Antiques: Tank trucks are valuable cargo

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Q This track was given to me in the 1950s when I was a kid.”Minnitoys Imperial Esso” tanker made by Otaco Limited, Of Orillia, Ontario. It is 69 cm (27 inches) long and 18 cm (7 inches) high. When I was little, I used to ride like a wagon. There are some scratches and small dents, but the original paint and decals remain.

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Rick, Brampton, Ontario.

A You are a big childhood gift made by Otaco. From the 1950s to the early 1960s, they created several other brands, including Supertest. The company started with construction toys in the 1940s. The octopus factory was finally closed in the early 1960s. These big toy trucks are rugged pressed steel, irresistible to kids and hard to find in decent condition today. This truck is a big part of the current car-related collection frenzy. In mild use, it’s worth about $ 1,000. If it is in the same condition as new, it will be more than that.

Q This mother-owned silver cow creamer was brought from England around 1950 as a gift from her mother. According to family folklore, it may have started in France many years earlier. The length from the nose to the tail is about 10 cm (4 inches). It also has a characteristic in the stomach.

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Janet, Milton, Ontario.

A These silver cow creamers are worth it and are very scarce. However, the feature is the apocalypse, which means it is composed. These do not match the registered features of any country, so you will see the pseudo-features of Hanau, Germany. The silver content varies from 80% to 92.5% sterling silver. It is a cute piece with a fly on the back of a cow. It was made at the turn of the century. The idea of ​​this type of silver cow creamer was brought to England by the Dutch silversmith Johann Suppe in the mid-1700s. Your little companion is worth $ 1,000.

Q This Robert Pilot oil painting at Royal Military College in Fort Frontenac, Kingston, was given to me by my father, who was a friend of the artist. It is in good condition, measures 30 x 41 cm (12 x 16 inches) and is signed and dated in 1953.

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Michele, Albion, California.

A Robert Pilot (1898-1967) was born in St. John’s Newfoundland, but is a prominent Canadian artist who spent much of his life in Quebec. The pilot also spent time in Paris, France, trained under his stepfather, the famous Canadian artist Maurice Cullen, and influenced by the work of the famous French Impressionist painter Claude Monet. .. Pilots are recognized as masters of pastel use. The pilot was passionate about painting important historical buildings. His best works include atmospheric elements such as fog, snow, and subtle colors of dim light. Paintings containing these elements tend to make the most money. This painting is fun, but not particularly dramatic or atmospheric. Still, his work is highly sought after and should be worth $ 6,500.

John Seawell is an antique and art appraiser. To submit an item to his column, please visit the Contact John page below. www.johnsewellantiques.ca.. Measure your work and list when and how you got it, what you paid for, and the recycling symbol. High resolution jpeg photos should also be included. (Only emails can be sent.)

* The appraisal value is an approximate value. *