Whether it’s as subtle as the serpentine front of a Chippendale chest or as lifelike as the three-dimensional snakes that slither across, Palissy ware majolica, snakes and snake shapes often show up in decorative arts. They are among the oldest, most common symbols in history, standing for concepts like wisdom, healing and renewal. They can also have negative meanings, often appearing as mythological monsters and carrying the threat of poison. After all, St. Patrick’s Day honors a saint whose legendary feats include banishing all snakes from Ireland.

The sinister side of snakes is on display in this figural cigar lighter, which sold for $1,599 at Morphy Auctions. Maybe it was a way to subtly reference the poisonous qualities of tobacco: the cigar would be lit in the snake’s open mouth, right between its exposed fangs.

Some collectors see a similar message regarding alcohol in the famous snake jugs made by Anna Pottery. Others believe any reference to poison was meant ironically, or even coincidentally. Maybe the designers simply liked the look.

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Q: I have a Jacob Josef Kohn chair. It still has its original labels. The cane seat is long ago gone. What is its current value as is? Where should I sell it?

A: Jacob Kohn opened a lumber factory with his son Josef in 1850. As the company, called J. & J. Kohn, grew, they started making bentwood furniture, one of the many furniture innovations of the 19th century. Many well-known European designers worked for them. J. & J. Kohn merged with the Mundus manufacturing group to become Mundus-Kohn in 1914. Today, a single chair by J. & J. Kohn can sell at auction for more than $1,000. A barrel back chair missing its cane seat sold at a recent auction in Europe for $2,800. A label always increases the value of antique furniture. A furniture dealer or repairer in your area can help you get more information.

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Q: My husband was a DP following WWII. While in the resettlement camps, he was given two khaki-colored wool army-style-sized blankets. One is gone, the second in good condition. It has a red embroidered “2” on it. Does it have a value?

A: After World War II ended, there were more than a million displaced persons, or DPs, who had been forced out of their homes during the war and could not be repatriated. Many were concentration camp survivors or had been forced laborers. The Allies established DP camps in occupied Germany, Austria and Italy. Conditions were often poor because of limited space and shortages of food and supplies, but people living in the camps established schools, job training programs, newspapers, recreation, arts and cultural activities. The United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) provided economic assistance. The United States Displaced Persons Act of 1948 provided for resettlement of some displaced persons, and an amended version in 1950 removed some restrictions in the original act. Army blankets from World War II sell for about $25 to $50 at auction. We have seen items relating to DPs sell for higher prices, around $100, so yours might have a higher value.

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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.

Belleek, teacup, shamrocks, basketweave texture, twig handle, yellow luster interior, black mark, 2 x 3 1/2 inches, $25.

Jewelry, pin, four-leaf clover, green enamel leaves, center faux pearl horseshoe, leafy vine, gold tone, 1960s, 1 x 1 1/4 inches, $30.

Mt. Washington, rose bowl, flower clusters, forget-me-nots, cream ground, gilt rim, 5 x 6 inches, $95.

Toy, wagon, Greyhound, blue, white logo, red interior, front railing, pull handle, metal, Hamilton, child’s, $180.

Store, sign, trade, Florist, M.K. Lamond, flower bouquet, multicolor, yellow bow, salmon ground, signed, P. Gorman, frame, gilt interior, 35 x 24 1/2 inches, $310.

Porcelain-Chinese, vase, Famille Rose, poem, flowering tree, figures, Guanyin in clouds on neck, red foo dog mask handles, early 1900s, 22 1/2 inches, $385.

Rug, Iranian, blue field, vine lattice, repeating Tree of Life, mauve border, flowers, angle devices, ivory guard border, wool on cotton, mid-20th century, 4 feet 8 inches x 3 feet 1 inch, $545.

Furniture, desk, Chippendale, mahogany, pine, poplar, slant front, shell carved, four graduated block front drawers, brass bail pulls, ball and claw feet, New England, late 1700s, 45 1/2 x 40 1/2 x 20 inches, $1,090.