Problem: Guests for dinner and a small dining-room table. Solution: Extend the table.
This problem has existed for centuries, and there have been many solutions. The earliest was to add drop leaves. The table was made with an extra piece at each end that could be raised and held in place by an extra leg that swung under it to hold it level with the main tabletop. The idea is still in use.
In about 1800, a craftsman made a two-part pedestal table. The pedestals held the top, but could be pulled apart so an extra leaf could be added. If more leaves were needed, an extra pedestal could be added. Also in the 1800s, a rectangular table was used with two separate small tables that had drop leaves. The small tables were kept against the wall. When guests came, the small tables were moved next to the main table and the drop leaves were raised.
By the 19th century, extension tables were made with extra leaves that were stored on tracks under the top. Separate the table and the leaves popped into place. Another idea created before the 20th century was a round table with pie-shaped inserts that could make the table a larger circle. An expensive modern copy of this table is still made. Most dining tables today have loose leaves that can be inserted on a track.
Collectors ask
QUESTION: In 1996, I acquired a 600-minute Coca-Cola “1995 Grand Prize Winner” phone card. There's a Coca-Cola logo in the bottom right corner and a red and white “Smith's” logo in the top left corner with the phrase “Have a Coke” under it. The card pictures a frosted window, and a full Coke bottle can be seen sitting outside in the snow. I have saved the card because I understand only 10 of them were made. Are phone cards collectible, and what's mine worth?
ANSWER: There are eager collectors of phone cards, although there are fewer in the United States than there are in Japan and some other countries. Most Coke phone cards date from the 1990s and sell for under $10. But yours happens to be a rare one. Fifteen, not 10, were made, but that's still a very small number. Your card lists in price guides for $1,600. That doesn't necessarily mean you can easily find someone who will pay you that much. A dealer in phone cards might be willing to pay you about half, though.
In some online ads, I see what I call “mugs” described as “jugs” and typical drinking “cups” described as “cans.” Can you explain?
The use of the word “can” for a drinking vessel is rarely heard in the United States. It's more common in Great Britain. The word “jug” is also more commonly used as a synonym for a large mug in England than here. We tend to think of a jug as a rounded pitcher. But Americans are more likely to call a mug a jug than they are to call a cup a can.
Current prices
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
Problem: Guests for dinner and a small dining-room table. Solution: Extend the table.
This problem has existed for centuries, and there have been many solutions. The earliest was to add drop leaves. Cleveland Indians 1948 World Series apron, red felt Chief Wahoo and lettering, white ruffle, made by Nona Lou, $345.
Ralph and Terry Kovel are antique experts; to contact them with a question about your collectible or antique, log on to kovels.com.
© Cowles Syndicate Inc.
