Novel packaging won’t bump up price on old iron
Dear Collector: Could you tell me about the iron in this photo?
What you have is a mass-produced travel iron packaged in a novel and practical tin container from the British Isles. If pressed, I’d say the maximum value on this circa 1950s wrinkle smoother is about $20-$25.
Dear Collector: Several years ago this 1896 Republican National Convention ticket came into my hands. Can you give me some info on it?
Apparently, your ticket is in near mint condition, down to its stub; which means this ducat was never used. Held in St. Louis, this political convocation nominated William McKinley, who would serve as president but was assassinated during his second term. Because it is in pristine shape, your memento could be worth as much as $40.
Dear Collector: I’ve a “Eugenia Goes to Church” doll that was given to me by my grandfather back in the 1940s; does it have any value now?
I found your Doll of the Week on page 209 of “Collector’s Encyclopedia of Composition Dolls: 1900-1950” (Collector Books, 2004, $29.95) by Ursula R. Metz. The author puts a price of $35 for doll and original box.
Dear Collector: Is a 1936 Orphan Annie pin worth anything?
With a hidden decoder compartment, this badge-shaped pin promoting Radio Orphan Annie’s Secret Society was offered as a premium by Ovaltine, which sponsored this program from 1930 to 1942. Your childhood keepsake is shown in one price guide with a value of $100-$200.
Dear Collector: We found this 95 year old “Wild West Weekly” magazine in a house we renovated. Unfortunately, it’s not in great shape; the pages were stuck together. I’d like to know if it has any value.
Three of the factors determining any collectible’s value are condition, condition, and condition. While your September 17, 1909 Frank Tousey publication has a colorful and interesting cover, that doesn’t make up for the obvious damage it has suffered over the last century. Magazines of this type usually list for $10, but that’s only if they are near perfect.
Dear Collector: My husband’s collected some old coins, one of which is an 1829 dime-sized nickel. I never knew before I saw this coin that nickels had been produced in such a small size. Miss Liberty’s head is above the date, and on the opposite side is an eagle with shield and arrows.
Referred to as a “Liberty Cap” half-dime, your silver and copper coin is technically not a nickel. The first coinage with that appellation appeared in 1865, and was actually a three-cent piece comprised of copper and nickel, hence its name. The earliest five-cent nickel was minted in 1866, and unlike it’s odd denomination predecessors has been in circulation ever since. With a run of over one million coins that year, your half-dime is by no means rare, which makes its current value in the region of $20 to $30.
Dear Collector: What’s the difference between a collectible and a collectable?
The letter A.
Recommended reading: “Gordon’s Print Price Annual 2004 (Gordon’s Art Reference, 2004, $265). “The Big Book of Tin Toy Cars: Commercial & Racing Vehicles,” Ron Smith & William C. Gallagher (Schiffer, 2004, $49.95). “The Official Blackbook Price Guide to United States Coins,” Marc & Tom Hudgeons (House of Collectibles, 2004, $7.99).
Prices quoted reflect retail values, and as with many antiques and collectibles these values vary. Readers are encouraged to submit questions with photos to THE COLLECTOR™, PO Box 229, West Boxford, MA 01885-0229 or ask online at: www.askthecollector.com.