Glass can be notoriously difficult to identify. Signatures, if there are any, can be faked, molds can be reused, and glassmakers often imitated one another’s decorations. Stiegel-type glass is an excellent example.

We know that Henry William Stiegel came to Philadelphia from Germany in 1750. We know he had a glasshouse in Manheim, Pennsylvania, from 1763 to 1774. Confirming that a piece of glass came from his glasshouse is nearly impossible. To begin with, the glass he made was similar to what was made in Germany at the time: thin-walled, mold-blown glass decorated with enamel or engraving. The same type of glass was made by other American glassmakers and imported from Europe.

In the 20th century, copies were made as giftware. To further complicate matters, some collectors doubt that Stiegel actually made any multicolored enamel glass, like this cologne bottle that sold at the Conestoga Auction Company Division of Hess Auction Group for $312. The auction described it as “Stiegel-type” instead of attributing it to Stiegel or any other glassmaker.

* * *

Q: I have a very old microscope that is beautiful, and it still works. It has been in my family for at least 100 years. I would like to sell it and I am not sure how to proceed. It has a French inscription reading “C. Verick, eleve special de E. Hartnack, rue de la Pax cheminerie 2 Paris.”

A: Your microscope was made by Constant Verick, who lived from 1829 to 1892. He worked for Edmund Hartnack before starting his own business in 1866. Both Verick and Hartnack were highly regarded microscope makers in the 1860s and ’70s. Antique microscopes with a known maker can sell for about $250 to $500 at general antiques auctions. Usually, the more information (maker, date, etc.), the higher the value. The original box, slides and other “extras” also increase the value. If there are any antique shops or auction houses in your area, check to see if they sell microscopes or related antiques like binoculars, scientific instruments or medical equipment. You can search online or check ads in antiques publications for collectors or clubs specializing in antique microscopes or scientific or optical tools. You can also check medical supply companies; some of them also deal in antique equipment.

* * *

Q: What is the value of a Lionel train set with accessories from the 1930s?

A: The Lionel Manufacturing Company started in New York in 1900 and quickly earned its place as one of the best-known makers of model trains. They introduced the Standard Gauge train, which has 2 1/8 inches between the rails, in 1907. They were made until the 1930s. “O” gauge train sets, measuring 1 1/4 inches between the rails, were made by the 1930s. The 1930s Lionel train sets, usually called “pre-war” by collectors, often sell for about $100-$500 at auctions. Large sets in excellent condition with original boxes can sell for over $1,000. Individual accessories can sell for about $10 to over $100. Condition is usually the most important factor. Trains with chipped paint and signs of wear will sell for lower prices, even if they are in working condition. There are many publications and price guides that specialize in collecting toy trains. “Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide, 1901-2024” (Kalmbach Media) is a handy reference. You should be able to find it at your local library. The Train Collectors Association is another great resource. Check it out online at www.tcatrains.org.

* * *

TIP: Shallow nicks and rough edges on glass can sometimes be smoothed off with fine emery paper.

* * *

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.

Toy, top, spinning, Marvel Super Heroes, Secret Wars, hero and villain, pull strap, on card, Fleetwood Toys, 1984, 10 1/2 inches, $35.

Soft paste, tea caddy, short neck, molded shoulders, blue trim, yellow flowers, molded columns at corners, England, c. 1800, 5 x 4 inches, $85.

Poster, Maine Steamship Company, black and white print, steamship John Englis on water, frame, 33 x 47 inches, $155.

Delatte, vase, light blue, art deco enamel, black, turquoise, gilt, flat rim, signed, Delatte Nancy, c. 1920, 15 3/4 in. $500

Silver-Mexican, chocolate pot, dome lid, Queen Anne style, turnip finial, tapering body, gooseneck spout, wood handle, monogram, Tane, mid-20th century, 8 1/2 in. $575

Furniture, chair, Windsor, poplar, mixed wood, comb back, four arrow spindles, writing arm, full bamboo spindles, plank seat, ochre paint, c. 1800, 46 x 40 in. $675

Rug, Turkish, flatweave, red field, allover multicolor squares, geometric motifs, braided fringe, wool, 20th century, 14 feet 10 inches x 6 feet 2 inches, $1,095.

Music, guitar, acoustic, Sunburst, KG-11, Kalamazoo, Gibson, chip board case, 1933-43, 39 inches, $1,250.

Nautical, binnacle, brass hood over compass, red and green navigator balls, oil lamp, porcelain burner, mahogany base, maker’s plaque, Kelvin & Hughes, 49 1/2 inches, $1,490.

Porcelain-Chinese, vase, Famille Rose, Hu shape, globular, millefleur, deer’s head handles, raised foot, red seal Qianlong mark, c. 1900, 13 x 10 1/2 inches, $1,920.