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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

THE COLLECTOR


A devilish Orange Julius advertising prop. 
 (The Spokesman-Review)
Glenn Erardi THE COLLECTOR Glenn Erardi

Dear Collector,

This Orange Julius figure was given to me about 40 years ago. Most of the paint was gone, so I painted it. The clock in the middle is Telechron; it works and from the electric cord I am guessing it is from the 1930s.

Established in 1926 by Julius Freed (“how about another orange, Julius?”), and now owned by Dairy Queen, this mall-based refreshment outlet dropped its devilish logo years ago. Your clock is one of only two that I’ve seen, so its value is probably going to be nearly impossible to ascertain without previous history from a reference, price guide, auction or sales report. Having said that, I feel that if put in the right auction this advertising piece could realize several thousand dollars, even with the touchup you performed on it.

Dear Collector,

I have a series 1928 $100 gold certificate; can you tell me if it has a special value?

Since you didn’t mention condition, I assume that your note is circulated, and would be rated as good or less. In that case, value is $145-$200.

Dear Collector,

Here is a short list of autographs from a book I found in my uncle’s belongings after he died. My uncle was born in 1905 or ‘06, and lived right outside of Hollywood.

The most recognizable signature is that of character actor Snub Pollard of the Keystone Kops (whose name came from Mack Sennett’s Keystone Productions). Pollard (1889-1962), an Australian vaudeville comedian, appeared in a number of these silent films, along with a then-unknown Charlie Chaplin. Snub’s autograph could be worth as much as $75 or $100.

Dear Collector,

What do you think this Remington cash register is worth?

Made by a division of Remington Arms just before they sold their interest to National Cash Register (NCR) in 1931, your example has a current value of $150, according to one price guide.

Dear Collector,

Where can I sell my old comic book collection?

Try an old comic book collector.

Dear Collector,

When I was collecting dolls about 10 years ago, I bought this soldier doll at a tag sale and packed it away. While moving recently, I found it again. Should I still keep it?

General Douglas MacArthur was the model for this 1942 composition doll from New York maker Ralph A. Freundlich, who was also responsible for a variety of military toys during WWII. Because of poor condition, value is at the bottom of the scale, about $50.

Dear Collector,

Have you ever heard of a Firestone radio that is the name on this one in these photos?

Although best known for their automobile tires, Firestone made many models of radios (mostly table top) during the 1940s and ‘50s. Your example, called the “Reporter,” dates from 1947, and has a current value of $45 if in working condition.

Dear Collector,

Where is there a market for teddy bears?

When Wall Street is not a bull market, it’s a bear market!