Antiques in the Playground - Suggestions and Requests

[Gaius Marius]

Hi there,

I was helping my grandparents clearing their house this week-end, when we came across a Mickey & Minnie Mouse tea set. 6 cups, 6 saucers, 1 teapot, 1 creamer and 1.. something. Not sure what, but it has Mickey on top.

We have the original (but damaged) box, without the cover. All pieces are in good conditions, with the exception of a saucer that recently was broken, but it's a clear break with almost nothing chipped off. I am sure a restaurator could repair it properly.

The inscription on the back of the teapot shows it's not an artisanal, and it was probably made in Occupied Japan (parts of the inscription have been erased). That is the puzzling part, for my G-ma told me she was playing with those when she was little, in the 30s. She was 17 in 1945, so... there is a puzzle there.

Here are the pictures:


http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp86/SolkaTruesilver/Mickey%20Set/01-CompleteSet.jpg

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp86/SolkaTruesilver/Mickey%20Set/02-MinnieSaucer.jpg

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp86/SolkaTruesilver/Mickey%20Set/03-MinnieCreamer.jpg

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp86/SolkaTruesilver/Mickey%20Set/04-MickeyCup.jpg

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp86/SolkaTruesilver/Mickey%20Set/05-MixedTeapot.jpg

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp86/SolkaTruesilver/Mickey%20Set/06-MadeIn----piedJapan.jpg


If anybody could tell me where to go to have them evaluated, and maybe find a buyer who would treat this little set with respect, I'd be grateful.

I already looked around the internet a bit, but kinda got lost between Occupied Japan Collectors and Disney Collectibles. I think I'd be better off with someone advising me.


Thanks
Gaius Marius

[Lady Moreta]

The item you're not sure of... is that the one with two handles and a lid? with Mickey on it? I'm pretty sure it's a sugar container :smallsmile:

As for evaluation - it looks in pretty good condition, I agree... I think your best bet would be to take it to antique stores - perhaps just take one or two pieces with you so they can see it and find out if they can do an evaluation for you. If they can't, they'll tell you... I think antique dealers tend to keep in touch as well, so if one can't they can probably direct you to someone who can. Likewise with a restorer, an antique shop owner will likely have contacts.

Otherwise, try trading/auction houses. They will have people able to evaluate various items and may also have restorers they can point you towards.

[Katana_Geldar]

I suggest taking a photo of them all as well.

My grandparents are antique nuts, and there's annual catalogues that have items that are evaluated in there. Have no idea how you'd find your item in them though.

[Lady Moreta]

My grandparents are antique nuts, and there's annual catalogues that have items that are evaluated in there. Have no idea how you'd find your item in them though.

Possibly look up the catalogues and then get in touch with the people who produce them?

Is there anything on the box itself to give you any clues?

One slightly odd suggestion - Antiques Roadshow the TV show... are you in America? I know there's a US version of the show - possibly look it up and see if it's going to be anywhere near you, or if they have any contacts you might be able to get.

I do think your best bet will be an antiques store or auction house though.