THE COLLECTOR
Dear Collector,
I have an old-style camera which belonged to my father. Is it of any value?
This Shur-Shot Special was made in America by Agfa Ansco sometime after 1939, though model production started in 1935. Considered your basic box camera, (simple to use and inexpensive to purchase), this type was favored by amateur photographers. Probable value is $10-$15.
Dear Collector,
Should I throw away this platter that has a hairline crack running halfway across it?
Considering that your transfer-decorated earthen-ware piece was manufactured in the 1840s by Clementson & Young, a Staffordshire pottery located in Hanley, it’s lucky it didn’t suffer more damage in its nearly 165 years of existence. I hope to look so good when I’m that age!
Dear Collector,
Please give me a date for this “Chevron” thermometer that was found in a relative’s cellar?
Shaped like a lollipop, your 1950s 7-inch high mercury thermometer features the gasoline company’s distinctive logo of red, white and blue inverted stripes.
Dear Collector,
What is the possible value of this “Leave it to Beaver” comic book?
Published by Dell, this photo cover book is #1103 in its Four Color series. Your copy has some very noticeable defects: rusted staples, tears and creases. Imperfections such as these will greatly reduce the value. In near mint graded condition (not many of those around) value is well over $500. However, yours is worth considerably less: $20.
Dear Collector,
Legend has it that this small handgun was “captured” by my great-grandfather in WWI. It seems to have German markings; who made it?
Steyr, an Austrian gun maker, produced this 1908 pocket pistol in .25 caliber as well as your .32 caliber model. I’d say your gun is in the fair to good category, making it worth $100.
Dear Collector,
What do you think my “Life Member the Beatles Fan Club” cloth badge with a sketch of John is worth?
Possible high value is $75; not bad for this 1964 patch that has outlasted the four “Mop Tops.”
Dear Collector,
Please identify the maker and date of this doll.
Signed in several places, your circa 1968 Dancerina is a Mattel product.
Dear Collector,
I inherited an antique baseball autographed by the 1982 Detroit Tigers. I heard that it’s good to varnish old baseballs to protect them; is that true?
This memorabilia hardly qualifies as an antique: a term applied to something that’s at least 100 years old. There are a number of cases and containers used to protect and display baseballs. Visit your local sports collectibles shop for more info.