Antiques & Collecting: Halloween decorations

You don’t have to be a Halloween collector to know the symbols associated with the holiday. And there are a lot of them.

Pumpkins are always a favorite, especially carved into jack-o’-lanterns, but anything spooky — witches, spiders, skeletons, monsters, ghosts — fits in.

Anything related to nighttime, like bats and owls, or even moons and stars, is on theme, too. And if you’re still at a loss for ideas, anything orange and black will do.

All this variety is just one reason why vintage Halloween decorations are so collectible — look at this plastic Halloween decoration, which sold for $540 at Milestone Auctions.

You have a witch on her broomstick, which can move on a spring for added fun. Not only is she flying by a crescent moon, it looks like the man in the moon is there, too.

And the moon rests on the arched back of a black cat. Well, it’s a mostly black cat; it appears to be wearing an orange mask.

I have what I believe to be my great-grandmother’s reading glasses. The lenses are small and oval with wire rims, and they fold out from a dark gray metal stick with raised swirls and a purple gemstone. I was wondering if you could tell me what they would be worth and where I should take them.

Your great-grandmother’s glasses sound like a lorgnette, which is a small pair of glasses with a single handle. They were popular in the late 19th century. Today, they often sell as jewelry.

Gray metal, possibly pewter, swirls and purple stones are all characteristic of art nouveau jewelry, which was at its most popular from the late 1800s to early 1900s; about the same time as lorgnettes. Art nouveau lorgnettes usually sell for at least $100.

Remember that, like most jewelry, the value will depend on its material. Look for any maker’s marks or quality marks; in addition to providing more information, they often raise the value.

You may want to consult a local antique shop or jewelry dealer to find out more. Look for one that sells similar pieces; for example, a dealer who specializes in gold jewelry with diamonds may not be interested in or as knowledgeable about a piece like yours. There are also dealers and collectors who specialize in antique glasses.

Tip: Old papier-mâché jack-o’-lanterns originally had a thin piece of paper in the eyes. The light from the candle showed through the paper. You can make a replacement with tracing paper and watercolor paint.

Current Prices

Copper, cauldron, fireplace, bail handle, slightly tapered sides, turned-out rim, 7 1/2 x 12 inches, $70.

Rookwood, pitcher, standard glaze, leaves, olives, ruffled rim, squat body, Jeanette Swing, 1889, 4 1/2 inches, $200.

Toy, carousel, six horses, riders, painted, tin, red and white flag finial, windup, early 20th century, 20 x 9 inches, $810.

Porcelain-Chinese, box, lid, round, Famille Rose, outdoor scene, children playing in landscape, goats, red and blue trim, 20th century, 4 1/2 inches, $1,890.