1995A&A...297..759B

We present low and high dispersion spectrophotometry over the range 3320-9010 A of LQ Sgr and Wakuda's peculiar variable in Sgr (WPV) which have been recently proposed to be two new entries in the exclusive class of very slow and symbiotic novae. LQ Sgr (= Nova Sgr 1897:) is actually a normal Mira variable observed close to maximum brightness and not an outbursting object. WPV may indeed be a new symbiotic nova. The spectrum of the outbursting component more than 1 year after the onset of the {DELTA}mag>11 outburst is F5 Iab-Ia. There is no evidence for mass loss (no P-Cyg profile, very sharp lines and no nebular line). The strongest emissions lines are Hβ, Hα and the Ca II infrared triplet. The large radial velocity indicates partnership with the old stellar population of the galaxy.