Antiques & Collecting: Pie safes

Part of the fun of antiques is learning about how people lived in the past. You can often find new uses for items whose purposes have become obsolete.

This softwood cupboard with painted and punched tin panels sold for $384 at Conestoga Auctions. It’s a pie safe, which is not something you would see in a kitchen today, but was common in the 19th century.

The name “pie safe” may conjure up images of a locked box to keep desserts out of reach and reduce the temptation to overindulge. In reality, they weren’t that drastic; they were meant to keep out bugs, vermin and mold rather than prying fingers.

Pie safes had tin panels on the doors and sides, so mice couldn’t chew their way in for an illicit treat. The panels had holes punched in them, creating ventilation to prevent mold.

The holes were too small and the edges too sharp to allow bugs to fly through. Like many features of country furniture, the tin panels were both functional and decorative. Here, each panel has a circular pattern enhanced by a painted geometric design.

When I was little, I played with dolls that originally belonged to my mother and aunt. There were early Barbies, Madame Alexander dolls, and I think a Ginny doll. I have seen similar dolls sell for high prices at auctions. The ones I had showed the kind of wear and tear you might expect from multiple generations of playing. Do dolls in “played with” condition sell? Can they be repaired?

If you are planning to sell a doll, don’t have it restored. Collectors will want to see its current condition, and dealers can have dolls restored for a lower price than you can.

Do not restore a doll yourself if you are not a specialist. Don’t repaint a doll’s head; it lowers the value. Don’t wash or style a vinyl doll’s hair.

Keep the broken jewelry and old doll clothes; accessories add value to a doll, even if they are in worn condition.

There are many “doll hospitals” where professionals repair and restore antique dolls. You can find some, along with doll clubs and other resources, in the Kovels.com business directory.

Tip: When clearing the table, don’t stack dirty silver and dirty dishes together. The weight of the dishes may bend the silverware.

Current Prices

Print, scene from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, pictures giant turkey float, figural balloons, parade goers, muted colors, Melanie Taylor Kent, 1983, frame, 35 x 27 1/2 inches, $40.

Doll, Betsy McCall, hard plastic, sleep eyes, molded lashes, saran wig in original set, jointed arms and legs, red dress, blue dress, shoes, socks, box, 8 inches, $160.

Candy container, turkey, handpainted, lead wire feet, removable head, Germany, 7 inches, $625.