The Chinese enameling called cloisonne has been made for centuries.
But another type of enamel-on-metal object was made in China by the 17th century. It is called Peking enamel or Canton enamel; it resembles porcelain. A metal vase was covered with thick enamel, then fired. Then an artist painted a scene or pattern with colored enamels, and the vase was fired again.
The quality of the work deteriorated during the next few centuries, and this type of enamel is rarely made today.
A 5-inch-tall Peking enamel teapot that held a single cup of water for tea sold in 2012 for $660.
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Q: My brother left me a “Brunswick Home Comfort Table” from about 1908. It’s a combination billiards table and sofa. A metal label on the table says “Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co.” What is its history and value?
A: John Moses Brunswick founded the J.M. Brunswick Manufacturing Co. in 1845 in Cincinnati. The company was renamed Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. in 1884. Today, the company is named Brunswick Corp.
Your table was patented in 1910. It sold then for $150 to $175. If yours is in excellent shape, it could sell for close to $10,000.
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Q: I inherited six place settings of Normandie pattern Depression glass in iridescent marigold color. Can I use them for my everyday dishes?
A: Normandie was made from 1933 to 1940 by the Federal Glass Co. of Columbus.
Your dishes weren’t made to be microwave-safe; the metallic salts in the iridescent glaze might cause sparking in a microwave. Washing the dishes in the dishwasher will eventually remove the luster. If you enjoy using the dishes regularly, wash them by hand.
Prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions nationwide.
• Cocktail ring, sapphires, diamonds, 14K gold, circa 1920, size 5½, $240.
• Tea caddy, mahogany, round, quarter fan and string inlays, ivory escutcheon, lift lid, fitted interior, 19th century, 7 inches by 12 inches, $325.
• Paul Revere bowl, tulips, Edith Brown, S.E.G., 1926, 2½ inches by 9 inches, $1,500.
• Barbizon dollhouse, 12 rooms, elevator, garage, patio, stucco front, slate roof, Dan McNeil, 67 inches by 88 inches, $1,890.
Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel write for King Features Syndicate. Write to them in care of The Dispatch, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019. Or visit www.kovels.com.