Print edition: 
In the world of cabinetmakers and other craftsmen, sometimes fake or “faux” is better than real. Recently a huge Civil War monument in Cleveland was restored, and experts learned that what they thought was expensive pink-and-yellow marble was actually inexpensive white marble that had been painted — so it was faux. The 19th-century group that built the monument must have wanted to save money.
Since the 18th century, costume jewelry has featured stones and metals that copy expensive gems and gold. Furniture from earlier centuries had painted wood graining or special stains that made the wood look like a more expensive variety. During the late 19th century, bamboo was popular as both supports and trim on furniture. It was an exotic wood that fit in with the Victorian Aesthetic Period, which was inspired by Asian designs. But bamboo is not strong enough for hardwood cabinets and chairs, so makers made wooden turned rods that resembled bamboo, then painted and stained them to look even more realistic.
Collectors today search for both small bamboo pieces and large faux bamboo bedroom sets and chairs. They want good design and workmanship.
Q: I have quite a few old medicine bottles full of original medicines. Should they be emptied out before selling them or can they be sold with the contents? Which way are they worth the most money?
A: Many old medicine bottles contained drugs, narcotics or opiates that are illegal today. Cough syrups and other medicines often contained alcohol, which is classified as a flammable liquid. There are laws governing the sale and shipping of containers with flammable, corrosive or poisonous contents. Most online sites place restrictions on their sale. Old medicine bottles should be carefully emptied. Beware of possible dangers and take safety precautions. Wear rubber gloves and make sure your room is properly ventilated. Empty, clean bottles are worth more than full bottles unless the bottle has a label and original box. But don’t keep any vintage medicine in boxes or bottles if you have young children.
Q: I have a collection of angel figurines and recently obtained one that stumps me. The only marks on it are two paper labels that say “Josef Originals” and “Japan.” But it doesn’t seem to be ceramic, like all my other Josef Originals figurines. It “sounds” like plastic. The angel’s hair is in a ponytail, her wings are small and closed, and her dress is plain white with a gathering of daisies on the front.
A: Most Josef Originals figurines are ceramic. The favorites of collectors were made in California between 1945 and 1962. Some production moved to Japan in 1959, and the rest by 1963. A few Josef Originals papier-mache figurines, including a Blessed Mother figure with the same dress as your angel, were made in Japan in the late 1960s. Today the Blessed Mother figurine sells for about $15 to $20, which is what your figurine is worth.
Tip: Gummed tags can be removed by heating the tag with a hair dryer, then loosening it with a flat knife.
