What might mesh purses be worth?
Q: I recently purchased several mesh purses made by Whiting and Davis. Where can I get information about how much they might be worth? — Elizabeth, Prince Frederick, Md.
A: I would imagine that they are probably worth close to what you paid for them, unless you got an incredible deal or there has been a sudden increased demand in the marketplace for mesh purses.
Whiting & Davis was a company that designed and manufactured purses throughout the 1920s. Their bags are almost always marked with the company trademark, either in miniature on the frame or on a tag attached to either the handle or frame. Purses vary in price, with sterling silver and soldered bags being worth more because of the extra workmanship involved.
Jeanette Schoolsky is an expert and collector, and might be able to help you appraise the ones you have. Her address is P.O. Box 95, Nashua, NH 03061.
***
Q: I have an incredible collection of old magazines including back issues of Life, Look, Saturday Evening Post, Vanity Fair and McCalls. Is there a book you can recommend so I can get some sort of idea what my publications are worth? — Jim, Jackson, Miss.
A: One of my favorite references is the Antique Trader Vintage Magazines Price Guide by Richard Russell and Elaine Gross Russell, published by KP Books. It features current pricing for thousands of magazines, including those you listed.
***
Q: I have nine jigsaw puzzles with wooden pieces. Where can I sell them? —Steve, Oakland, Calif.
A: Gordon Hayter collects jigsaw puzzles. His address is 6232 Rivera Circle, Long Beach, CA 90815. Bob Armstrong is considered an expert in the field of wooden jigsaw puzzles and might also be a good person to contact. His address is 15 Monadnock Road, Worcester, MA 01609.
***
Q: I have some old religious items such as pendants and rosaries. I would like to know their value. — Larry, via e-mail
A: Sharon Tiffany is executive director of the Don Brown Rosary Collection and might be able to help you. Her address is P.O. Box 396, Stevenson, WA 98648.