THE COLLECTOR
Dear Collector,
The enclosed picture shows the watch my folks gave me in 1933. It runs and is in the original box; could you give me an idea of its worth?
A Walt Disney product licensed to Ingersoll, your pocket watch and fob (which the dictionary defines as “an ornament attached to a watch”) are now potentially worth in excess of $1,000.
Dear Collector,
These pictures are of a Vest Pocket Kodak B camera; could you possibly help me put a value on it?
According to one major source, your camera, with box and instructions, is now worth around $75.
Dear Collector,
What do you think my 1889 “Every Day Cook Book” is worth? It’s possible that this book has been in our family from the time it was bought.
I found your hard cover book in my 1897 Sears, Roebuck catalog, where it sold for 30 cents, plus 15 cents postage. This “economical, reliable and excellent” guide is presently valued at $45.
Dear Collector,
I have numerous baptismal and marriage certificates, dating from as far back as 1918. I know they probably have some value; however, to preserve them I had them laminated. Does that take away value?
You betcha! While certain laminating methods provide protection against UV rays and other harmful elements, unless it’s applied professionally with special plastic, then chances are that in a few years your paper may succumb to old age and acid exuded by the laminate.
Dear Collector,
I have these $1 bills with the inscription “Silver Certificate,” as opposed to “Federal Reserve Note.” Are they of any value?
Generally speaking yes, but without knowing their age or condition, I can’t comment on them.
Dear Collector,
These bookends, made from copper which sheathed the hull of “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution, were given to my grandfather, who worked in Charlestown Naval Shipyard. What would their value be?
During the Constitution’s 1925-27 refitting, many souvenirs were produced from the wood and metal that was replaced. According to the ship’s museum Web site, well over 20,000 items were made, including ashtrays, cigarette boxes, paperweights and some 7,000 bookends. Your keepsakes have a potential value of $300.
Dear Collector,
Can this plate be almost 100 years old? The person who gave it to me made that claim.
Since it bears the backstamp of Charles Meigh, a Staffordshire pottery which was founded circa 1830, I’d say yes.
Dear Collector,
Could you help me place a value on the Coca-Cola advertising sign shown in these pictures?
I assume your “Pause That Refreshes” 1950s sign is cardboard. If that’s the case, it could be worth almost $600.
Dear Collector,
My mother has had a glass bowl for years. I know it’s made of carnival glass, but have no knowledge of how old it is or where it came from. What’s your opinion?
No photo, no pronouncement.
Dear Collector,
Enclosed is a photo of “Crinkle the Cat,” the cloth doll I received for four box tops from Kellogg’s when I was a little girl. Can you tell me its value?
Kellogg also offered “Freddy the Frog” and “Dandy the Duck” as premiums in 1935. Value on each uncut doll is around $40.