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Antiques & Collectibles Q & A, Part V

© Barbara Nicholson Bell

We have a mixed bag this time, with really good questions ranging from the sublime to the, well, less-than-sublime! The first is from a reader responding to an article I wrote about collecting miniature villages. The article mentioned Santons, the marvelous hand-crafted peasant figures made in France.

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Hello,

I started collecting small clay Santons a few years ago when I went to Southern France and became really hooked. I have both 100 "newish" Carbonels and other Santonniers as well as older Santons. The earliest is probably early 1900s, and most of the "old" Santons that I have are 1930-1950. Many of the old Santons are unsigned. I would love to find an expert that could help identify these Santons. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks. Martha

Martha,

I am not a collector of Santons, but of miniature villages - sorry! I have done a brief search to see if there are experts you might consult, and these two sites seemed promising:

En Provence - (English version) - there are four addresses at the bottom of the page of Santon makers or sellers. One of them might be able to help you.

This is a Museum of Santons, and there is an e-mail address you can write to. This might be the best choice: Musee Des Santons

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I have a sofa and chair. It was made by the Rowe company in Virginia. I am not sure that it is worth anything and was wondering if you could help me find out. I have pictures of it. The tag on the furniture has many approved dates ranging from 1923 to 1929 so I am unsure of the date of the furniture. Any information that you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Debbie

Dear Debbie,
The dates on the tags indicate the year(s) when certain laws were passed regarding manufacturing standards. They do not apply to the date of your furniture. These are the same tags that appear on mattresses and pillows that say "do not remove!" :)

From the style and color of the furniture, they appear to be a popular design of the late 1950's, early 1960's. It was known as Mediterranean or Spanish Provincial.

The Rowe Company is a higher-end manufacturer, with a good reputation for quality craftsmanship. For further information, you can check their web site: Rowe Furniture Company. The company has been in business for 54 years.

Furniture that is over 50 years old is considered "vintage" or "collectible", but not antique until it reaches 100 years old.