March 29, 2024

Antiques & Collecting: Fancy caviar service part of the charm

You probably won’t find a blue cut-to-clear glass caviar server like this one that just sold for $2,318 at a recent Neal Auction in New Orleans, but you might want to serve caviar the right way for a party. The event will be the talk of the town. Here’s the proper Victorian way.

Serve the caviar, tiny fish eggs, in a chilled double bowl, a large bowl filled with ice chips holding a smaller bowl filled with the caviar. And yes, you must have a correct silver caviar spoon.

The expensive eggs are served in very small portions on a blini, a small Russian buckwheat pancake that is topped with creme fraise or sour cream then rolled to be held like a taco. Or, you can make toast points — triangular pieces cut from a slice of bread — and top with a slice of hard-boiled egg and caviar with a wedge of lemon to be squeezed for juice on top.

Do not ever cook caviar. But you can top soup with a little bit. Serve with vodka or champagne. The fancy service is part of the charm, so find two suitable antique glass bowls and impress your party friends.

I have my first Barbie, from about 1959. She has red hair in a ponytail and is wearing a black-and-white striped swimsuit. I got Ken with fuzzy hair, Midge, Allen, Skipper, and Skooter as they were produced, and also have the pink sports car and other things. Is it worth the trouble to try to sell them?

The first Barbie doll came out in 1959. The doll was designed by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel Inc., and came with blond or brunette hair. The doll was named Barbie after her daughter. Ken was introduced in 1961 and was named after her son.

Barbie No. 1 has upside-down V-shaped eyebrows and holes in the bottom of her feet, which fit into a special stand. Barbie No. 5 was the first Barbie with a red or auburn ponytail, a color Mattel calls Titian. It was introduced in 1961.

Barbie dolls, her friends, clothes, and accessories sell at auctions, shows, flea markets and online for prices ranging from $10 or less to several hundred dollars. Barbie No. 1 sold at auction last year for over $4,000.

Current Prices

Box, playing cards, tartan print with playing cards design, wood base, two compartments, hinged lid, Tartanware, c. 1880, 11 x 7 inches, $1,525.

Tea and coffee set, tea pot, coffee pot, sugar and creamer, lobes, ebonized handle, silver, Italy, 1965, 4 pieces, $3,250.

Garden lounge, wire frame, white, cushion, Richard Schultz, Knoll, 1960s, $4,550.

Tiffany Studios lamp, Zodiac, 1-light, turtleback tiles, gilt bronze, stamped, 1920s, 14 x 10 1/2 inches, $5,940.

Tip: Some repairs make the sale of an antique very difficult and lower the price. Don’t buff pewter. Don’t wash ivory. Don’t repaint old toys. Don’t tape old paper. Don’t wash oil paintings.

Terry and Kim Kovel

For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.