With 2026 bringing the 250th anniversary of the United States, will we see a revival of interest in colonial American furniture? It’s happened with previous anniversaries. The Centennial celebration in 1876 saw furniture makers adapt early American styles to the manufacturing techniques of the Industrial Revolution and the tastes of the Victorian era.

Windsor chairs were a favorite piece, but these spindle-backed chairs arguably never went out of style. They are believed to have originated in England in the late 1600s, but, like many English furniture styles of the time, they became popular in the American colonies, too. And, like many English furniture styles, American cabinetmakers put their own spin on them. Americans preferred straight tapered legs and spindle backs to the curved cabriole legs and back splats seen in English chairs.

Different types of Windsor chairs were made in different regions of America, with the style of the chair’s back being the most obvious difference. The miniature chair pictured here is a comb-back style. It sold for $120 at Auctions at Showplace in New York. It still has its old, worn paint; antique Windsor chairs were often painted, possibly to hide the fact that they were made from different types of wood. However, it is clearly a later chair, not an original colonial-era piece. The evidence is its size: at only 15 inches tall, it was made as a salesman sample, carried by traveling salesmen in the late 19th to early 20th century.

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Q: There is an unusual piece of wheel-thrown pottery that I purchased about 25 years ago at an antique mall in Ohio. At 84, I am looking at pieces I have loved and would like some information for my children so they know what it is and hopefully will love it as much as I do.

It is a vase about 24 inches high, 9 inches wide, and approximately 30 inches around. The glaze is mostly green with drips. There are large three-dimensional flowers, leaves, and frogs around the rim. The opening is irregularly shaped and has small holes and blue and gold glaze. Any information you can give me will be appreciated.

A: Your vase is probably a type of Chinese pottery known as Shiwan ware. It originated in the Shiwanzhen district of Foshan, Guangdong (Canton) province. Shiwan ware is usually stoneware decorated with thick, colorful glazes. Vases and figurines are the most famous examples.

Although Shiwan ware has been made since ancient times, your vase, based on the decorations, was probably made in the early to mid-20th century. Shiwan vases from this period are usually unmarked. Similar vases sell for anywhere from $50 to about $125 at auctions. However, they are usually smaller than your vase, so yours may be worth more.

By the way, frogs, like many motifs found on pottery and porcelain, are symbols of good fortune in Chinese culture. They can represent prosperity, regeneration, and immortality.

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TIP: Do not wax any furniture that has a gilded, painted, lacquered, or flaking finish.

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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 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, 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.

Auto, measuring tape, Stromberg Carburetor, metal case, blue graphic, New Vis-a-Gas, concentric circle ground, green border, Paslin Novelty Co., cloth tape, retractable, 1 1/3 inches, $25.

Toy, car, Fire Dept. Chief, No. 1, red, figures in windows, tin lithograph, battery operated roof light, key wind, Marx, 1950s, 11 inches, $85.

Jewelry, necklace, glass beads, orange, yellow, two strands, large flower, clasp closure, J hook, Miriam Haskell, 16 inches, $120.

Canton, bowl, serving, rectangular, blue and white, side handles, flowers on exterior, Chinese export, 1800s, 14 inches, $125.

Tramp art, box, document, chip carved, paneled front door, arch, geometrics, key, lower drawer, side panels, brass hardware, 21 x 11 1/2 inches, $460.

Furniture, mirror, Neoclassical, giltwood frame, urn and swag crest, rectangular, rounded corners, beaded molding, 1800s, 48 x 50 inches, $630.