A pair of American Bisque Kewpie Dolls were recently found in an attic of a home on Front Street in Marietta.
The Kewpie dolls were used as wedding cake toppers, Their crepe-paper clothes suggest they were made at American Bisque in Williamstown around 1920. The pair are worth $150 up to $200 at auction.
Fenton Glass assets sold to highest bidder
Fenton Glass in Williamstown have discontinued operations, and its name, logo, molds, formulas, buildings, and other assets were put up for auction to pre-approved bidders. Randy Fenton, a major shareholder and president of the Fenton Gift Shop, bought all the assets with a bid of $200,000.
U.S. Glass Co. of Tiffin is interested in using the trained workmen and the factory to make a refreshed version of Fenton Glass to sell in retail stores.
The United States Glass Co. was founded in 1891 when 18 or more glass companies combined to try to survive trying times as a combined unit. Two new plants were built in Gas City, Ind., and a hand operation at Tiffin. These two companies along with the Glassport, Pa., and Pittsburgh plants became the important U.S. Glass plants. By 1951, Tiffin was the only plant that's still in operation today.
Apple computer
to be auctioned
One of Apple's first computers with circuit board, microprocessor, cassette interface, operating manual, and a basic user manual will be auctioned by Sotheby's New York, Auction House on June 15,. It is estimated to sell between $120,000 and $180,000.
The computer was first introduced in 1976, and had a initial order of 50 machines at $500 each. It was originally sold assembled but without a monitor, keyboard, paper supply, or case. It was up to the user to put things together. Only six of these computers are known to be still working today. Others are out there waiting to be found.
Local auction prices
- Postcard: 1912, "Early Airplane Pilot Lincoln Beach, Marietta, Ohio, $177.50, six bids, Austin, Texas, seller.
- Book: Marietta, Ohio, Centennial Celebration, April 7, 1888, $82.89, four bids, Newark, Ohio, seller.
- Token: Brass railroad token good for 5 cents in trade, $80, eight bids, Dover, Ohio, seller.
- Ribbon: Ohio Brigade "Third reunion at Marietta" 1885 ribbon, 11 bids, $160.49.
- Book: 1818-1968, 80 pages titled, "The Days of the Wilderness." There were Baptists written by Billy Harper, $17.
- Book: 1920 "Marietta College Football Season" review book, $21.66.
- Bottle: 9 1/2-inch tall drink Bob's Cola, one bid, $20.
- Shot glass: Marietta Liquor Store advertising pre prohibition whiskey shot glass, four bids, $35.50, Pennsylvania seller.
- Fenton red bell: 1988 Marietta Bicentennial Celebration, one bid, $15.99.
- Photo card: Civil War era, W.P. Bennett, Peter McLaren Dream Gallery on first floor opposite to Marietta Post Office, five bids, $13.
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.
