More cute than valuable
Dear Collector,
Enclosed is a photo of a cookie jar in the shape of a rabbit thatmy mother has had since the 1960s. It is in excellent condition. On the bottom is written “Japan.” Is this of any value?
Yours is one of about four different color schemes that I’ve seen on the basic design, and in my opinion is probably the best one. While not having a long history, as cookie jars go, it does have a high “cuteness” factor, which is what attracts some collectors. Similar jars have sold for $35, and up, on eBay, the Internet auction site.
Dear Collector,
This etching, titled “A Hamlet in France,” by Paul Emile LeComte, was in my aunt’s hotel when I was a little girl in the 1930s. I would like to know more about it. On back is “Paris Etching Society.”
Information on the Paris Etching Society is sketchy. Looks like this was an outlet for printer Sydney Z. Lucas of New York City, whom I mentioned in a recent column. Beginning in the ‘30s Lucas commissioned a number of European artists to produce pieces, which he then sold on the American market. Your signed Lecomte (1877-1950) landscape may be worth $100 to $175.
Dear Collector,
Here’s a photo of the first camera I ever owned. It’s made of plastic and still shoots a good picture. How much is it worth?
Your 1960s Imperial Satellite is missing its flash, which has little or no effect on the current value of $20 to $30.
Dear Collector,
This platter was handed down to me by my mother’s aunt, who said it came from Germany many years before. Pushed into the underside is a circle with “Bauscher Weiden,” which sure sounds like German.
German it is, made in the Bavarian city of Weiden by Bauscher Bros. shortly after World War I.
Dear Collector,
I need your help in determining the age and value of my Griswold Dutch oven.
This particular style of cast iron ware is listed as a “chuck wagon” Dutch oven. It dates from the 1920s and is worth approximately $150.
Dear Collector,
I recently found a bunch of comic books hoarded in our garage. The earliest is “Blackhawk” #117 from 1957. As you can see from the enclosed photos, this comic is in really great condition. What is its value?
Introducing the villain Mr. Freeze (not the same one portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Batman movie), this comic title featured a group of pilots who battled evil across the planet. Since your book is in near perfect shape, its value should be in excess of $100.
Dear Collector,
I paid $15 for this Barbie and Midge overnight case. How old is it?
It seems your vinyl bag, made in 1963 by King Seeley, is a lunch box with a possible value of $100.
Recommended reading: “Coins of Northern Europe & Russia” edited by George S. Cuhaj & Thomas Michael (KP Books, 2006, $24.99). “Goldmine Standard Catalog of American Records: 1950-1975,” Tim Neely (KP Books, 2006, $34.99). “Warman’s Companion Hot Wheels,” Michael Zarnock (KP Books, 2006, $17.99).