An actual antique! Morton Converse of Winchendon

[Duer 157099]

I bought this many years ago at a yard sale, the seller had just closed her antique store and was getting rid of the last pieces, I suppose. This was pre-internet, so I could not really research it so I wrapped it up and stuffed it into the garage where it's been until today when I pulled it out.

While I love the patina on the wood, I have to say that I really want to get rid of this. Only today, when handling it, did I rememeber how utterly annoying a piece it is! Three of the legs will not screw into their holes (the insides of the holes are stripped - I know, I can just wrap somthing around the peg, but I just wanted to put it together to take the photo). Then, on the underside, it has a place to store the legs, with holes for them to fit into. And what a pain to get them all aligned so they stay!

So, what it is, or seems to be, is a miniature table, or maybe just a child's size table, with an expansion leaf! LOL, I mean, the leaf is all of about 4" wide, so it's not like you can get another guest at this table by adding the leaf. Turns out the maker was known for his toymaking, in fact, it seems that Winchendon, Mass was called Toy Town specifically because of this guy (Morton Converse). He made dollhouse stuff too. So, I can't figure out if this is a toy or an actual utility item for a child.

In any case, it's kind of neat. But I want to get rid of it now. I don't think ebay is a good option. I've never dealt with any auction houses or such, does anyone have advice?

I know that the Winchendon Historical Society would probably love it as a donation, but... well... maybe a wealthy person from that town will buy it and donate it to them!

Here's what it says on the underside:

"Patented Oct 12, 1886 If the Thread of the Leg Screw, of the Table Slide, does not work easily, lubricating slightly will make it work satisfactorily M. E. Converse & Co. Winchendon, Mass."

I think that's the most charming thing about this piece, that it comes with repair instructions burned right into the wood! :D

[grasswire]

1. cool

Do you have any idea of its value at auction? I think that would guide my actions.

[Duer 157099]

2. No clue, still looking for one (a clue)

Although I did just find something here:

http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=28221&item=380028433534

and what's interesting is that they describe it as a salesman's sample, which I guess is a reasonable guess, but knowing that Converse made toys and dollhouses and such, I'd be more inclined to think these are children's furniture.

[Whoa_Nelly]

3. This may interest you, dot!

This seller has Converse catalog reprint for sale, but the link to view the book is bad.

However, the seller has an email address at top of page, and the Converse book is further down the page:

http://www.antiquetoys.com/books.html

The email:
[e-mail]

The listing:
Title: Converse 1912 Author: Sidway-Topliff Description: 125 pages, spiral bound, of Morton E. Converse & Son, wood, paper lithograph and metal toys. Shows doll furniture, Dollhouses, farm sets, wagons, games, and bell toys, horse drawn wagons, early autos, boats, rocking horses, drums, blocks, blackboards, etc. Picture Price: $16.99

And another listing at a different seller site for same catalog reprint at $14.99
http://www.antiquecatalogs.com/



Converse 1912 Spiral Bound 125 pages of Morton E. Converse & Son, wood, paper lithograph and metal toys. Shows doll furniture, doll houses, farm sets, wagons, games, bell toys, horse drawn wagons, early autos, boats, rocking horses, drums, blocks, blackboards, etc. $14.99

[Duer 157099]

4. Excellent tips!

Those sites look like they might come in real handy, thanks!

(must go search there now...)