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Before November 11 became Veterans Day, it was Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I. The Great War, as it was previously known, changed the world in many ways, with new forms of warfare and emerging technology. One of the most important technological developments of the time was the use of aircraft.
The Wright brothers made the famous first engine-powered flight in 1903, just over 10 years before the Great War began. Aircraft had never been used in a major conflict before, and both the Allies and Central Powers were quick to develop airplanes and train pilots for military purposes. Aviation and aviators are some of the most enduring images of the war.
A painting on a wooden board depicting a World War I air corpsman, a biplane, an American flag, and a patriotic eagle sold for $552 at an auction by Material Culture. The auction called it a "folk painting" and noted that the wooden board is shaped like an airplane wing. An inscription near one edge reads "51st Air Service Squadron Mitchel Field L.I. + N.Y." Mitchel Field was established in Long Island, New York, in 1918, as an aviation training center.
The artist has not been identified; it is unclear if the painting was made by a member of the squadron or for them. Art made by World War I soldiers is known for its realistic, often grim, depictions of their experiences at war. This painting, instead, has a heroic look, with its airman in profile like a classical cameo, a large American flag waving in the background, and the eagle from the Great Seal of the United States. Whether it was made by a soldier or in their honor, it is a powerful piece that speaks of the service and sacrifices we remember on Veterans Day.
Q: How do you identify crystal? I have a collection of salt dips and I am trying to find out if they are glass or crystal.
A: We presume that you are asking about the variety of glass called crystal, not about the gemstone rock crystal. This type of glass is also called lead glass or lead crystal because it was historically made with lead oxide, which gives it an exceptional clarity. After the dangers of lead poisoning were recognized, manufacturers began making crystal with other metals like zinc in its place.
Calling this type of glass "crystal" goes back to medieval Venetian glassmakers, who called it cristallo because of its resemblance to rock crystal. There are three popular ways to recognize crystal, called the "three Ls": look, lift, and listen. First, look at your glassware. It can help to compare it to a piece that you know is not crystal. You may notice that crystal is visibly clearer than typical glass. It is usually thinner, too. If you hold it in direct sunlight, it should create a prism effect, refracting the light into pools and rainbows. If you lift a piece of crystal, it should feel heavier than glass. For the "listen" test, carefully tap or strike your glass. Crystal will create a distinctive ringing sound. Glass will sound dull.
Q: I have some things I received from a relative who was stationed in Occupied Japan. How can I determine if they have any value?
A: The United States occupied Japan after the end of World War II from 1945 to 1952. During that time, products made in Japan for export to Allied nations were marked "Made in Occupied Japan." This covered a wide variety of products. Today, the most popular items include ceramic figurines, toys, and tableware.
For collectors of Occupied Japan items, the mark is usually the most important part of the piece. Some shops and shows display their Occupied Japan items upside down because of this. These items were often made as inexpensive novelties and giftware, and most Occupied Japan pieces are still fairly inexpensive today. However, some rare designs and complete tableware sets can sell for high prices, and there is still collector interest.
There are several books on Occupied Japan collectibles available, such as "Occupied Japan for Collectors" by Florence Archambault and "Occupied Japan Collectibles: Identification & Value Guide" by Gene Florence. Look for them at your library. The values they list are likely out of date, but they may be able to help you identify your items and learn more about them.
If you are on social media, look for Occupied Japan collector's clubs and buy/sell/trade groups. Check sales results on websites like eBay. Collectors' clubs or auction houses specializing in a specific type of item, such as toys or ceramics, may have more information and know current prices. A pattern-matching service like Replacements, Ltd. (replacements.com) may have prices for items like ceramics and tableware.
Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, (Name of this newspaper), King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.