AboutMartin Roberts Expertise Antique base metalware, principally BRITISH PEWTER. Expertise is in pre-1900 functional wares, NOT the decorative arts, Arts & Crafts, Art Deco or Art Nouveau - none of these are of interest to me, and questions related to such items will receive curt responses.
Before asking a question, try exploring some of the information on my website: www.antique-metalware.co.uk. The `Useful Links` page contains all sorts of pertinent information.
Experience A collector for 10 years, and a dealer for 4 years. Proprietor of the AntiqueMetalware website: www.antique-metalware.co.uk
Organizations The Pewter Society (UK); The Pewter Collectors' Club of America.
Expert: Martin Roberts Date: 2/24/2008 Subject: Antique Brass beer engine
Question Mr. Roberts, I have a set of four Gaskell and Chambers beer engines that are estimated to be from 1890-1920. The set is complete and three would still operate. One has a broken valve. I am trying to find out if there is a market for these and an estimated value. I had these appraised in 1992 for a value of $1200.00 USD.
Answer -
Gaskell & Chambers started in Birmingham, England, in 1892, and continued as barfitters until the 1970s.
There is certainly a market for this type of object. I have not seen them so cannot judge condition, decorative value, etc., but in my view the valuation was a little high in 1992, and will not have improved in the intervening years.
If you want to sell them, take them to a good auction house who list their auctions on the internet.
