Brookfield/Elm Grove Monthly

Q. A number of years ago, I purchased this at a small estate sale where a gentleman was disposing of inherited items. Could you please tell me a value? — E.S., Waukesha A. Julius Dressler was a noted ceramics manufactur- er in Biela, Bohemia, (Czechoslovakia). This late 19th-century jardiniere with baluster pedestal is in the classic Art Nouveau style. On the bowl base is the pattern number along with "JD", Julius Dressler's initials. Also present is his iconic mark that appears to resem- ble an early style bottle-kiln. Foliage was planted in porous pots and then placed into these Victorian jar- dinieres. Often called "parlor greenery," they became so lavish and ornamental that entire conservatory rooms were dedicated to the grow- ing of exquisite fernery. These containers were not suitable for outdoor use and constant watering created limestone staining. Many two-part examples have not endured, they became top- heavy with plant growth and tumbles occurred. Once glaze-crazing began, it was only a matter of time for fur- ther ceramic breakdown. On your beautiful jardiniere there is partial gilt on the Acanthus leaf motif and polychrome colors of glass- green and tan glaze. The height is over 3 feet with one repair to the bowl rim. Value is $550. Q. I know nothing about this quilt. Can you give it a value? — R.P., Hartland A. Many years ago, I became intrigued when I learned that "Drunkards Path" was the pattern name given to this quilt-block. I become convinced there was a deeper meaning to its name and history. Through generations, quilt design categories have represented holidays, statehood, births, political campaigns and friendships, just to name a few. Social events and cul- ture have also influenced certain pattern names. Although this design was around for a lot longer, it had a renaming in early 20th century to "Drunkards Path." Organizations sprang up in favor of Prohibition and the new name became pervasive among quilters. Via needle and thread, women found a way to give a silent opinion and support the cause. The diagonals are intend- ed to resemble a staggering stride, the concave and con- vex fabric pieces are consid- ered to be one of the most difficult forms of patchwork and not for beginner quil- ters. Most examples found today have two contrasting fabric colors: blue and white or red and white. Many quilts have no standardized, required designs and setting of the fabric blocks is the beauty of this art form. The outcome of every quilt is born of a quilter's vision and with it are degrees of design alterations. Your example is considered more utilitarian than a show-stop- ping beauty with high stitch count and rare fabrics. How- ever, collectors consider "Drunkards Path" as a mainstay product and docu- ment of cultural history. Value is $175. FYI When stitched dates or let- tering is found on older tex- tiles, it will add further value. 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.) MAY 2015 Freeman Brookfield & Elm Grove • Page 5A 243294001 Jardiniere found at estate sale a hidden treasure BARBARA EASH Antiques Appraised Quilt pattern was common in '20s

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