Collecting: Fruit Jar
Q: I have an old fruit jar that I inherited from my grandmother. Although I realize most fruit jars are fairly common, this one could be an exception. It is a Globe jar and appears to be handcrafted. It has a deep olive color, and I’ve never seen one like it before. — Susan, Waco, Texas
A: According to my favorite fruit jar price guide, 1000 Fruit Jars by Bill Schroeder (Collector Books, $5.95), your jar is extremely rare. In olive green, it is valued at $1,000, olive amber, $1,000 plus, and aqua-clear, $35 to $65.
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Q: I have a rather large comic book collection. Even though I know which ones are valuable, I am having a difficult time grading them in a professional manner. Any suggestions? — Robert, Nashville.
A: The Official Overstreet Comic Books Grading Guide by Robert M. Overstreet and Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg is now in its third edition and an excellent source that should be helpful. It has exhaustive descriptions of primary and split grades that make grading fast, easy and accurate. There are full-color photographs of major defects so that you know exactly what flaws to look for in your collection and tips for evaluating comics, from the earliest publications to current ones.
This guide is available in most larger bookstores or may be ordered from the publisher, House of Collectibles, Random House Reference, 1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019; and www.houseofcollectibles.com. It is $24.95 plus postage and handling.
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Q: I have a Hubbard Lamp that has been in my family for many years. I am curious to find out more about it. — Dorothy, Wayland, Pa.
A: I suggest you contact the International Guild of Lamp Researchers, Fil Graff, guild secretary, 10111 Lincoln Way West, Saint Thomas, PA 17252; fgraff@comcast.com; and www.lampguild.org.
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Q: I love Life magazine and am trying to complete my set. Any suggestions? — Ted, Herndon, Va.
A: Contact Mike Sandusky, owner of Million Magazines, 10373 County Road 104, Kaufman, TX 75142; mike@millionmagazines.com; www.millionmagazines.com; and 1-800-877-9887.