Q. I have been told that this painting, which has been in our family for 100 years, is titled “The Fisherman’s Return” and was created by English painter John James Hill in 1857. A gallery biography of Hill states he was a member of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, and a label on the back lists this painting as having been exhibited in the Royal Academy. What can you tell me about its value?   by I.B. San Francisco, Calif.

A. “‘The Fisherman’s Return’ is of good quality and execution,” says Timothy C. Tetlow, senior fine arts appraiser at Consolidated Appraisal Company Inc. in New York. “It is typical of mid 19th-century genre scenes.” Tetlow says that depending upon its size, this painting would command between $3,000 and $5,000 at auction.

Q. I purchased this old English chair from a New Haven, Connecticut, antiques shop for $200 more than 30 years ago. I was told it was an English cockfighting chair, but I do not agree. Am I correct? by P.N., Bloomfield, Conn.

A. “You have a 19th-century ash turner’s—or thrown—chair, with triangular oak seat,” says Millicent Creech, owner of M. Ford Creech Antiques in Memphis. She says the turner’s chair dates back to medieval times, with Scandinavia most likely the source. These also were found in the Celtic fringes of England, as this chair’s back shows an elaborate Celtic design. The name, Creech says, refers to the method of revolving—turning—the wood on a lathe, obtaining different patterns by varying the pressure. “An identical turner’s chair was sold by Wilkinson’s Auctioneers in Doncaster, England, in February 2002. The auction range for a 19th-century chair is approximately $800 to $1,200, with an 18th-century chair bringing about $1,800 to $2,400 and a 17th-century chair bringing about $2,600 to $3,200.”

Q. I purchased this desk from a New England dealer 30 years ago. The dealer was Scottish. What can you tell me about it?  by D.R., Pleasanton, Calif.

A. Carolyn Remmey of Carolyn Remmey Antiques & Fine Arts in New Vernon, New Jersey, says the desk “looks like a Colonial Revival slant-front desk, with battened lid decorated with an oval disk relief. These were made by better manufacturers between 1920 and 1940,” then sold worldwide to furniture stores. Remmey says the woods used were usually mahogany and mahogany veneer, with pine as a secondary wood. “The brass mounts, bail handles, the skirt valance and short cabriole legs are a definition of this period.” At auction, Remmey says the desk would be estimated at $400 to $600.

Q. This cast-iron and brass pendulum clock has “Ansonia Clock Co. New York, N.Y.” markings along with the words “Time And Tide Wait For No Man” on the front. It is 12 1/2 inches tall by 10 inches wide by 6 inches deep. What can you tell me about its history?   by H.B., Trumbull, Conn.

A. “This Ansonia pendulum clock has more decorative value than collector’s value,” says Charles L. Flint of Charles. L. Flint Antiques Inc. & Appraisals Ltd. in Lenox, Massachusetts. “It is quite handsome and the condition is exactly as collectors want it.” Guessing the date to be between 1890 to 1920, Flint would value the piece at $200, possibly as high as $350.