THE COLLECTOR

Dear Collector,

Enclosed is a photo of “Emily,” a doll my mom got as a child in 1936. As you can see, she has her original clothing, including her name pin and bonnet. What is she worth today?

Along with her four sisters, Emilie (not Emily) was born on May 28, 1934. Each girl was dressed in a particular color to distinguish one from another: Annette, yellow; Cecile, green; Marie, blue; Yvonne, pink; and Emilie in lavender. Conservative value on this Madame Alexander doll is $300.

Dear Collector,

I have a Cine Kodak Model E camera with film, extra lens, timer, filter and carrying case. This must be one of the first home movie cameras. Everything is in excellent order; what is the estimated value?

Far from being among the earliest cameras intended for amateur use (motion pictures were being shot by nonprofessionals in the 1890s), your 16 mm Kodak was introduced in 1937. Right now, your camera and its accessories, including the 41-page manual, have the same value as when it was new: $39.

Dear Collector,

In 1930 Gene Tunney was the heavyweight boxing champion and signed a handwritten letter to me. Any monetary value to his signature?

Tunney (1897-1978), a native of New York City, held the championship belt from 1926 to 1928, after which he retired undefeated. A member of the Boxing Hall of Fame, his autograph is now worth $100 to $200.

Dear Collector,

Attached to this e-mail are images of some stamps that may be misprinted in the value section. If these are indeed incorrectly printed stamps, approximately how much are the worth?

Postage stamps often go through several printings, when things are added, dropped or changed. Yours are just one variant and are listed at 25 cents each.

Dear Collector,

I would like to know the value of this rifle. The inscription of the side reads: “Edward Maynard, Patentee, May 27, 1851/Dec. 4, 1859.”

Maynard, a physician, developed this breechloader carbine (a short barreled firearm suitable for cavalry), which was manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Co. of Chicopee Falls. Your Second Model was employed by both sides during the Civil War, with a total of slightly over 20,000 made. Have your rifle appraised by a reputable and knowledgeable person; value could be as high as $1,500.

Dear Collector,

Is there any value to a 1960 “Reader’s Digest?”

Making its initial appearance in 1922, this perennial periodical has one of the largest circulations of any magazines in American history. A first edition can sell for $50 or more; however, your copy is only worth a dollar or two.

Dear Collector,

Here are pictures of an antique set of china I inherited. Can you tell me how old it is?

Since when are antiques marked “microwave safe?”

Dear Collector,

What is the oddest collectible that you know?

I’ve heard of a fellow who collects toilet bowls, but he has requested that I keep a lid on it.