Doll’s value seems a little high
Dear Collector,
I would like to know how much my “Sad Sack” doll might be worth. It was mine as a kid; I was born in 1951.
Very little is mentioned in current research material about this doll which was based on a comic strip created during World War II. As can be guessed, Sad Sack being an Army private is prone to all the ignominy and misfortune that goes with his lowly rank. I did come across an ad in a 1958 magazine which proves your keepsake was produced (probably in limited numbers) by Sterling Doll Co. of New York City in conjunction with the release of a Paramount movie starring Jerry Lewis. The only reference for value was $570, but that seems much too high.
Dear Collector,
I don’t really expect my 1930 quarter to be valuable, but it has to be worth more than 25 cents.
This was the last year the Standing Liberty coin was minted. In 1932, the Washington quarter was introduced and it’s this coin pattern we use today (there were no quarters produced in 1931). Your coin was designed by noted American sculptor Hermon MacNeil, and consists of 90 percent silver. Current value in circulated condition is about $4.
Dear Collector,
My son bought this vending machine for $15 at a junk sale. Was it a good purchase?
For a dime, this 1950s “Toy ‘n Joy” dispensed a capsule which contained a toy. The price he paid is about what this machine lists for today. So while he didn’t get a bargain, he didn’t overpay either.
Dear Collector,
The toy in these photos is a Dick Tracy siren gun. I’m not sure how old it is and what it’s worth. Can you help me with those questions?
Your litho decorated tin toy was made in the 1930s, probably toward the end of that decade. Value is $75 to $100.
Dear Collector,
Please tell me if this Stangl Blueberry bowl is worth something? I’ve had it since 1933, when my husband gave it to me.
All the evidence points to either 1950 or 1951 as being the earliest dates that Stangl, a Trenton, NJ, pottery, manufactured this motif. In production until 1978, Blueberry pieces generally have a low value.
Dear Collector,
My family has had this Silvertone television for ages and ages. Can you give me the exact date it was made?
A 1949 Sears product, your model 9120 table top cased in wood is worth $130 in working condition.
Dear Collector,
My sister has used this chamber pot as a jardinière for her geraniums. Since it sits in a corner, she just turned the handle to the back so that no one knows its intended purpose. The only marks are the letters “PB.”
As ironic as it sounds, this piece of china dating from the late 1880s came from a Staffordshire pottery owned by the Plant Brothers.