Timepiece from 1918 worth $450

Dear Collector: This working clock was sent to me when a dear friend died. Would you please tell me the age and if it has any value?

Your wall mounted timepiece was made by New Haven Clock in 1918. The pattern is identified as “Referee,” and it’s now worth $450.

Dear Collector: How much is this cookie jar worth? There are no marks that I can see but since it’s decorated with characters in Dutch dress, I assume it’s from someplace in Europe.

Described as the “Pheasant Design,” this circa 1940s jar was made by Red Wing of Minnesota. Current value is around $75.

Dear Collector: The story in our family is that these cloth patches came from the uniform of a relative who served in WWI. What outfit was he in?

These collar tabs indicate that the wearer served as an aviation officer. However, they do not denote a specific unit.

Dear Collector: How much do you think this old Lionel locomotive and tender is worth?

According to “Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2005” (Krause, 2005, $17.99) edited by Kyle Husfloen, your circa 1955 O-gauge pair is valued at $195.

Dear Collector: I own an unusual nickel that has a buffalo on one side and on the other is an Indian’s head. There is no date.

Sounds like you have a Buffalo nickel (1913-1938) from which the date has worn away. Nothing rare about this, happens all the time.

Dear Collector: Is this Red Fox Ale can important; I’ve never heard of the brewery that made this drink?

Largay Brewing of Waterbury, Conn., was only in operation for about 14 years after Prohibition was repealed in 1933. Believe it or not, I’ve seen a price of almost $1,000 assigned to a similar cone-top can.

Dear Collector: When I was a kid, I met Clayton Moore, who signed a Lone Ranger photograph for me. Is this worth anything?

Born Jack Carleton Moore in 1914, he was just one of many actors to portray Texas Ranger John Reid aka The Lone Ranger, created by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker. But Moore was more than an actor, he was THE Lone Ranger, on screen and off, for millions of Baby Boomers. Upon his death in 1999, he had signed untold autographs, examples of which can be found for as little as $15.

Recommended reading: “Big Book of Pocket Knives,” Ron Stewart & Roy Ritchie (Collector Books, 2005, $19.95). “Instant Expert: Collecting American Dinnerware,” Joe Rosson (House of Collectibles, 2004, $12.95).