Chalkware owl could bring as much as $20
Dear Collector: Could you tell me if this owl statue is worth anything? This is written on bottom: Universal Statuary Corp., 1967.
Located in the Chicago area, this company is still in business making lawn ornaments from resin. Your multihued bird is one of many plaster knick-knacks produced by Universal in the 1960s. Banks, bookends and statuettes in the form of whimsical animals or children were sold at Sears and other national outlets. Today these pieces have little value; in fact, research shows most items selling for just a dollar or two. But due to its highly unusual color scheme, I think your chalkware raptor merits a value of $10 to $20.
Dear Collector: Enclosed is a photo of seven Chesterfield cigarette tins that date to before World War II. What are these worth?
Considering that the cigarette tins look like they are in the best of shape, their value could be as much as $5 each.
Dear Collector: My friend owns a “Sandy McCall” doll. He is in the original box, and has never been played with. Any info to his value would be appreciated.
In 1952, Ideal Doll Co. introduced Betsy McCall. Later, in 1959, her brother, Sandy, made his appearance. At 36 inches tall, he was almost life-sized. Dressed in blue shorts, red blazer and two-tone shoes, Sandy now commands a price of $350, according to one current price guide.
Dear Collector: Here are several photos of a vase my mother had as a girl. I really don’t want to know how much it’s worth, just who made it. I included a drawing of the mark, which looks like a flower, perhaps a tulip.
If you hold the sketch sideways, you can see the initials “KH” within the flower. Kenton Hills, located in Erlanger, Ky., specialized in art pieces, and was in existence for only a short time, from 1939 to 1942.
Dear Collector: I have a 1955 copy of Sport magazine featuring box Rocky Marciano on the cover. I don’t know how to grade this magazine, but to me it looks in perfect condition.
According to “Sports Collectors Digest Standard Catalog of Sports Memorabilia,” edited by Bert Lehman (Krause 2003, $24.99), your March edition of this McFadden publication is now worth $10.
Dear Collector: I found this series 1952 two dollar bill in my mother’s file box after her passing. Is it worth anything?
Thomas Jefferson graces the front of this Legal Tender Note that is at present worth $5, but it has to be in excellent condition.
Dear Collector: One of my ancestors bought this clock around the turn of the century, and it has been handed down from father to son ever since. I know it was made by Seth Thomas, but that’s all I know. Can you help me?
Your circa 1910 oak mantel clock is in the Harvard pattern and should be insured for at least $300.
Dear Collector: I got this doggy-faced mask at a rummage sale for 50 cents. What do you think?
What you bought is a Halloween mask made by Ben Cooper. Based on Underdog, the cartoon superhero, your find has a value of at least $15.
Recommended reading: “Collector’s Encyclopedia of English China,” Mary Frank Gaston (Collector Books, 2002, $29.95). “Wedgwood Jasper Ware: A Shape Book and Collectors Guide,” Michael Herman (Schiffer, 2003, $39.95). “Antique Trader American Pressed Glass & Bottles,” edited by Kyle Husfloen (Krause, 2000, $21.00).