Glass flask

Q: I have a glass flask and wonder if it is valuable. It has “Straubhuller’s Elixer — Tree of Life since 1888” embossed on one side and “Made in Taiwan” on its bottom. — Jess, Port Charlotte, Fla.

A: Throughout the 1970s and ‘80s, reproductions of older flasks and bottles were made in Asia, and that is what you have. This doesn’t mean that it has no value, only that it is a copy of an original. My suggestion is to put it in a window and enjoy it.

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Q: Can you help me? I have seven old paintings, plus an old world atlas. — William, Palm Court, Fla.

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A: The only way to find out with certainty the value of your paintings is to hire an appraiser. You should expect to pay a nominal free for an appraiser’s services. Although I’ve stated it in my column before, it bears repeating. The opinion of your neighbor or a free appraisal is worth what you pay for it.

To find a competent appraiser in your area, you should contact the national registers: The Appraisers Association of America, 386 Park Ave. South, No. 2000, New York, NY 10016; The American Society of Appraisers, P.O. Box 17265, Washington, DC 20071; and The International Society of Appraisers, 1131 SW 7th St., Suite 105, Renton, WA 98055.

I also recommend the Association of Online Appraisers, a not-for-profit association for online as well as traditional appraisers, P.O. Box 2049, Fredrick, MD 21702; info@AOAonline.org; and www.AOAonline.org. You can probably find the value of your atlas at www.abe.com.

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Q: I collect Mattel Matchbox cars, the 50th birthday series by states. Since I am missing several, I would like to locate them so I can complete my collection. — Patricia, Westerly, R.I.

A: There are two major clubs that might be helpful, American-International Matchbox Collectors and Exchange Club, 532 Chesnut St., Lynn, MA 01904; and Matchbox Collectors Club, 17 Pearl St., P.O. Box 977, Newfield, NJ 08344.