The Collector

Dear Collector,

I am enclosing a picture of an Ansonia dome clock I bought in an antique store about 20 or 25 years ago. It keeps very good time and is a nice addition to our living room. I would like to have an estimate of its value; any other information concerning its age and manufacture would be appreciated.

You have a capable eye for clocks because your circa 1880 “Crystal Palace” with its mercury pendulum is worth at least $500 or even as high as $1,500, depending on which source you believe.

Dear Collector,

I’ve had this Avengers paperback forever; should I throw it out or is it worth something?

“The Floating Game” was published in 1967 by Berkley Medallion, with text by John Garforth, a British sci-fi writer. Your photo cover book (featuring the estimable Emma Peel) is currently valued at between $10 and $15.

Dear Collector,

My wife sketched these marks on the bottom of our old teapot; do you recognize the maker?

What appears to be a cartouche-like (a French word for cartridge) symbol with some hen scratches inside is the logo for Lucie Rie, an art pottery studio in London, where your teapot was made around 1938.

Dear Collector,

Is my Ezra Brooks “Liberty Bell” bottle worth anything?

Your 1969 decanter, manufactured by Heritage China for Brooks, is now worth a ringing $7. By the way, according to Postal Service regulations, mailing spirits is prohibited.

Dear Collector,

I have a 1937 nickel; can you tell me what it is worth?

Introduced in 1913, the now classic “Buffalo” nickel is considered one of the top designs in American coinage. In fact, if you look in your purse or pocket, you may find the new 2005 nickel, which features a similar motif. Designed by James Fraser, this coin was composed of 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel. Between the three mints that struck the coin in 1937, nearly 100 million were produced. Except for the fabled three-legged coin from Denver, most nickels of that vintage are worth 50 cents in average circulated condition.

Dear Collector,

This bowl marked “Stoke Pottery” belonged to my mother-in-law. I would like to know if it has any value.

Stoke Pottery was operated by J(ames) Plant from 1883 until 1900, when it was taken over by Grimwades, who used the same backstamp for another six or seven years. It’s hard to pin an exact price on your decal decorated bowl. A good guess would place it between $25 and $40.

Dear Collector,

I have an autographed book titled “Some of These Days,” the autobiography of Sophie Tucker. I would like to know its approximate value.

Tucker (1884-1966), was a vaudeville performer whose fame rested on her portrayal as “The Last of the Red Hot Mamas.” Her bio was first published in 1945 and dedicated to Jack Yellen, who wrote the lyrics for such hits as “Happy Days Are Here Again,” “Ain’t She Sweet” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” Sadly, her signature rarely commands over $25.