THE COLLECTOR
Dear Collector,
I have enclosed snapshots of a metal airplane that was given to my son years ago. It bears the following inscription near the real wheel: “Hubley Kiddie Toy.” Can you tell me the current value?
Hubley, a Pennsylvania firm noted for its die-cast toys, cap guns, banks and door stops, manufactured your naval warplane (notice the fold-up wheels beneath its wings, required to save space on aircraft carriers) probably in the late 1940s. Right now, due to the very good condition it’s in, your vintage toy could be worth more than $100.
Dear Collector,
My late mother cherished this teacup, telling me it belonged to one of her German ancestors from the 19th century. Can you tell me its approximate age?
Memorializing the city of Gotha (located in Thuringia, Germany), this mark belonged to a porcelain manufactory established in 1813 by Friedrich Egidius Henneberg. The backstamp itself dates from around 1880, which confirms your family narrative.
Dear Collector,
Does this 1905 coin from Belgium have any value?
Minted during the long reign of Leopold II (1865-1909), your copper one-centime piece was the smallest denomination issued at that time, and is now worth about $1.
Dear Collector,
What do you think this 1959 “Lassie” book could be worth?
The pictures you enclosed are of Whitman’s juvenile series #1508. Its illustrated cover shows Jon Provost (1957-‘64) hugging Lassie. Provost replaced Tommy Rettig (1954-‘57) in this long-running family series. Present value is around $15.
Dear Collector,
Do you think these dog bookends are old or valuable?
My research shows your metal German Shepherds were made in 1930 by Ronson. Their value is listed in one price guide at $100-$200.
Dear Collector,
On my last visit to my parent’s house I noticed this old Coca-Cola bottle opener which I was told was in the kitchen when the house was purchased in 1995. How old is it?
Definitely from the 1920s, this, or a similar, wall-mounted opener would have been found in many homes at that time.
Dear Collector,
I have a Carnival glass bowl that has to be more than 60 years old since it originally belonged to my grandmother. Can you give it a value?
In the early part of the 20 century, dozens of American makers produced this lustrous pressed glass. There are hundreds (maybe even thousands) of patterns in many different colors. Since you didn’t send along a photo, there’s no way I could put a price or date on your piece.
Dear Collector,
Can you identify this cloth emblem? Is it U.S. military or foreign?
What you have is a pre-WWI Army saddler’s insignia (he was the fellow who repaired and maintained saddles in the cavalry). Present value is in the vicinity of $15.
Dear Collector,
What do you know about Star Wars collectibles? Which ones have the greatest potential?
I know that none of it was produced before 1970, which makes it too new to be dealt with in this column. Sorry, I don’t speak Wookie.