Cow creamer not worth much moola
Dear Collector: My great-aunt collected creamers and pitchers. This one was among her favorites, and she entrusted it to me to enjoy, love and protect. I will greatly appreciate any information that you can give me so that I can elaborate on it when I pass it to my children?
Marked with a single word (Germany) in script, we may never know the maker of your bovine beauty. Going by the McKinley Tariff Act of 1891, which obliged the country of origin be printed on ceramic goods, I’d say your keepsake could be 100 years old or older. Similar pitchers from the period, most of which have a high-gloss glaze instead of a pleasing soft matte finish, may be worth $10 to $20. Not to be cowed, I’d say your creamer is the boss and should be insured for at least $50, which is double its value.
Dear Collector: I got this Whittier Pixie Flash camera from their Hollywood factory in or about 1948. Appreciate price and anything else of importance.
Falling into the micro family of photography (spy cams, etc.), your Pixie, original box, flash bulbs and all, is currently valued at $35 to $45.
Dear Collector: I was lucky enough to get this 1968 “Tom & Jerry” game at a yardsale for $10. Bargain or not?
If you consider a listed value of $25 closer to the truth; then yes, you made out pretty good.
Dear Collector: We’ve had a Hopkins & Allen .22 caliber “Defender” pistol for ages. As far as I know, it’s never been fired, but seems to be in good cosmetic condition. We’d love it if you would tell us its age and value.
One path of research led to my 1897 Sears Roebuck and Co. catalog, where your pocket revolver, a “Saturday Night Special” of its time, retailed for 68 cents plus shipping. I’d caution you against loading and shooting this pistol. Our modern smokeless powder may be too powerful and someone could get hurt. As a curio and relic, your ancient firearm could be worth $150 to $200.
Dear Collector: My mother has a unique wall vase in the shape of a cuckoo clock. It has hung on her kitchen wall since she got it in the 1950s. Can you put a price on it?
One of several variants by McCoy, a nationally known Ohio pottery firm, your wall pocket is worth $100 to $150.
Dear Collector: On a trip to England years ago I bought this Chad Valley teddy bear. He lost his hat but still has a red scarf. I paid about $15 for him. Is he worth more now?
Even then a venerable British toymaker, Chad Valley began producing dolls and other stuffed figures in the 1920s. Your particular teddy is based on a radio program character named “Toffee,” and is now more than 50 years old. Disregarding his lack of a cap and slightly distressed appearance, Toffee is worth more than $100.
Dear Collector: Would you identify a porcelain maker who marked his goods with the initials “PAF?”
Porzellanfabrik (Porcelain Factory) Arno Fischer, a German company was in operation from 1907 to 1952.