Delight Mom with a One-of-a-Kind Gift

Mother’s Day is fast approaching—it’s Sunday, May 14. It’s time to surprise Mom with a one-of-a-kind gift. A timeless antique or vintage item that is useful or decorative and appreciates the past would be a thoughtful Mother’s Day surprise. Here are 5 little treasures sure to delight any “Collector Mom.”

Of course, a great Mother’s Day treat would be to take your mother to an antiques show or flea market. Many have special Mother’s Day hours and celebrations. And Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2017, with 25,000 prices and 2,500 color photos is a great gift idea and take-along.

Happy Mother’s Day from Kovels!

 

 

 

1. Mothers always love when you “say it with flowers.” This planter was designed by Clarice Cliff (1899-1972), an English ceramic artist who worked at several English potteries and is known for her brightly colored Art Deco designs. It’s from her most famous line called Bizarre ware, made from 1927 until 1936. Bizarre pieces featured vibrant geometric patterns, flowers, trees and landscapes. The 10-inch-wide planter is marked and recently auctioned or $62.

2. Give Mom brightly-colored flowers that she can wear whenever she wants. Judith Leiber is known for her crystal beaded purses, but her company also designed jewelry. This 2 1/2-inch pin in the form of a vase has flowers of rose quartz, amethyst and other semi-precious hardstones. It’s marked and sold for $219 at a winter 2017 auction.

3. Letter openers have been used since the 18th century. They can be practical and simple, artistic or ornate and a stylish addition to a desk or workspace. Silver, bronze or ivory are favored by collectors. This 1920s sterling silver letter opener with a flower tip is marked “George Jensen,” the Danish company, with a hallmark for the English retailer that was required on imported silver items. A lucky bidder took it home for $219.

4. Any Mother would love to relax on a wicker chaise. This c.1920 Arts and Crafts period example is woven and painted willow, 56 inches long and went for $250 at an early spring auction.

5. Perfume bottles are hot collectibles right now. They can be used to decant a favorite scent or provide a stylish and chic decoration. This “Lalique, France” design sold for just under $200 at a recent auction. It’s called “Cactus” and is frosted glass with black accents. Did you know that some people call cactus “mother-in-law’s cushion”? We won’t go into why …

 


 

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