Antiques & Collecting: Glass lampshades

As nights get longer and the days darker, it’s no wonder so many holiday traditions involve lights, from the Hanukkah menorah to strings of Christmas tree lights to Kwanzaa candles.

In the early 20th century, everyday lights could look festive, too. Incandescent light bulbs were invented in 1879.

While they took some time to replace familiar light sources like candles and oil lamps, designers quickly realized their potential. Amplifying the light and protecting the flame were no longer the highest priorities for lighting design.

The early 20th century saw the appearance of beautiful, elaborate glass lampshades. The Pairpoint company in New Bedford, Massachusetts, started making lamps in 1890.

Their most famous — and most expensive — are their Puffy lamps with three-dimensional designs. This Puffy lamp with three-dimensional flowers and colorful hummingbirds sold for $5,736 at Morphy Auctions.

My niece has several “foil” Pokemon cards. Where can she go to sell them?

Foil Pokemon cards, also known as holographic or holo cards, almost always have higher value than non-foil, or matte, cards, especially if they are first edition.

A local card or comic shop is usually the easiest place to sell trading cards, but will not necessarily get you the best prices. They need to be able to make a profit from reselling the cards and so will likely offer you less than market value.

You may be able to sell for higher prices at a card show if there is one in your area. There are plenty of online resources for researching and selling Pokemon cards.

You can find guides to determine the condition and value of your cards at tcgplayer.com. It is also possible to sell cards through them, but they charge a fee.

Another popular place to sell collectibles like Pokemon cards is eBay, which often brings market value. Sites like Facebook Marketplace can help you find local buyers. Some auction houses that sell sports cards or vintage toys also sell trading cards.

Wherever you decide to sell, be sure to get reviews or references first and check for any fees or charges.

Tip: To remove wax from silver candlesticks, put the candlesticks in the freezer for a few hours. The wax will freeze and peel off.

Current Prices

Thermometer, Royal Crown Cola, The Fresher Refresher, red and white, multicolor crown at top, 25 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches, $210.

Furniture, cupboard, jelly, pine, poplar, long dovetailed drawer over two front doors, paneled ends, bracket feet, late 1800s, 52 x 39 x 16 inches, $250.

Phonograph, RCA Manufacturing, portable, aluminum, chrome-plated steel, lacquered wood, vinyl over wood case, John Vassos, c. 1935, 22 x 21 1/2 x 16 1/2 inches, $720.