Sikorski's Attic: Not much interest in Lanshire clocks
Q: My aunt gave me this Lanshire clock that was her uncle’s. It is not working and weighs about 25 pounds. The pink marble base length is almost 20 inches wide by 3 deep and 7.5 inches tall. It does have a cord and plug intact. I could not find any clock like it online, and I wanted some information and an estimated value of it. Thanks in advance for your valued professional input. — W.H., Internet
A: The Lanshire Clock and Instrument Company was founded in the mid-1940s in Illinois and continued in business until the 1990s. They produced a wide variety of mantel clocks that were look-alikes of late Victorian-era mantel clocks with inexpensive electric movements. The case style of your marble mantle clock is taken from the late 19th century and is referred to as a tambour style, also a camelback. Lanshire clocks can be found for sale on the Internet generally for less than $100. Collectors of antique mantel clocks have no interest in Lanshire clocks. If you were to get more than $50 for the clock it would be a lucky day. There is a lot of information available on the Internet about the Lanshire Clock Company.
Q: I have a complete set of W.R. Rogers silver plates for 12 from the early 1920s. It is in a nice, fitted box. Is there collector interest in it? I never use it and would like to sell it. Any ideas? — B.F., Internet
A: I wish you had included a photograph of the set. Generally speaking, there is very little interest in silver-plated tableware. The good-quality wood boxes that store the sets are often converted for other uses. The only thing that could have an effect on dollar value is the pattern. You mention it is from the 1920s; if the pattern is in the Art Deco style, it would raise the potential dollar value. If you like, send a couple of good photographs so I can see what the pattern style is, then I will finish the story.
Q: I have a small coin collection that I am interested in selling. I live in Ocala and read your column each week in the newspaper. I know you have given the name of someone reputable before, but I did not take note of it. If you have a chance, would you be willing to give me the person's contact information? Thanks. — J.P., Internet
A: First it would be good to check and see what the collector interest is in the coins you have. The website coinstudy.com will fill in the blanks for you. The site will take you step by step through the process of valuing your coins. Then, at least you will have an idea about the potential interest in your coins. After that, you can contact the folks at Silver City in Ocala. The phone number is 732-0185.
— 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: Not much interest in Lanshire clocks
