Real ‘Stork Club’ ashtray would fetch plenty
Dear Collector: Can you please tell me the value of this item?
I cannot confirm the authenticity of your “Stork Club” ashtray without anecdotal history. During the 1940s and ’50s Sherman Billingsley’s eatery (and drinkery) on 53rd Street in New York City was THE place to be seen for movie stars, musicians, millionaires, writers and politicians. With more than 2,500 clients a night during the War, the Stork Club often “lost” dozens of ashtrays a day to souvenir hunters, famous and not-so-famous; it’s said that Marlene Dietrich stashed her earrings in one.
Your offering, in a different color scheme from validated vintage examples, matches one or two other ashtrays I’ve seen, but is greatly outnumbered by the dark blue ones that we know are original. If yours is the real McCoy, then it could be worth up to $100; if it’s a reproduction: it would be worth what you paid.
By the way, Billingsley’s nephew Glenn married an actress named Barbara. Sound familiar?
Dear Collector: I have the sheet music for “Winter Wonderland.” Does it have any value?
Always a Christmas favorite, this 1934 song written by Dick Smith and Felix Bernard first appeared in the Ziegfeld Follies. Newer editions are worth $5 to $7, while classic copies go for $10 to $12.
Dear Collector: I got this Emmett Kelly clown about 50 years ago. Is it just a keepsake; or is there any value to it?
It’s both. Your vinyl doll, based on Kelly’s famous character “Weary Willie,” was a product of Baby Barry Toy Co. Specializing in personalities that included Captain Kangaroo and Mammy Yokum, this doll maker was located in New York. Current value on your 15-inch Willie is $200. A smaller version is listed at $125 to $150.
Dear Collector: Any information on a “Royal Baker and Pastry Cook” book printed in the 1890s?
Sponsored by Royal Baking Powder, this tome went through a number of printings after its debut in 1898. A first edition would be worth about $40.
Dear Collector: What is a 1902 half-dollar worth?
Named after designer Charles E. Barber, the Barber half-dollar contains 90 per cent silver, as opposed to today’s Kennedy, which is copper-nickel clad copper. Your coin has a listed value of $15 in used condition.
Dear Collector: This Waterbury clock came down to us from my wife’s grandmother. Can you date it and perhaps tell us what it’s worth?
Waterbury employed the same clock face in many of its mantel timepieces from the 1880s. Your Hastings model (in memory of the 1066 battle fought between the forces of King Harold and Duke William, nicknamed The Conqueror) is worth $250 to $300, but only if it works.
Dear Collector: I have a couple of Radio City Music Hall souvenir pins. Any idea what they’re worth? What are the most prized items from the history of Radio City?
I couldn’t find any information on the pins you mentioned, but since you left the door wide open, I’ll walk through it. In my humble opinion, I think one of the most prized items would be a Rockette; wouldn’t you fellows agree?
Recommended reading: “The Early Paper Money of America,” Eric P. Newman (KP Books, 2009, $95); “Classic American Costume Jewelry,” Jacqueline Rehmann (Collector Books, 2009, $24.95); “Inside the Jewelry Box,” Ann Mitchell Pitman (Collector Books, 2009, $24.95).