Vintage McCall’s not high in value
Dear Collector: I would appreciate knowing if this June 1912 McCall’s Magazine that belonged to my grandmother has any value?
Focusing on fashion, McCall’s made its first appearance in 1897, and is still published today. Your vintage edition (somewhat the worse for wear), should contain paper dolls or cut outs, a feature offered for most of this periodical’s history. If mint, your mag would merit $30. As is, value is less than $10.
Dear Collector: Can you put a value on the Westinghouse radio shown in these photos?
Operating on four tubes, this circa 1957 grill front portable bears the model number H-557P4. Working condition warrants a value of $30.
Dear Collector: When was this Harrison postage stamp first used, and is it worth anything even though it’s been canceled?
Twenty-third president of the United States, and grandson of a president, Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901) fronts this green 13-cent stamp issued in the 1920s and ‘30s. Nominal value in used condition is less than a dollar.
Dear Collector: My father left me this old Winchester shotgun, which may have come down to him from his father. How old is it?
Without a serial number (and better photos), I can’t do the research necessary to put a date on your Model 1893. “Winchester Pocket Guide” (Krause, 2004, $12.99) by Ned Schwing lists production dates and pricing.
Dear Collector: We don’t have any history on this goose-shaped bank, it’s always been in my wife’s family, and she inherited it. Any idea what it’s worth?
A promotional from Red Goose Shoes, your little fowl was manufactured by Arcade in the 1920s. Current worth is $200.
Dear Collector: Enclosed are several photos showing a “Mount Rushmore Shrine of Democracy” salt & pepper set made of china. Unfortunately, there are no marks; can you help me?
It’s definitely from the ‘50s, and was made in either Japan or the US. Where ever it came from, value is only $10.
Dear Collector: I found this bottle marked “Poison” while cleaning out our barn. Is it true that poison bottles are highly collectible?
Bizarre as it sounds, there are collectors who specialize in this type of bottle. Morbid fascination with toxic preparations has historic precedence. Famous poisoners included Lucretia Borgia, and Augustus’ wife Livia, who managed to kill off several generations of her own family. The list of victims (and potential victims) comprises Socrates, Emperor Claudius, Napoleon and Mozart. Your cobalt blue bottle contained Triloids, a general compound consisting of corrosive sublimate and ammonium chloride manufactured at the beginning of the 20th century by the Wm. R. Warner Company of New York. As poison bottles go, this has a relatively low value, $30-$50.
Dear Collector: How much is a 1953B $2 bill worth?
Failing to keep up with inflation over the last half-century, your note is only worth twice its face value.
Recommended reading: “Warman’s Arts & Craft Furniture,” Mark F. Moran (Krause, 2004, $24.99). “The Hazel-Atlas Glass Identification & Value Guide,” Gene & Cathy Florence (Collector Books, 2005, $24.95). “Instant Expert: Collecting Watches,” Cooksey Shugart & Darold Hanson (House of Collectibles, 2004, $12.95).