THE COLLECTOR
Dear Collector,
I found this thing 40 years ago. Someone told me it was used to clean horse hooves; could that be right?
This old fashioned farrier’s implement is called a “butteris” a word which has its basis in buttress, meaning to push. Employed in trimming or paring hooves prior to shoeing, the tool is thrust against the work area while resting against the operator’s shoulder. Replaced years ago by the hoof knife, your relic is probably worth no more than $50.
Dear Collector,
My brother bought this Seth Thomas clock at a yard sale for $5. Do you know what it is worth?
Manufactured in 1910, your mantle timepiece is in Thomas’ Metals #3 pattern, so named after the metallic ornaments on its oak case. In perfect working order, value could exceed $400.
Dear Collector,
I would like to know if this Bill Crosby record is worth anything.
One of Bill’s earliest; your 1964 “I Started Out as a Child” Warner Brothers LP album carries a catalog number of 1567. Price range goes from a low of $3 to a high of nearly $15.
Dear Collector,
I would like to know more about my “Black Knight” plate? It was given to me about 60 years ago.
Bearing the backstamp of Bavarian porcelain maker C.M. Hutschenreuther, your plate dates from about 1940 when it was imported into United States. by Graham & Zenger of New York. Value is not extraordinary, probably a few dollars.
Dear Collector,
I got my first Chandler picture out of my grandfather’s barn. Since then, I have bought 12 more prints (the colors are so pretty). Can you tell me anything about the artist?
You must mean William Henry Chandler (1854-1928), possibly this country’s foremost pastel artist. He ran what amounted to an art factory, where assistants prepared his chalks and boards; setting up easels, so that he could create a large number of works each day. Original landscapes auction for several hundred dollars, but your prints will have considerably less value.
Dear Collector,
What do you think about my “Gene Autry and the Hawk of the Hills” book? I bought it for 50 cents about 25 years ago.
Printed in 1942 by Big Little Books, your juvenile flip picture book may be worth $65, if in very good condition.
Dear Collector,
I’ve been trying to identify the maker of this bowl for months now, but have had no success. Please take pity on me.
From the very clear photos you sent along, it appears your piece came from the studio of Delan Cookson, a circa 1960s potter located in Nottinghamshire, England.