Objects from the past always have tales to tell, and this month’s collectibles bring stories of how transportation, home life and the society at large have changed over the past 150-plus years.

This gas pump globe was used on Standard Oil’s gasoline pumps from the 1930s into the 1950s.Courtesy of the collector

Q. This Standard Oil red crown gas pump globe came from a gas station in Minnesota. My dad worked for Standard Oil in the 1950s and 1960s and when that gas station was remodeled, the old globes were discarded and my dad salvaged a couple of them. This one has been stored indoors since about 1970 and is in excellent condition. It stands about 16 inches tall and is about 16 inches wide.

A. Your gas pump globe was used on Standard Oil’s gasoline pumps from the 1930s into the 1950s. The crown is made of milk glass, and the red paint likely signifies Regular gasoline. At auction, you might expect a sale of $700-$1,000 for your globe, as it appears to be in excellent condition. A dealer in automobile collectibles might ask $1,500 or more. Because we could not find another example with the exact same painting scheme, it’s possible that a collector would pay a premium for such a variation.

These chairs date from the Victorian Period, circa 1860-1880, and are in the Rococo Revival style.Courtesy of the collector

We have a pair of chairs which have been in our family close to 100 years. They are 45 inches high with an 18-inch seating width and 13-inch sitting height. They are in excellent condition and we don’t believe they have been refinished or reupholstered.

A. Your chairs date from the Victorian Period, circa 1860-1880, and are in the Rococo Revival style. They are likely American, though they may be English in origin, and the wood is most likely walnut. These types of chairs were commonly seen in parlors and would come in pairs. One of the pair would have arms for gentlemen, and the other would be a chair such as yours without arms, to accommodate a woman’s voluminous skirts of the time. At auction, you might expect an estimate of $400-$600 for the pair without damage. A dealer specializing in antique furniture may ask $1,400-$2,000 if in excellent condition.

This lampshade appears to be one that was retailed by the Pairpoint Glass Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and dates to 1905-1910.Courtesy of the collector

Q. This is an early electric lamp that my late wife purchased from a small shop in Sellwood some 20 years ago. It has an attractive globe on four wire-rod supports. It yields a very satisfactory light and is attractive both off and on. Could you estimate its age and style period and its rough value?

A. Based on your pictures, your lampshade appears to be one that was retailed by the Pairpoint Glass Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and dates to 1905-1910. The base appears to have been altered to fit this shade and was probably made by another company. At auction, the lamp might sell for $250-$350. If undamaged, a dealer may ask $600-$900, or even more if upon inspection the lamp base can be dated to the same 1905-1910 time.

This sterling silver cigarette box was made by Lebkuecher & Co. of Newark, New Jersey.Courtesy of the collector

Q. I got this silver box at an auction years ago. It has a divided wood interior, and is inscribed “Colonel E. B. Nichols, from Sub Sector L.”. It is 2 1/2 inches wide, 6 inches long and 3 1/2 inches deep. Can you tell me anything about it?

A. This sterling silver cigarette box was made by Lebkuecher & Co. of Newark, New Jersey, which was in business from 1896 through 1909. It was apparently a gift from a military unit to Colonel Nichols. Basic searches did not provide any more information on the colonel. At auction, you might see a sale of $200-$300. A dealer specializing in silver might ask $700-$1,000, if in undamaged condition.

The values discussed for items featured in this column were researched by Portland appraiser Jerry l. Dobesh, ASA, an Accredited Senior Appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers, with a specialty designation in Antiques & Decorative Arts. His services include providing appraisals for estate tax, charitable contribution, insurance scheduling and loss, and equitable distribution needs.

To find an appraiser, contact the American Society of Appraisers, the International Society of Appraisers, or the Appraisers Association of America. Estimates suggested in this Collectibles column are for general information purposes only and cannot be used as a basis for sale, insurance, or IRS purposes.

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