Aged plate has German roots
Dear Collector,
I hope you find this dish interesting. It was given to my mother by a neighbor over fifty years ago. The neighbor claimed at the time that it was very old.
The partial mark you drew on the back of the photo had enough information for me to track your two-handled plate to its maker: Erdmann Schlegelmilch of Suhl, Germany. Date of manufacture is a bit vague, probably in the late 1890s or a decade after. Value on this handpainted piece of porcelain is $30-$40.
Dear Collector,
I’ve tried to sketch the item in question and hope my drawing can be understood. Can you tell me its age and purpose?
You’re a better artist than I, which helps me to identify this whatchamacallit as a circa 1880s string holder, possibly used in a retail establishment to wrap packages. Further research shows that this item has a potential value in excess of $100.
Dear Collector,
Enclosed is a photo of the Howdy Doody ring that my father got as a kid. I’m not sure who made it or how old it is; can you help me?
When moved back and forth, the image on your flicker ring changes. Probably a premium from Poll Parrot shoes, this 1950s TV related toy may be worth over $50.
Dear Collector,
Enclosed are copies (front and back) of a 1947 Russian one Ruble note. Does it have any value?
The lowest denomination of paper money issued by the Soviets in those days; its value today as a numismatic collectible is 25¢.
Dear Collector,
When was this RCA Model 16X3 radio made?
Your photos show a 1941 tabletop radio with wood case. If in working order, value is $40.
Dear Collector,
My husband found this cookbook, along with three others, in our living room wall when he was installing new sheetrock. Is it worth anything?
This hard cover book was authored in 1940 by English humorist P.G. Wodehouse, who also created the prototypical British butler Jeeves. Your copy of “Eggs, Beans & Crumpets,” a series of short stories published by Herbert Jenkins in London, has a listed value of $25.
Dear Collector,
The enclosed is a ceramic pot that an attorney I worked for gave me. I have admired the beautiful shape and kept it all these years, and now in my 80s I want to try to add to my Social Security if I can.
I assume you want me to help sell your Fulper pot. While I am sympathetic to your situation, due to ethics I cannot act as an agent or go-between.
Dear Collector,
If you had unlimited funds, what would you collect?
Hours by the pool?