Khristi Zimmeth: Trash or Treasure?

Small chest from early 20th century is real find

'I don't know what's more exciting -- getting an appraisal from you or going to the Kiss concert with my son tonight," John Schilling of Troy told appraiser David McCarron at a recent appraisal.

Schilling brought in an unusual early 20th-century small chest marked with images of Osiris and Isis that he bought for $900 in 2002.

"I acquired this chest from a dealer in New York about seven years ago and really don't know much about it other than I have collected other items from the maker, but I have never seen anything like this," he told McCarron at Judy Frankel antiques, part of the Antiques Centre of Troy.

"From some research I did over the net, it looks to be a retirement gift to a German general who served during the conflicts noted on the chest. It must be a unique item based on the personalized inscriptions alone. Also, there is theGerman sterling mark, but I know the piece is of mixed metal and plate material, so I'm confused by this .... it's quite heavy, weighing 17 pounds or so, and was quite dirty when I bought it."

McCarron, of Enservio Select in Bloomfield Hills, said he'd never seen anything quite like it. Schilling was able to enlighten him with background information he found on the Internet.

"Walter Scherf was a rather well-known metalwork manufacturer in Nuremburg from 1900-09. The company competed with the likes of Kayserzinn, Gerhardi, Orivit, Orion and the most famous WMF in Germany, as well as others such as Christofle in France and Liberty in England," he explained. "Sadly, due to financial turmoil of the company, Scherf committed suicide and the company closed."

Schilling started collecting as a novice woodworker, when he found an appreciation for quarter-sawn white oak and furniture of the American arts and crafts movement.

"The reason I liked the furniture so much, besides the type of wood, was the craftsmanship, quality joinery and its simple style. I went on to collect just about every type of item imaginable to fill our house. We were newlyweds and needed furniture. Arts and crafts metalware eventually became quite expensive, due to its popularity, so I ventured in to other manufacturers. When I discovered this German metalware, I fell in love with the various styles of art nouveau, including secessionist style (similar to the simplicity of arts and crafts), as well as more traditional art nouveau style -- Scherf and Co. is one example."

McCarron was equally intrigued.

"I think it's plated and maybe a lesser silver, not solid sterling," he said as he turned it over. "All sterling should be marked, and this sounds and feels more like plate, although there are definitely hallmarks on it," he said, pointing to the sterling crown and faint crescent moon marks on the chest. "It's beautifully carved and made of burled elm, with the skyline of Nuremburg on the inside."

Because of its rarity and the fact that it would appeal to a wide variety of collectors, McCarron estimated its value at $2,500 to $3,500 at auction. "It doesn't get more art nouveau than this and it would appeal to many despite its broken clasp."

He told Schilling he'd continue to research the item and that the information he found could drive the value even higher.

Schilling says he uses it for cigars and was thrilled to find out more information.

"It's a great box. Thanks for bringing it in" replied McCarron. "Oh, and say hi to Kiss and Gene Simmons for me."

Do you have an object that you'd like to know more about? Send a photo and a description that includes how you acquired the object to: The Detroit News, Trash or Treasure/Homestyle, 615 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226. Include your name and a daytime phone number. You may also e-mail your photo and description to trashortreas@aol.com. If chosen, you'll need to bring the item in for appraisal. Photos cannot be returned.