Old bottle of Babe’s fave falls short of home run
Dear Collector,
I am told this 7 oz. Red Rock Cola bottle may be worth something.
Introduced in 1938 by an Atlanta beverage maker, this soda (or tonic, as we Bostonians still call it) by the 1940s established itself nationwide with the help of Babe Ruth—the only soft drink he endorsed. Eventually numbering about 200 bottlers, Red Rock faded from the soda scene in the 1950s. Your World War-II era Rumson, N.J. bottle is worth perhaps $10.
Dear Collector,
I have a kid’s book titled “White Bunny and His Magic Nose.” What is it worth?
Issued in 1957 by Little Golden Books, this fable was authored by Lily Duplais and has a listed value of $5.
Dear Collector,
Could you guess on the value of a series 1917 two-dollar bill in not very good condition?
The last of the large size Legal Tender Notes, this deuce is down to ten bucks due to its dilapidated state. A near mint note could be worth $200 or more.
Dear Collector,
Would it be possible to give me some information on this green vase? On the bottom is the number “1436” and an animal with front leg raised, plus the words “Riikm?en ???? Oy Finland.”
To quote the late Yul Brynner in his “King and I” role: “Is a puzzlement?” I started my search in Finland, where I found a glass maker, Riihimaen Lasi Oy, who in the early 1960s employed Aimo Okkolin, the designer of their “Stromboli” line of art glass. Your vase is the smallest piece in that production, with a current value of $40.
Dear Collector,
Enclosed are two photographs of an elephant teapot I inherited many years ago from my paternal grandparents. In the early 1930s, I was convinced that the tea tasted special when poured from the elephant. There is some kind of indentation on the bottom, but it cannot be deciphered.
The mark in question should be “Japan:” the country of origin for your pachyderm pourer. I found your teapot listed in one guide for $30-$40, although the author states it was made in the 1960s.
Dear Collector,
I have a 1969 black Chrissy doll in fairly good condition. Is she worth anything?
Once again, I have to state that condition implies completeness. In the case of your vinyl Ideal doll, whose full name is “Beautiful Chrissy,” she must have all her clothes and accessories. If that’s the case, then she’s worth at least $60.
Dear Collector,
I inherited a cup and saucer marked “Doulton’s Burslem, Rd. No. 139803.” This is a part of my family history and I would like to have any information I can.
Without an image, I can’t put a value on it. However, since you included an English Design Registry Number, I can tell you it was enrolled into that record in 1889.