The Collector: Hopalong Cassidy was a popular guy

Dear Collector: This Hopalong Cassidy plate has been in my family for 60 years. Is it worth anything at all? Should I keep it longer?

Probably part of a children’s set, which would have included a cup or mug and bowl, your plate was made by W.S. George, who had potteries in Ohio and Pennsylvania. At the height of Hoppy popularity, actor William Boyd’s image (along with his horse Topper) appeared on every imaginable item that could be sold or offered to kids. Pens, pins, pennants, postcards and popguns flew off store shelves or were delivered directly to eager fans. Because of the slight damage and signs of wear, your keepsake does not meet mint condition standards, putting its value at around $15. As to whether you should keep it – why that question after having kept it for 60 years?

Dear Collector: I have a 1965 dime that I’ve carried for the last 20 years. It was minted the year I was born, so I’ve kept this coin as a good luck charm. Has it increased in value?

The more a coin is handled, the less its overall value. The fortunate thing is that you haven’t lost it in the past two decades, so there must be some luck factor in operation. Your dime is worth more in your pocket than in someone else’s.

Dear Collector: I have had a .22 caliber Stevens visible loading repeater rifle since it was new. Could you tell me what it is worth?

Made from 1907 to 1932 in Chicopee Falls, Mass., your Model 70 gun was a popular seller for Stevens. Current value is between $100 and $200, depending on condition.

Dear Collector: Here are pictures of a Coca-Cola clock I’ve had for 20 years. It keeps perfect time. Is it worth anything?

Its slogan, “Drink Coca-Cola,” dates your electric timepiece to the 1960s. I’ve seen a price as high as $200 for this clock, but a more realistic value is nearer $100.

Dear Collector: I scooped the Goldentone radio in these photos from a neighbor’s trash when they were moving. I think it’s cool with a retro look that complements some of the other found objects in my house. Cost of tubes to get it working is about $25; should I invest that much?

I can see why you are taken with this circa 1940 Model 6W9 tabletop receiver. With its combination of form and panache, your trash trophy could be worth $90 when you get it going.

Dear Collector: My mom thinks she got this Homer Laughlin pitcher sometime during the war. We used it all the time when I was a child, but now it’s been put away. How old is it actually?

Republic, the name of this pattern, was produced for almost a half-century beginning in 1916. Its exact date of manufacture will be almost impossible to locate, but you already know it’s more than 60 years old. Although you didn’t ask, it’s worth $15 to $20, according to one reference.

Dear Collector: How do you find the value of all the things you write about?

I look around!