Antiques Q&A: Mocha ware pottery was made in early 1800s

To a pottery collector, a "mocha mug" isn't meant for a coffee drink. "Mocha" is a type of decorated earthenware pottery made in England and sold in America in the early 1800s. Mocha pottery, or mocha ware, is usually utilitarian; pieces were originally used in the kitchen or during meals. It has colorful decorations painted in a slip glaze made from clay thinned with water to a liquid consistency. The decorations are usually painted over white glaze.

Traditional patterns have descriptive names, like "banded," "checked" and "marbled," or repeated "tulip," "fan," "seaweed," "dendrite" or "leaf" motifs. Others have less obvious names, like "cat's-eye," which consists of clusters of dots, and "earthworm," or thick, mottled lines in waves or loops.

This mug, which was made about 1800 and sold for $375 at Link Auction Galleries, has earthworm and cat's-eye patterns in its center section, with a green and brown banded top border and brown banded lower border.

The name "mocha" may come from some patterns' resemblance to mocha stone, another name for moss agate, an opaque multicolor semiprecious stone. Mocha pottery may also be named for the coffee-colored glaze that appears in many designs.

Read more about mocha ware here, including tips on buying mocha ware and ways to style it in your home.

Q: When my father was ill in 1939, he received a letter from Jack Dempsey wishing him "a speedy recovery." The letter was typed on his restaurant's stationery and signed in ink. What is it worth?

A: Jack Dempsey (1895-1983) was an American boxer who was the world heavyweight champion from 1919 to 1926. He opened his restaurant near Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1938. It closed in 1974. The value of an autograph is determined by the importance of the signer, rarity, condition and proof of authenticity. Signatures on letters are worth more than an autograph by itself. A handwritten letter is worth more than a typed letter with a handwritten signature. The content of the letter also affects the value. The letter must be seen by an expert to authenticate it. Contact an auction house or gallery that holds sales of autographs to see what it is worth.

A: This is called a "Revere" or "Paul Revere" bowl. The number "1120" is the model or design number. The shape is a reproduction of the style of the Liberty Bowl made by Paul Revere in 1768. The heart is the date mark Reed & Barton used for the year 1956. Reed & Barton made Revere bowls in sterling silver and in silver plate, and in different sizes. Sterling silver bowls are marked "sterling." Some of the silver plate bowls were made with different color enamel interiors. A 6-inch silver plate bowl sells for about $25. A 6-inch sterling silver bowl sells for $300 to $400. Sterling silver bowl selling price changes as the price of silver changes.

Q: I found a pint bottle of Old Taylor Whiskey that has a large drugstore sticker covering the front label. It lists the buyer's name, prescription number, doctor's name and the date "10/25/29." The label on the back of the bottle says, "For medicinal purposes only, sale or use for other purposes will cause heavy penalties to be inflicted" and "Bottled by American Medicinal Spirits Company." Is this bottle worth anything?

A: During Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, the production, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages were prohibited. The sale of alcohol for medicinal use was one of the few exceptions. Alcohol was thought to have a beneficial effect on the treatment of certain diseases. Patients could buy one pint every 10 days. The prescription had to be glued to the bottle. Colonel Edmund H. Taylor established his distillery near Frankfort, Ky., in 1887. It closed in 1917. American Medicinal Spirits Co. bought the distillery in 1927. Old Taylor was not one of the distilleries licensed to produce medicinal alcohol. The Old Taylor brand name is now owned by Buffalo Trace Distillery. A pint bottle of whiskey bottled by American Medicinal Spirits Co., but without the prescription, sold for $20. The prescription adds interest and might add value.

Tip: Never display bottles with labels in a sunny window. The labels will fade.

Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer readers' questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, (Name of this newspaper), King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 or email us at collectorsgallerykovels.com.