Antiques & Collecting: Union made a point of pride

Trade unions played a crucial role in establishing Labor Day as a holiday. “Union Made” has long been a point of pride for American industries, as in this sign advertising Sweet-Orr clothing, which sold for $7,380 at a Morphy auction.

Talk about the value of hard work — the sign celebrates workers as not just the makers of the clothes, but as the brand’s clientele.

The story goes that James Orr returned from the Gold Rush without gold, but with a business idea. Having seen firsthand how easily prospectors’ work clothes were damaged, he persuaded his nephews Clayton and Clinton Sweet to join him in starting a company to make high-quality, off-the-shelf workwear.

The Sweet-Orr company started making overalls in Wappingers Falls, New York, in 1871. By the 1880s, it had an iconic advertising strategy: Representatives would hold events challenging groups of six men to play tug-of-war with a Sweet-Orr garment, showing the clothes’ resistance to tearing.

This was supposedly inspired by feedback from customers claiming that their lives had been saved by the strength of their Sweet-Orr clothing. This strategy soon made it into the company’s logo.

This sign, depicting such a tug-of-war, dates to about 1920. Although the original New York factory has closed, the Sweet-Orr company is still operating today.

I inherited my grandfather’s collection of early American pressed glass. He had over 100 pieces, of various patterns. I am not a collector, and I would like to sell these beautiful items. I don’t know how to go about doing that. Any suggestions?

Pressed glass, also called pattern glass, is a popular collectible. Pieces are usually inexpensive, but rare patterns by known makers can sell for hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

Pressed glass sells well online, at general antiques shows and at small local auctions, but if you are planning to sell the entire collection, you may want to find an auction that specializes in antique glass.

Collectors’ clubs can help you find more information and possibly connect you with buyers. The Early American Pattern Glass Society, at www.eapgs.org, is a good place to start.

Or, look for a glass club in your area. There are many listed in the Business Directory on Kovels.com.

Tip: Keep your collection of glassware away from the speakers of your sound system. Heavy bass and high-pitched sounds can crack the glass.

Current Prices

Toy, dog, Molly, mohair, sitting, brown and white fur, swivel head, plastic eyes, stitched nose, red ribbon around neck, squeaker, Steiff, 7 inches, $95.

Game, mahjong, tiles, counting sticks, red case, sliding panel opens to five drawers, gilt animals and clouds, brass hardware, two top handles, 6 x 6 1/2 inches, $510.

Quilt, patchwork, eight flower sprays, red flowers and buds, green leaves and stems, scalloped edge, red trim, 89 inches x 76 1/2 inches, $2,560..