman Brookfield & Elm Grove • Page 5A 2 4 1 8 8 9 0 0 1 A.J. UGENT'S FAMOUS ANNUAL CLEARANCE The Big Wrap Up Sale Sat., Jan. 24 9-4 & Sun., Jan. 25 12-4 20%-70% Off & More on our original prices on Furs, Leathers, Cloth Coats and Shearlings You'll find tremendous savings on our huge selection of winter coats to help you keep warm for the rest of the season. All winter coats are sale priced to move quickly. So if you want a fine quality winter coat at a great sale price, now is the time to shop A.J. Ugent Furs. A huge selection of coats will be marked down for this once a year sale. CAPITOL DRIVE AT EIGHTY-FOURTH STREET • 414-463-7777 www.ugentfurs.com Member Master Furriers Guild of America Daily 9-5 • Sat. 9-4 • Sun. 12-4 Sale prices do not apply on prior purchases. 2 4 1 8 8 9 0 0 9 Vase was offered for collateral; 1953 Lee jeans doll became fad BARBARA EASH Antiques Appraised Breakfast with Santa St. John Lutheran Preschool, 20275 Davidson Road, Brookfield, held a Santa Breakfast on Dec. 6. Jake Granlund sits on Santa's lap during the Santa Breakfast. Submitted photo

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