Weller Pottery, operating in Zanesville, Ohio, from 1872 to 1948, was, at one point, the world’s largest pottery. Some of its most famous artists came from around the world. French designer Jacques Sicard created the iridescent glazed Sicardo line, which even today includes some of Weller’s most desirable pieces. Frederick Hurten Rhead, born to a family of ceramicists in England, worked for Weller and several other American art potteries before designing Fiesta dinnerware for the Homer Laughlin China Co. John Lessell, who was from the pottery-making city of Mettlach, Germany, served as the art director of Weller from 1920 to 1924 and designed two pottery lines with metallic glaze.

Weller had many other foreign-born designers who were not quite as well known. One was Francesco DeDonatis, who was born in Teramo, Italy, a region with a long history of colorful majolica. He designed the DeDonatis pottery line for Weller, which is decorated with stylized flower and plant motifs in bright colors.

This DeDonatis vase is blue and white, a classic color scheme for various ceramics. It sold for $128 at Revere Auctions. Although DeDonatis was the designer, he did not decorate this vase. It is signed with the mark of Weller artist Charles Fouts.

* * *

Q: I am submitting information on a family French majolica wreath and would like to know its scarcity and value. I understand it is a cemetery grave decoration from the Alsace-Lorraine region of France. It was produced between 1882 and 1889 by Utzschneider & Co. This large piece is in excellent museum quality, measures 20 inches in diameter, and stands 7 inches high. The head of the workshop that produced this type of piece was Victor Kremer, an artist who made a large number of artistic pieces in Sarreguemines. It is fully documented with correspondence from the Regisseuse des collections Musees de Sarreguemines.

A: The Utzschneider & Co. factory was established in Sarreguemines in Lorraine, France, in about 1800. The factory is one of Europe’s most important majolica makers. The tradition of decorating graves with majolica wreaths was established in the 19th century, and ceramics factories still make the wreaths today. Although the wreaths are not well known outside France, Switzerland, and Brussels, modern wreaths are often marked “Made in France” as if they were for export. Authentic 19th-century French majolica wreaths are relatively rare and sell for about $200. Yours may be worth more because of its size, condition, and documentation.

* * *

Q: I have some “blood chits” from World War II and some Japanese money from the same era.

I would like to know where to dispose of these items. Perhaps an auction house for military items or a personal collector.

A: Blood chits were issued to military pilots and air crews in case they were downed in combat. They had messages in the local languages identifying the fliers and promising rewards to whoever assisted them. They were often part of an evasion kit that might also include phrase books, maps, currency, or items to barter. Blood chits from World War II were made of materials like silk, leather, and cotton. Some were made as patches sewn onto uniforms, like the ones used by the American Volunteer Group, also known as the Flying Tigers, in China from 1941-42. Today, World War II blood chits are popular among collectors of military memorabilia. They tend to sell for about $50 to $200, depending on the material, condition, design, and number of languages. Some extremely rare styles in excellent condition can sell for thousands of dollars. Like many military collectibles, blood chits are sold at general antique auctions and shops. Many major auction houses hold militaria auctions, and there are dealers and shows specializing in military collectibles. Military Trader magazine, published by the same company as Kovels Antique Trader, has a directory of dealers. As for your Japanese money, we recommend contacting a reputable local coin dealer. Numismatics News, also by the same publisher, may have more information.

* * *

TIP: Do not put water in a pottery container with an unglazed interior. The water will be absorbed and eventually stain the container.

* * *

Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, (Name of this newspaper), King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

* * *

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.

Furniture, chair, Louis XVI style, gilt wood, cane back and seat, oval splat, molded trim, fluted legs, 19th century, 36 1/2 inches, pair, $75.

Capo-di-monte, vase, shaped flared rim, relief Classical scene, figures, trees, blue, gilt trim, leafy scrolled handles, pedestal foot, square base, shield and wreath mark, Capodimonte Italy, 12 inches, $85.

Hawkes, bowl, mold blown, cut glass, six-lobed rim, cane crossbar center, hobstar border, signed, 6 inches, $270.