John Sikorski: Little to no collector interest in antiques, train set

John Sikorski
·2 min read

Q: How do I find out the value of these antiques I have? I have a lot of the dish set in the photographs and also have more items, but I thought I would start here.

The two chairs are more than 100 years old. They came out of my father-in-law's home, and he purchased them in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, from an antique shop a very long time ago. Thank you for any info. — B.McI., Internet

A: There is no collector interest in your set of dishes. The potential dollar value is in the china pattern replacement market — those who have a broken plate, cup, saucer, etc., and want to find a replacement go to a china replacement dealer. Replacements Ltd. is one of the largest in the United States. They are always looking to purchase old tableware for their inventory from individuals. The phone number is 1-800-REPLACE. I suggest you contact them and see if they are interested in your china.

This chair was made in America, possibly in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The style is Empire Revival. The white upholstery is not appropriate for the chair.
This chair was made in America, possibly in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The style is Empire Revival. The white upholstery is not appropriate for the chair.

Yes, the two chairs you have are perhaps a bit older than 100 years old. The one with the white upholstery was made in America, possibly in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The style is Empire Revival. The white upholstery is not appropriate for the chair and adds to the overall lack of interest. I think it would sell for less than $100.

This chair does not represent pre-World War II-era styles. The chair’s style is a combination taken from the 17th and 18th centuries.
This chair does not represent pre-World War II-era styles. The chair’s style is a combination taken from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The other chair appears to be of a much better quality, but does not represent pre-World War II-era styles. The chair’s style is a combination taken from the 17th and 18th centuries. Potential dollar value is $75 to $150.

Q: I am working with someone who has a limited edition Lionel train set manufactured in 1992, the Lionel Smithsonian Dreyfuss Hudson Collection. Only 500 sets were offered, which limits the amount of information available online.

The owner of the set would like to determine the current value, which includes the engine, tender and all 13 passenger cars. None of the 13 cars has ever been out of its box, and the engine and tender have only been displayed in the case included in the set.

After failing to locate much information myself, I am hoping you might be able to direct me to someone who could give an appraisal of this wonderful set of trains. Thank you in advance for any information you can provide. — S.B., Internet

A: There is very little to no collector interest in the Lionel train set you ask about. Most serious collectors of Lionel trains look for pre-World War II-era sets. The reason you have not been able to find information about this set is a lack of interest. Perhaps things will change in the future, but the outlook is dim.

— John Sikorski, with more than 35 years of experience, is an Ocala-based antiques advisor, consultant and broker. Send your questions to Sikorski's Attic, c/o The Ocala Star-Banner, 2121 SW 19th Ave. Road, Ocala, FL 34471-7752, or email absantique@aol.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: John Sikorski: Little to no collector interest in antiques, train set