Brookfield/Elm Grove Monthly

Q. This stroller-sled is over 75 years old and my sis- ter and I both were pushed in it. Would you please appraise it? — J.K., Oconomowoc A. This dual-season sled was manufactured in Kala- mazoo, Mich., and replaced the baby carriage during winter months. The spring device underneath raises or lowers the wheels and it was pushed using a 32-inch han- dlebar. The child would be buckled with the attached fabric straps and braced between the armrests. Initially sold in hardware stores and catalogs, your 20th century sled-stroller is all original, including the Kalamazoo (K) logo on the center slat. There is minor surface rust on the metal parts, but no broken boards and good color on the sten- ciled hearts and lettering. Value: $150. Q. I bought these ice skates from an antique shop to show to my students. — Edward, Brookfield A. The Union Hardware Co., Torrington, Conn., started selling steel ice skates in 1860 and closed in 1940. Clamp design includ- ing comfort did not change in that span of time. Union had over 100 patents on locks, skates and bicycle pedal mechanisms. Women's hockey skates had leather web heel straps and the 1920s catalog price was 98 cents. Advertising promised, "one size fits all." A slight key adjustment could be made to the clamp- plate to fit any shoe. Value: $35. Q. I have had this string holder collection for many years. Not many people rec- ognize what they are. What is the value today? — Mary, Waukesha A. This collectible field usually generates curiosity and it's all about untangling a ball of string in a fun way. Cast-iron twine holders were standard equipment in country stores, feed stores, drugstores, butcher shops and bakeries. Most purchas- es were wrapped with brown paper and string-tied. Then along came cello- phane tape in 1930. The new pressure-sensitive tape completely changed the method of wrapping cus- tomers' packages. String continued to be functional for domestic use and whim- sical 15 cent chalk holders appeared, mostly in the shape of human faces. The ball of string was cradled in the hollowed-out back, then threaded to the front. Porous chalk is fragile and breakage was common — one fall from the kitchen wall or excessive washing were their demise. The Miller Studio, Philadelphia, Ohio, was the leading manufacturer from 1934 into the 1950s; collec- tors are attracted to their items. Your newer glazed ceramic fox, circa 1970, was created in England, and has a second hole for scissors. With incognito spectacles, he is indeed a crafty fox. Value depends on rarity and condition with no paint flaking, color fading or chipping. Variations included Miss Strawberry, Dutch girl with a blue hat, Mexican with sombrero, a girl with bonnet and her eyes open, red fox with long mane, soldier with pipe, chef, cat with red string, debonair cherub, and Dutchman with red cap. Value: $30 to $50. 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 under- side of your item, and mea- surements are important. List any known history or even hearsay, length of ownership and all mark- ings, even partial ones. Include your name, address and phone number. No pho- tos 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.) FEBRUARY 2015 Freeman Brookfield & Elm Grove • Page 5A 242203026 String holders, childhood sled worth more than memories BARBARA EASH Antiques Appraised

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