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

THE COLLECTOR

Glenn Erardi Glenn Erardi

Dear Collector,

Can you tell me if these bookends have appreciated in value?

Made in 1935 by Roseville, your Pine Cone bookends (bowl in matching pattern was previously featured in this column) wholesaled for $7.80 per dozen way back then. Today, this pair carries a value of more than $300. Now that I have answered your question, would you satisfy my curiosity and tell me the titles of those books?

Dear Collector,

Is this “Beverly Hillbillies” comic book worth more than the $5 I paid at the flea market?

Considering it’s nearly 40 years old, your comic, published by Dell, is in great condition. I would thinks it has a conservative value of $15.

Dear Collector,

I don’t have a record player anymore but I’m positive that this Buddy Knox album will play without skipping. What’s your guess on its value?

Knox (1933-99), according to one Web site, “was the first artist of the rock era to write and perform his own number one hit song.” Included in your 1957 monaural Roulette record is “Party Doll.” Now listed at $37, this album is an uncommon find.

Dear Collector,

My aunt gave us an Amberg vase years ago which she got from her mother or grandmother, we’re not sure. While we would like to know what it’s worth, we desire more to know how old it is?

This pottery was operated in the Bavaria town of Amberg from 1850 to 1910 by Eduard Kick, who employed molds from a previous porcelain maker in the same location. It’s impossible to place a value on your vase without at least seeing a photo.

Dear Collector,

I was lucky enough to find this Golden West Coffee lidded glass jar inside an old trunk in my attic; what’s it worth?

Possibly dating from the period between the World Wars, this container came from the Portland plant of Closset & Devers; purveyors of coffee, tea and spices. Listed value is $10.

Dear Collector,

Got this gumball vending machine out of a dumpster; washed it up and it still works, but I have no key. How much is it worth?

The acorn on the flap tells me this circa 1950s aluminum and glass vendor was made by Oak, a California-based manufacturer founded in 1948. Produced in prolific numbers, your Acorn is valued at less than $50.

Dear Collector,

I got my pitcher and six glasses from Esso about 40 years ago. Their slogan was “Put a Tiger in Your Tank.” They have never been out of their original box except for this photo. I would like to know if they have value.

While Humble Oil, a division of Esso, had used the tiger as a mascot for decades, it wasn’t until 1964 that the famous catchphrase began appearing in print and television ads. Your set, in mint condition, is worth $30-$40. Here’s a hint for photographing glasses: Place a tube of plain white paper inside for contrast.