Sometimes, things don't have to be complete to have value. That is, parts that go with other parts can be worth something. In today's What's it Worth?, we answer a reader's question about their part to a World War I German military helmet.
English pottery is also a topic this Sunday and we look to value a very decorative vase from the middle of the 20th century.
Q. My grandfather had a number of things like this in his collection and this metal eagle badge was part of it. Do you know what this? And, is there any value? -- Juanita in Kennewick.
A. This badge would have attached to a dress helmet. It is called a "front plate."
It would have been the most noticeable part of what was called a pickelhaube, literally translated as "spiked helmet." Our photo of a complete helmet with front plate attached is courtesy of Wikipedia.com.
The origins of the spiked helmet are shrouded in history. There is one legend that dates it to the 12th century. What is known for certain is that the Imperial German Army began using this design in 1840. It was standard issue for troops right up until the end of the World War I.
There were many variations of front plates and there is quite a bit of information to be gleaned from the design and imagery.
This one was issued for use by enlisted troops in the Second Reserve Battalion of the Prussian Infantry. The fact the crown on the eagle's head is solid and not a pierced design make it an enlisted man's item, not one for use on an officer's helmet. The central badge with the starburst was used exclusively by this battalion during the war.
The words on the banner read Mit Gott und Vaterland ("with God and country") and dates later than the earlier, 1800's, appearance of the words Mitt Gott, Konig ("king") Und Vaterland on that space.
Today, complete pickelhaube helmets are among the hottest military collectibles of the World War I era.
They were the most popular war souvenir of the American doughboys serving in Europe. Interestingly, thousands were sent home by the U.S. government as premiums for purchasers of War Bonds.
To collectors, the front plate is a critical part of these helmets. Complete examples of pickelhaube helmets range in value from several hundred to several thousands of dollars -- depending on rarity and condition.
This front plate would be a key item for collectors and re-enactors and is valued between $200 and $250.
Q. I acquired this vase in England about 40 years ago. It is clearly marked "Beswick" with a foil label and marks on the base. I haven't learned much about it over the years. Can you give me a value? -- Lucille in Spokane
A. Beswick was one of the better-known family firms working in the Staffordshire potteries district, at Stoke-On-Trent. Established in 1892, they made tableware, figurines, reproductions of the popular "Staffordshire dog" mantle figures and related items.
In the 1950s, they introduced a pottery style called "Freeform" and applied what are now called "Mid-Century Modern" designs in bright, cheery colors.
This 10-inch vase is an example of Freeform and the design is called "Rooftops." It was only made and sold from 1957-62. Today it is a popular item with collectors of English ceramics and fans of modern design.
Their most popular products are officially-licensed high-quality figurines of Disney characters as well as Beatrix Potter creatures such as Jemima Puddle-Duck, Squirrel Nutkin and Peter Rabbit.
In 1969, after three generations of Beswicks had run the company and with no relatives in sight to carry on, the firm sold out to Royal Doulton.
Doulton eventually assigned the production to their Royal Albert division. By 2003 the factory was shut down and the land sold for a shopping mall.
This vase would be priced in a shop or show $100 to $125.
-- Terry Maurer, a Tri-Cities personal property appraiser, is a member of the Certified Appraisers Guild of America. For possible use in a future column, direct questions on your antiques and collectibles to What's It Worth? by email tchwhatsitworth@gmail.com
