Sturdy construction helps miniature camera retain value

Dear Collector: I wonder what this late 1960s Rollei camera is worth?

Its all-metal construction made this circa 1963 miniature German camera a good candidate for long-term survival. Current value is in the $100 range.

Dear Collector: What is the value of a 1953 wheat penny?

Tops is 10 cents.

Dear Collector: I have a Superman comic book dated 1938; can you tell me if it has any value?

For your sake I hope you have a good copy of Action Comics #1, because this June 1938 book introducing the “Man of Steel” has a conservative value of $100,000-200,000. More likely, you have the 1974 reprint, which is slightly larger than the original, and had a special cover.

Dear Collector: My mother gave me a light blue McCoy cookie jar shaped like windmill. She doesn’t remember when she got it. So, my question to you is, when was it made?

A not uncommon design from this Roseville, Ohio, potter, this jar can be readily dated to 1961.

Dear Collector: Can you identify the maker of my battery operated doll?

If you look on page 113 of “Collector’s Guide to Dolls of the 1960s and 1970s” (Collector Books, 2000, $24.95) you’ll see a photo of your “Goody Two Shoes” walker. Author Cindy Sabulis puts a value of $35-$50 on this 1965 Ideal toy.

Dear Collector: Can you tell me what this dark gray metal item that I bought at a church sale is?

Manufactured by Kayser and Son, your footed pewter bowl in the art nouveau style, probably designed by Hugo Leven, bears the famous “Kayserzinn” mark, along with the number “4270,” which dates it to about 1900. Conservative value is $100 plus.

Dear Collector: Enclosed find picture of a 10 record collection on the RCA label, LPT-6700 Glenn Miller Limited Edition, in excellent un-played condition. Please let me know its value?

According to one major price guide, this second pressing set from the 1950s is now worth $30-$60.

Dear Collector: How much should I sell this 1849 Weller vase for?

Considering that Samuel A. Weller, the founder of this Zanesville, Ohio pottery, wasn’t born until 1851; I’d say a million dollars.

Dear Collector: When I was a young man, my two brothers and I were each given a clock from a great uncle’s collection upon his death. Many years have passed, and I am the only one who has kept his clock, which must be more than 100 years old. What do you think it’s now worth?

Waterbury made this small wood-cased mantle clock in 1918, which puts it close to the centenary mark. The pattern, Agout, is named after a river in SW France near Toulouse. If in working order, it could be worth $95.

Dear Collector: Around 10 years ago I bought a set of scales made by U.S. Spring. How old and any value?

Without a model number, serial number, photo, or more information, there’s no way I can answer your questions.

Recommended reading: “Standard Catalog of German Coins: 1601 to Present,” compiled by N. Douglas Nicol (KP Books, 2002, $59.00). “Collecting Lladro,” Peggy Whiteneck (KP Books, 2003, $29.99). “Collecting Foreign-Made Toy Soldiers,” Richard O’Brien (KP Books, 1997, $32.95).