Dec 12, 2015 5 min read

Guido Gambone (1909-1969) was an important Italian ceramic artist in the 1950s and ’60s. His colorful vases in modern shapes with almost comic-strip-shaped animal figures were very different from designs by earlier Italian makers. He used thick glazes that left a rough surface. Although he lost his leg in 1934, he became director at Industria Ceramica Salernitana in 1935, and in 1943, he started his own pottery in Vietri.

In 1950, he moved again and worked at his own pottery with his son Bruno (1936-present). After Guido died, his son took over the company and today makes and sells minimalist vases in muted colors, very different from the colorful abstract and playful works of his father.

Guido Gambone marked his pieces with the name “Gambone,” a donkey and the word “Italy” for many years, but some later work is signed only “Gambone, Italy.” Bruno signs all his work Gambone, Italy.

Q. We have a mission-style rocking chair with a metal tag that reads “Karpen Guaranteed Upholstered Furniture, Chicago – New York.” It has a removable cushioned seat. What can you tell me about the maker and age of this piece?

A. S. Karpen & Bros. was founded by Solomon Karpen in Chicago in 1880. Within a few years, all of his eight brothers were involved in the business. By 1899, the company was the world’s largest maker of upholstered furniture. Tables and other non-upholstered furniture were also made. A showroom opened in New York in 1905, a factory in Michigan City, Indiana, in 1916, and a factory in Los Angeles in 1927. The company was sold and became part of International Furniture in 1952. The Karpen name was used on furniture for several years. Your rocker was made between 1905 and 1916.

Q. I’d like some information on “Happy Boy,” a Royal Worcester figurine of a child lying on his back with his knees up and his hands under his head. It’s stamped on the back “Happy Boy, modeled by F.G. Doughty” and has what I think is the date stamp for 1941 and the number 3010. One source I found reads “model No. 3010, Happy Boy, was made by F. Gertner.”

A. “Happy Boy” was modeled by Freda Doughty and was produced from 1932 to 1948. Freda and her sister both worked at Royal Worcester. They were born in Italy and moved to England as children. Freda made figurines of children while her sister did large bird figurines. Happy Boy was reported as worth over $1,000 a few years ago, but the value of figurines has gone down and it may not sell for as much today.

Q. I have an old silver serving spoon marked with two crossed tools and the letters “K” above and “B” below. One of the tools is a hammer. Can you tell me who made this spoon?

A. Krider & Biddle used this mark between 1860 and about 1870. Peter L. Krider was in business in Philadelphia about 1850. John W. Biddle became a partner in 1859 and the name of the business became Krider & Biddle in 1860. The company made flatware, hollowware, and medals. It was sold to new owners about 1870 and the name was changed.

Q. Is there a market out there for a matchbook collection?

A. Matchbox collecting is a popular hobby. A person who collects matchbooks is called a “phillumenist.” Most collectors want unused matchbooks and take the matches out unless the matches have printing or pictures on them. Some people collect matches from places they have been, while others collect by type or category and keep a detailed checklist of their collection. The Rathcamp Matchcover Society has a website, Matchcover.org. The site lists collectors’ clubs, collecting tips, supplies, swapfests and collectors looking to buy or sell covers.

Tip: Leave a small air space between the wall and the back of a painting to allow air to flow. “Bumpers” to put on the back of pictures are available at frame shops.

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

• Graniteware, colander, brown agate, large swirl, brown trim, wire handles, 4 1/4 x 10 1/4 inches, $40.

• Paperweight, scarab, blue aurene, magenta and gold highlights, engraved Jay Redington, c. 2000, 4 3/4 inches, $120.

• Advertising sign, Fudgsicle, Toast to Good Health, 5 cents, girl and boy, cardboard, easel, 20 x 17 inches, $330.

• Sterling-silver compote, Francis I, fluted, footed, serpentine rim, scroll border, Reed & Barton, 1950s, 8 x 4 3/4 inches, $360.

• Wedgwood, bowl, lusterware, gold dragons, blue ground, cranes, Daisy Making-Jones, c. 1915, 4 x 8 inches, $495.

• Jewelry, flower pin, pink shaded enamel petals, diamond center, 14k yellow gold, Victorian, 1 x 1 inches, $550.

• Silver flute, Gemeinhardt, presentation case, carry-on bag, Elkhart, 16 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches, $700.

• Pedal car, boat shape, Lil’ Beaver, pressed steel, gray, blue, purple, Murray, 46 x 18 inches, $1,140.

• Blown glass vase, green, bulbous, narrow neck, inverted lip, Marvin Lipofsky, 1960, 11 x 8 inches, $2,125.

Write to Kovels, Observer-Reporter, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019.