They say that imitation is the highest form of praise, and it follows that the most desirable antiques are often the most reproduced. Take the famous “Wally Birds” made by Martin Brothers of England in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. These fanciful stoneware bird figures with heavy texture, colorful glazes, and endearingly grotesque faces can sell for $50,000 or more. Unsurprisingly, they have many imitators that sell for lower prices. But less expensive doesn’t always mean inexpensive.

This set of two garden statues inspired by Martin Brothers’s birds sold for $1,037 at Austin Auction Gallery. It’s a low price for a pair of Wally birds, but fairly high for a vintage garden ornament. There’s no mistaking these Martin-style birds for the real thing. They are made of cast stone (a type of cement), not stoneware pottery, so they do not have the characteristic glaze. But their oversized beaks and almost humanlike facial expressions carry the same comical charm.

As garden figures, they continue a tradition of grotesque garden statuary that extends back to the Renaissance, if not earlier. In addition to adding a touch of whimsy, personality, and maybe a little mystery, grotesque figures are sometimes said to help repel things you don’t want in your garden, from supernatural portents of bad luck to more practical concerns like plant-nibbling pests.

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Q: I have two old records made with red translucent vinyl. They feature foreign artists and songs. Do they have any value? How would I find out what they are worth, and where can I sell them?

A: Vinyl records have been made in colors other than black for almost as long as they have existed. They were especially popular in the 1950s and ’60s and reached their peak in the 1970s. Colored vinyl records often fetch a premium with collectors today. However, some black vinyl records appear translucent red when they are held to a light. Other colors that can appear include dark brown (called “beer bottle brown” by some collectors), purple, or green. This is usually from variations in the vinyl formula during a particular pressing. Sometimes it can help identify the age or manufacturer of the record. Collectors disagree about whether these records are any different from typical opaque black vinyl. There are many online resources, like Discogs (discogs.com), Goldmine Magazine (goldminemag.com), or Money Music (moneymusic.com), that can help you find out the value of your records. To sell them, look for record shops in your area. Vintage records also sell at general antiques shops; online music marketplaces; sites like eBay; and platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

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Q: Can you tell me how I can identify a painting? I have a framed painting of an autumn landscape that I would like to sell. It does not have a signature.

A: Identifying a painting without an artist’s signature is usually difficult. Your best option is usually to contact a museum or art dealer in your area. Some museums have public events where they will authenticate art. They may also have access to resources like online databases that can help you research and identify your piece. If you cannot identify the artist, the value of your painting can be determined by its medium (for example, if it is an oil painting), subject matter, and even its size. Landscapes are usually appealing subjects. If you can identify the landscape as a specific location, that will add to its value, especially to buyers in that location. Buyers will be interested in your painting for its decorative value, so consider where it would fit on a wall. Paintings that are very high and narrow usually sell for about 30% less than a painting of the same quality sized to fit over a sofa or fireplace. If the frame is high quality, period-appropriate, or suits the painting’s aesthetic, that will also add to its value. Buyers prefer to save the money they would have to spend to have the painting framed.

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TIP: Outdoor stonework and statues, even if made of granite, can be damaged by acid rain, frost, and plants, like ivy. Put garden statues on stands to keep the moisture from the grass away from the statue. Wash with a hose and a soft brush.

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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 close-up 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, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

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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.

Opaline, powder jar, hinged lid, round, light blue, Mary Gregory style, white enamel scene, young girl in landscape, ormolu mounts, three scrolled feet, 3 1/2 inches, $60.

Halloween, decoration, die cut, pumpkin house, on wheels, pulled by black cat, walking on two legs, wearing orange overalls and pointed hat, cardboard, two-sided, 5 x 7 inches, $85.

Toy, train, locomotive, black, gilt stencil, red cab, bell, spoked wheels, tin, clockwork, 7 x 10 inches, $115.

Pearlware, punch bowl, ladle, black transfer, nautical scenes, Jolly Boatswain center, short foot, England, mid-1800s, 5 x 11 1/2 inches, $185.