Lunar New Year, as celebrated in East Asian cultures, occurs on the first day of the first lunar month, not on a calendar date. In 2025 it falls on January 29th. It is celebrated in China, North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and many other countries. Celebrations include parades, fireworks, gift exchanges and, most importantly, family gatherings and traditional meals.
Each year is assigned to one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. The animals belonging to the zodiac can vary depending on the culture and are usually based on which animals are native to the region. The most common is the Chinese zodiac, which has been used for over 2,000 years. It consists of rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
The year 2025 is the Year of the Snake. These animals play an important role in mythology and folklore. They also appear in decorative arts. This cloisonne charger, which sold at Keystone Auction LLC for $500, is practically an illustration of the zodiac cycle. All 12 animals are depicted around the edge, sequentially counterclockwise, separated by panels of flowers.
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Q: I have an antique keyed locker cabinet with a removable shelf. The castle says: “Patented with Eagle Lock Co. / EVURS / Terryville, Conn USA”. What can you tell me about that? What value does it have?
A: The Eagle Lock Company was founded in Terryville, Connecticut in the mid-19th century. It was a merger of several lock manufacturers in the area, including the James Terry Company, founded by the son of watchmaker Eli Terry Jr. Terryville is named after the family. In the 19th century, the Lock Company was the world's largest manufacturer of suitcase and cabinet locks. After World War II, production slowed. The company was sold in the 1960s and closed in 1975. Their locks are sought after by collectors and are often found on antique furniture and chests. The letters “EVURS” are probably a code for the model of the castle. Antique chests with Eagle locks sell for about $75 to $250, depending on size, material and condition.
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Q: Can you tell me if my Singer sewing machine is worth? It has a red eye decal design and running board “fall down” Cabinet. There are several patent dates for the machine, starting between 1900 and 1910. It is from the G series: G5350458. It is in good condition.
A: Singer manufactured the G-Series sewing machine in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Its serial number refers to model number 44, manufactured in 1917. According to the International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society, Singer used this “Red Eyes” or “Red Head” Sticker, officially named “Scroll (Red)” for its gilded scrolls and red shapes, between 1902 and 1923 on US-made machines. These machine models were part of Singer's '66 class, which were produced on both hand and pedal machines. We have seen this model of sewing machine selling for around $50 to $300. The working condition and the presence of accessories increase the value.
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TIP: Some disciplined collectors have a rule: only add a new piece to the collection if you can get rid of a less desirable old piece. Many of us just keep adding.
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CURRENT PRICES
Current prices are determined at antique shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary by location due to local economic conditions.
Photography, camera, Polaroid, instruction book, brown leather case, 10 x 9 x 3 inches, $25.
Cash register, receipt box, National, cast iron, nickel finish, three panes of glass, circa 1900, 6 x 7 x 7 inches, $85.
Jewelry, pin, figurine, snake, Etruscan style, coiled, textured scales, cabochon eyes, ruby, jade, marked, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1985, 2 inches, $130.
Mid-century ceramic bowl, raised dots on side, shades of blue and purple, black ground, rough texture, mottled gray interior, short foot, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Italy, 4 x 10 inches, $160.
Watch, advertising, Longines, electric, round dial, The World's Most Honored Watch, lettering, illuminated, 14 1/2 inches, $170.
Lamp base, electric, prancing goats on arm and around base, pierced triangular base, ring finish, signed, Robert Garret Thew, 1920s, 58 inches, $210.
Rug, arts and crafts, light blue field, repeating yellow and salmon stylized flowers, leaf trellis, floral scroll border, William Morris, runner, 2 ft. 8 in. x 7 ft. 10 in., $290.
Glass Czech box, jewelry, hinged lid, rectangular, green covered, clear cut, Ormolu fittings, 1800s, 3 x 4 inches, $520.
Furniture, sideboard, HW Klein, teak, two cabinets, sliding doors, flanking four drawers, recessed square handles, console base, paper label, Bramin, Denmark, 17 1/2 x 88 inches, $1,125.
Furniture, mirror, Victorian, bamboo, shield shape, pierced coat of arms, embossed base, rectangular glass, side and bottom shelves, ca. 1900, 25 x 21 inches, pair, $1,665.