Antiques & Collecting: Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year, as observed in East Asian cultures, occurs on the first day of the first lunar month, not on a calendar date. It is celebrated in China, North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and many other countries.

Festivities include parades, fireworks, exchanging gifts and, most importantly, family reunions and traditional meals.

Each year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals. The animals that belong to the zodiac can vary among cultures 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 the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

These animals play important roles in mythology and folklore. They also appear in decorative arts.

This cloisonné charger, which sold at Keystone Auction LLC for $500, is effectively an illustration of the zodiac cycle. All 12 animals are pictured around the rim, in order, counter-clockwise, separated by panels with flowers.

Can you tell me if my Singer sewing machine has any value? It has a red eye decal design and a treadle “drop down” cabinet. There are several patent dates on the machine starting with 1900-1910. It’s from the G series: G5350458. It’s in good condition.

Singer made the G series sewing machine in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Your serial number is for model number 44, made in 1917.

According to the International Sewing Machine Collectors’ Society, Singer used the “Red Eye” or “Red Head” decal, officially named “Scroll (red)” for its gilt scrolls and red shapes, between 1902 and 1923 on machines made in the United States.

These machine models were part of Singer’s 66 class, which were made in both hand and treadle machines. We have seen this model of sewing machine sell for anywhere from about $50 to $300. Working condition and the presence of accessories increase the value.

Tip: Some disciplined collectors have a rule: Add a new piece to the collection only if you can get rid of a less desirable old one.

Current Prices

Cash register, receipt box, National, cast iron, nickel finish, three glass panels, c. 1900, 6 x 7 x 7 inches, $85.

Pottery-midcentury, bowl, raised dots around side, blue and purple tones, black ground, rough texture, mottled gray interior, short foot, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Italy, 4 x 10 inches, $160.

Clock, advertising, Longines, electric, round dial, The World’s Most Honored Watch, script lettering, lights up, 14 1/2 inches, $170.

Glass-Bohemian, box, jewelry, hinged lid, rectangular, green flashed, cut to clear, ormolu mounts, 1800s, 3 x 4 inches, $520.

Furniture, mirror, Victorian, bamboo, shield shape, pierced crest, embossed ground, rectangular glass, side & lower shelves, c. 1900, 25 x 21 inches, pair, $1,665.