THE COLLECTOR
Dear Collector,
This Roseville vase, in what I believe is the Wild Rose pattern, came to me from my mother-in-law in 1972. I am interested in when it was made, and what its current value is.
Though a rose design, it’s the Primrose, manufactured in 1932 by the noted Ohio potter. Right now, your 8- inch high tan vase, in mint condition, is worth $200.
Dear Collector,
Please tell me what this is; I have carried it around for 30 years.
You have what is known as a letter or book press: the 19th century’s Xerox machine. A letter (prepared with special ink) is placed between the upper and lower plates with treated paper. Copies are produced when pressure is applied via the large handle. Not very valuable, about $100, this antiquated apparatus makes a nice conversation piece.
Dear Collector,
In looking through a long-forgotten collection of old coins I found an 1843 one cent piece. What is its value, please?
With a representation of Liberty by designer Christian Gobrecht on the obverse, your large copper coin was one of almost two-and-a-half-million minted in 1843. In about average condition, value is $20-$30.
Dear Collector,
We recently attended an auction where we bought this Cauldon toast holder for $3.50. Can you tell us how old it is?
Listed as a five-bar toast rack on page 230 of “Staffordshire Pottery: Majolica, Transfer Prints, Flow Blue, Fine Bone China from Cauldon” by Robert E. Cluett (Schiffer, 2004, $69.95), your circa 1935 piece is assigned a value of $110-$145 by the author.
Dear Collector,
Can you tell me anything about this “Warner’s Safe Kidney & Liver Cure” bottle?
One of the most common quack medicines, it was literally produced and sold all over the world, though yours came from Warner’s headquarters in Rochester, N.Y. Even if your bottle still had its label, I doubt that the value would top $10.
Dear Collector,
Quite a while ago, I bought a Hopalong Cassidy three-bladed pocketknife at a flea market. When was it put out, and what is it worth?
This 1950 Hammer Brand knife was a retail item, not offered as a cereal or bread premium. Depending on condition, its price is between $30 and $60.
Dear Collector,
Can you tell me if this picture by Renoir of a woman and two girls is genuine? He was one of the world’s greatest painters, and I get excited when I think it may be the real McCoy!
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) was a leader in the Impressionist Movement who went on to produce formal portraits such as your 1878 “Madame Charpentier and Her Children” which hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Dear Collector,
I bought this teapot for $15; how can I tell what it is worth?
It’s worth at least $15!
Prices quoted reflect retail values, and as with many antiques and collectibles these values vary. Readers are encouraged to submit questions with photos to THE COLLECTOR, P.O. Box 229, West Boxford, MA 01885-0229, or ask online at: www.askthecollector.com. Please don’t ask us to suggest a buyer for your goods. Sorry, photos cannot be returned and will become the property of THE COLLECTOR. For personal reply, send questions with $25 check or money order to THE COLLECTOR at address above.