Question: A couple of years ago I purchased an oil painting at a Columbus flea market by a local artist you mentioned in one of your columns by the name of Lily Martin Spencer who grew up on a farm in Devola. Can you tell me anything about the painting, and what her paintings are worth? I paid $200 for the painting. - H.E. Marietta.
Answer: Your oil painting titled "Kiss Me and You'll Kiss The Lasses" by Lily Martin Spencer is actually a reproduction. If it were an original it would be worth $15,000 - up to $25,000 at auction. These reproductions such as yours can be purchased on-line from $89 up to $189 depending on size, you paid too much for a reproduction
Q: My Aunt has an old bucket that was made by the Marietta Bucket Factory, Can you tell me anything about the bucket, its in good condition. - D.G., Lower Salem.
A: I've never seen one of these buckets. All I know is that the company originally started out in Marietta in the 1800s by the Putnam Family, and was located in the Harmar district. The company was later owned by John Newton who ran the company up until his death in 1886. Newton also owned The Castle on Second Street where he lived. Send me a photo of your item. I would like to see it.
Q: My mother has a German grandfather's clock that has been in the home since she moved there in the 60's. It is approximately eight feet tall. The writing on it says R. Scholer-Lettre. Elberfield. Can you tell me anything from the photos I'm sending, and what the clock would be worth? A.G., Marietta.
A: First of all there never was a clock maker in Elberfield, Germany, by the name of R. Scholer-Lettre. This was the name of the retailer that actually sold the clock. Your long case clock was very popular in Germany and surrounding countries up until World War II. Your German Dufa grandfather clock made around 1920 is worth $800 to $1,500 depending on the condition.
Auction prices realized
Ashtray, Dan Mercer ware. Parkersburg, W.Va., $35.
Postcard, 1912 photo of Goody Shop Home Bakery, Marietta, $54.
Badge, 1903 G.A.R. encampment medal badge, Marietta, $34.
Telephone directory, 1922, Marietta, Parkersburg, $40.
Book "History of Marietta College" first edition, 1935-1989, by Dan Mcgrew, $7.
Pennant early I.R.A. Regatta, Marietta souvenir, $10.
Wood County Dairyman pint milk bottle, Parkersburg, $15.
Letterhead, Hotel Lafayette, 1933, $2.
Larry Koon is the author of several price guide books on antiques and collectibles. His column appears every Monday on Life. Send letters to Treasure in the Attic, c/o The Marietta Times, 700 Channel Lane, Marietta 45750; or e-mail him at koonantiques@yahoo.com. When writing, send a complete description of the item, along with size, color, any markings on the item along with condition the item is in, and how the item was obtained, and any other information. If possible, send a photograph. Letters will be answered through this column.
