Check the paint Chalkware is not glazed—it will often have a matte finish not unlike, well, chalk. And the paint, more than likely, will have chips.
Full Answer
Is chalkware worth anything?
Values for Chalkware pieces from the late 19th/early 20th Centuries can range from $10 to $500 depending on form, decoration, condition, age, rarity, and other factors.
What is vintage chalkware?
Made out of plaster of Paris, chalkware was used to create inexpensive versions of decorative objects such as figurines—so many small figurines like Kewpie dolls were given away as prizes at carnivals, the pieces became known as “carnival chalk.”...
Is plaster and chalkware the same thing?
Chalkware is an American term for popular figurines either made of moulded plaster of Paris (usually) or sculpted gypsum, and painted, typically with oils or watercolors.
How do you clean vintage chalkware?
Do not wash your chalkware; it's made of an unglazed material and is not impervious to liquid and moisture. Instead wipe the piece occasionally with a dry, clean, soft cloth.
Who made vintage chalkware?
The first known chalkware made in the 19th century in the U.S. was produced by German immigrants, many of whom settled in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Dutch created a variety of folksy chalkware figures, often with a seasonal or animal theme, sometimes in unexpected colors.
What was carnival chalkware made of?
plaster of ParisCarnival chalkware is an American term for the figurines made most often out of plaster of Paris (though some were made of gypsum) and painted bright colors using oils or watercolors that were won at carnivals and fairs of this time period.
Can chalkware get wet?
Dust your chalkware often so dirt doesn't collect on it. Do not put chalkware in water! If you must, wash it with an almost dry, barely damp cloth -- but test a spot first to see if you like the results.
Is chalkware fragile?
Answer: Because chalkware pieces can be fragile, condition seems to count for a lot, and a piece that is chipped could seriously reduce the value of chalkware figurines.
Where was chalkware made?
The term chalkware refers to small decorative figurines molded or sculpted from plaster of paris made with gypsum; it is believed that this art form originated in Europe, most likely in Italy.
How do you clean dirty chalk?
Windex. Windex is perfect for removing liquid chalk. All you need to do is spray some Windex onto your board and let it sit for a period of time before wiping it off with a soft cloth. If you can still see writing after the first run, repeat the process and it should be off in no time.
What is Bossons chalkware?
For the uninitiated (which included me before writing this column), Bossons are “chalkware head figurines made in Congleton, England,” she explained. “They are each hand-crafted and painted by the Bosson company, in operation from 1948 to 1996.
What are vintage statues made of?
Most collectible figurines are ceramic. However, you'll also find them in pewter, wood, bronze, glass, jade and other materials.
What are chalk figures?
The term chalkware refers to small decorative figurines molded or sculpted from plaster of paris made with gypsum; it is believed that this art form originated in Europe, most likely in Italy.
Can chalkware get wet?
Dust your chalkware often so dirt doesn't collect on it. Do not put chalkware in water! If you must, wash it with an almost dry, barely damp cloth -- but test a spot first to see if you like the results.
Is chalkware fragile?
Answer: Because chalkware pieces can be fragile, condition seems to count for a lot, and a piece that is chipped could seriously reduce the value of chalkware figurines.
When was chalkware invented?
Although chalkware was first made in America as early as 1768, it has come to be associated with Italian immigrants who peddled it in American cities in the mid-19th century. When unpainted, the surface resembled chalk. The hollow figures were made in a mold of gypsum, the main ingredient in plaster of paris.
What is chalkware made of?
Read More. Once called poor man’s porcelain, Chalkware is a collectible molded ceramic likened to plaster. Decorated with watercolor pigment and other media, Chalkware was largely produced in the late 19th Century and early 20th Century.
What is fair market value appraisal?
The fair market value has been defined as the price at which a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither under any compulsion to buy or sell, without the necessity of a forced sale and commensurate with the market in which the item most commonly sells and with both parties having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts agree on the sale price of the item. This appraisal reflects the appraiser’s opinion of the fair market value which has been established by rarity, comparability to similar items in the current market being offered and sold at private galleries and public auctions, published sales records, desirability, condition, and recent market trends.
How much is chalkware worth?
Values for Chalkware pieces from the late 19th/early 20th Centuries can range from $10 to $500 depending on form, decoration, condition, age, rarity, and other factors.
How long does it take to get an appraisal report?
The appraisal report will take no more than ten (10) days from the date of the receipt of your payment to be delivered. We will email the report to you at the email address you provided no more than ten (10) days from the date of the receipt of your payment. If you requested additional sales records after you received your Online Appraisal, those additional sales records will be provided to you no more than ten (10) days after the receipt of your payment for the additional sales records. We reserve the right to refuse to appraise any item offered for appraisal.
What information is included in an appraisal report?
If we agree to complete the Online Appraisal based on a digital image (s), we will prepare an appraisal report to include the following information: maker name or nationality of artist if available, general description of the piece, approximate date of the item, dimensions of the item, comparable sales record (s) and estimated value. The report will be based on the information ascertained from research and analysis in support of the appraiser’s opinion.
What is the opinion of an appraiser?
All information provided is the opinion of the appraiser at the time the information is given to the client. Judgments and decisions made by subscribers are the responsibility of each subscriber. Information provided is used at the subscriber’s own risk.
What is the purpose of an antique appraisal?
We understand that the purpose of this appraisal is to determine the fair market value of the antique, collectible, or artwork. In preparing this Online Appraisal, we will consider various factors based on our expertise including but not limited to the condition of the piece, recent sales of comparable pieces, age, provenance, and basic physical condition.
What was the most popular wall hanging in the mid-century?
The mid-century was a popular time for chalkware wall-hangings, particularly those with an aquatic motif. Collectors can’t resist a well-kept chalkware mermaid or, better yet a fish.
How to clean chalkware?
Even if the plaster has been sealed, it’s best to treat the item with care. Focus first on dry methods to remove dust, first with a cloth, and then if you’ve got caked-on dirt, you can use a soft-bristled brush to get into the nooks and crannies. A cotton swab could also do the job. If the chalkware is too delicate for even this level of cleaning, stop immediately if you notice plaster or paint peeling off.
Where did the chalkware craze start?
The chalkware craze began in Staffordshire, England in the late 1800s as an inexpensive alternative to the region’s popular porcelain figurines. The chalkware one might win at an early-20th century carnival frequently came in the form of hand-painted figurines like kewpie dolls, or pieces based on TV and film characters.
When did Bosson pottery go out of business?
The company went out of business in 1996, but their faces can still be found at estate sales. Watching, watching...
Is chalkware expensive?
But less expensive materials have their drawbacks. Chalkware is, essentially, Plaster of Paris—inexpensive, lightweight, and ultimately very, very fragile.
Is chalkware glazed?
Chalkware is not glazed—it will often have a matte finish not unlike, well, chalk. And the paint, more than likely, will have chips. As we said before, without the protection of the glaze, and because of the nature of plaster, there is little to stop the paint from coming off. More contemporary pieces may be painted with tempera paint, but the more vintage items were hand-painted with watercolors or oil-based paints.
Is plaster of Paris water resistant?
And because Plaster of Paris is susceptible to water, even cleaning can be a bit of an issue. Which makes the hunt that much more thrilling, I suppose. Chalkware itself is easy to find. But to find it in good condition is not as common.
What are kewpies made of?
Chalkware collectors do consider the Kewpie doll a part of this collecting category even though many of them were made of porcelain. Kewpies were an important carnival prize in the first decades of the 20th century.
What is carnival chalkware?
Carnival Chalkware History. Carnival chalkware is a generic collecting term used for figures made from molded plaster of Paris or sculpted gypsum during the 1920s through the 1960s— the Great Depression through the mid-century . The name derives from their use as prizes at carnivals. They also served as prizes for games of chance at amusement parks ...
When were chalkware figures made?
Chalkware figures also were made from the 1940s through the 1960s, the Mid-Century Modernist Era, for used as decorative figures, lamps, and wall décor, tourists’ memorabilia such as ashtrays and bobble-heads, and point-of-sale advertising figures. These items are not included in the Carnival Chalkware collecting category.
When did chalkware replace stuffed animals?
For a brief period in the 1930 and early 1940s, carnival chalkware figures replaced stuffed animals as the primary carnival prize.
What are crossover figures?
Animal figures are prevalent and include birds, dogs, cats, horses, lambs, lions, parrots, and roosters. Crossover collectors compete for these figures. As long as the figure closely resembles the appearance of an animal/pet, an animal collector will buy it.
What are some examples of holiday pieces?
Examples include banks, bookends, clock s, and lamps. A few holiday pieces were created but are scarce. If the front and back of a figure are both painted, it usually dates from the 1940s or later. Glitter and other additions to a figure add value.
Is condition important to period art?
Condition, especially the retention of period paint, is critical to the value. Collectors shy away from damaged pieces.
How to clean chalkware?
Wipe dirt and debris from the surface with a soft cloth or soft bristled brush. Don't wet the cloth or brush, as chalkware dissolves in water. You probably won't be able to remove all stains and dirt from the piece, but this is OK for most collectors.
How to clean a statue?
Clean small nooks and crannies with a Q-tip or small pointed brush. This is also good for wiping off ground-in dirt and debris from the surface of the statue.
How to remove imperfections from chalkware?
Lightly sand the surface to remove any unwanted imperfections. Chalkware is very soft, so don't press down too hard.
What is chalkware made of?
Today, we'd call them knick-knacks. Back then they were made of fast-drying Plaster of Paris , a simple ceramic that didn't need to be kiln fired to dry hard. Its popularity means that chalkware is relatively easy to find. Unfortunately, most pieces are damaged due to the soft nature of the plaster used and the relative carelessness with which the pieces were handled in the past.
How to paint over gesso?
Paint over the gesso with a water-based acrylic paint using a soft bristled brush. Match the paint to the original paint colour. Allow the paint to dry for a couple of hours.
What paint do you need to paint chalkware?
Take a small piece of chalkware, if painted, to the local paint store for a paint-matching service. You are looking for a water-based acrylic with a matt finish. You will also need to buy white gesso for a base coat.
Do you need white gesso for base coat?
You will also need to buy white gesso for a base coat.
What’s Chalkware?
Common Chalkware Items
- Sea life
Chalkware fish were produced by a number of companies, but the most prolific is Miller Studios. Their vintage wall hangings are popular with collectors, and come in a variety of styles and colors, sure to suit even the most discerning shoppers’ needs. Do you need a black and white fish to co… - Lamps
If you’re looking for an interesting conversation starter, look no further than a chalkware lamp. Popular in the mid-century, before being replaced by ceramic, chalkware lamp bases (and statuettes) frequently came in sets of two (often a male and female figural set—dancers were a …
Identifying Chalkware
- Check the paint
Because of their fragility, you may choose to overlook some chips. But you might be less interested in pieces that have been touched-up, which tends to be pretty easy to spot, especially if the pieces haven’t been painted over entirely. (There are people who beautifully and successfull…
Cleaning Chalkware
- Though it is susceptible to water, chalkware can certainly be cleaned, albeit delicately. Even if the plaster has been sealed, it’s best to treat the item with care. Focus first on dry methods to remove dust, first with a cloth, and then if you’ve got caked-on dirt, you can use a soft-bristled brush to get into the nooks and crannies. A cotton swab could also do the job. If the chalkware is too delicat…