Q&A on Collecting: Victorian chairs are four of a kind

Q: This is a photo of one of a set of four chairs that I purchased at an antique auction in the 1980s. The auction house received containers of furniture each week from Europe and auctioned off the contents. I would like to know something about the chairs and their approximate value.

A: Based on your photo, your chairs are from the Victorian era and are examples of the sub-style, Rococo Revival. You didn't mention the overall condition or if the upholstery is the original. Both factors contribute to the value.

Assuming they are in mint condition and the upholstery is the original, your set of chairs from the 1870s would probably be worth $1,200 to $2,000.

Q: I have enclosed a copy of the mark that is on a set of porcelain dinnerware that was purchased in 1970. The set is a service for 12 and includes all the serving dishes, as well as a coffee pot, cream pitcher and sugar bowl. What is my set worth today?

A: The Morimura Brothers, importers located in New York City, have imported Noritake China to the United States since 1910. The china was made in Noritake, Japan. “Irene” is the name of your pattern. Similar sets of Noritake dinnerware are selling in the range of $800 to $1500.