Tokay vases date to the ‘50s
Dear Collector: Could you tell me about these vases marked “Tokay, USA?”
Hull Pottery of Crooksville, Ohio, introduced a new line of art ware in the 1950s, which they designated Tokay.
Their previous products featured soft pastels and matte finishes, while Tokay (along with Tuscany which employed the same forms) had a hard, shiny glaze and a palette of fewer colors.
Your set of cornucopia vases should be valued at $50-$60 for the pair, and the basket is worth $25-$35.
Dear Collector: I have an uncirculated 1935C dollar bill.
Your blue seal Silver Certificate, just as it came from the mint, is listed in one price guide at $75.
Dear Collector: Enclosed is a picture of my Belmont radio; can you tell me when it was made and what it’s worth today?
Looking like something out of a Flash Gordon movie of the period, your circa 1939 model 635 radio epitomizes the Art Deco styling favored by this Chicago based manufacturer. In working order, value could be over $300.
Dear Collector: I’ve been picking up Hot Wheel cars since childhood, without consciously intending to assemble as large a collection as I have today. Can you suggest an illustrated book on the topic?
There must be almost 2,000 photos in “Hot Wheels Variations: The Ultimate Guide” (Krause, 2004, $29.99) by Michael Zarnock. These, along with prices and descriptions, make this a very comprehensive reference book.
Dear Collector: How old is this Beswick Ware platter? I was told that a family member brought it over from England generations ago.
The earliest date I have on your earthenware piece is 1936, which was when John Beswick Ltd. was established in Staffordshire.
Dear Collector: A friend offered to give me an old roulette wheel that he says came from one of the first casinos in Las Vegas. He doesn’t want any money for it, but since I’m strapped for space, I wonder if it’s worthwhile to take in someone else’s junk?
As the saying goes: “One man’s rubbish is another man’s riches.” Items relating to gambling are hot; free items relating to gambling are even hotter. Spin the wheel, what have you got to lose!
Recommended reading: “Garage Sale & Flea Market Annual” (Collector Books, 2004, $19.95). “Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection” edited by Scott A. Travers (House of Collectibles, 2004, $19.95). “Standard Catalog of Sports Memorabilia” edited by Bert Lehman (Krause, 2003, $24.99).