Label: 
Date aired:  Saturday, February 14, 2004
Topic:  Valuable Valentines
Watch video of this week's segment on CBS 3 TV's website.

Dr. Lori says: 

This week, in the spirit of Valentine's Day, we discussed Valuable Valentines. The Victorian era was the traditional period from some of our most interesting antiques that address love, courting, and Valentine's Day! Courting lamps were used in the 19th Century by fathers with daughters of courting age. Dads would allow a young man to court his daughter for only a measured amount of

time, the time it took for 1 teaspoon of lamp oil to burn out, using a small lamp. Today, delicate lover's lamps are valued at $350.

Another Victorian lover's form was the crafts made out of hair. Hair pictures and other natural crafts were all the rage in the Victorian era. Many women saved their hair in hair receivers for months accumulating hair to weave these intricate pictures for their sweethearts or loved ones. Other hair crafts included watch fobs and hair chains worn by boyfriends, but hair pictures are typically found on the secondary market as cherished collectibles for $800-$900. . 

The most popular and beautiful valentines are handmade valentines made at sea by sailors. The sailors valentines, made of tiny seashells in hexagonal compass boxes, are the staple in the world of valentine collectibles. Made over long periods of time, these valentines are highly collectible ranging in value from $1,000 to $1,200 for pieces in pristine condition.

Submit your question, images, and related stories for consideration on a future show or bring your art and antiques to one of Dr. Lori's appraisal programs throughout the CBS 3 TV viewing area.

2/14/2004
Trash or Treasure with Dr. Lori

Valuable Valentines
Watch video of Dr. Lori talk about collectible antiques focusing on love, the Victorian era, and gifts from sailors to their loved ones.