Kaleidoscope dates to 1870s
Dear Collector,
I was wondering what this kaleidoscope patented in 1873 is worth? Someone told me, or I read somewhere that it could be worth thousands.
During my research I was surprised to find quite a number of these Charles Bush Victoria model “phantasmagoria tubes” still around. Bush, a Prussian native whose factory was in New Hampshire, began making kaleidoscopes (a three part Greek word that describes viewing a beautiful shape) in the early 1870s, as substantiated by the patent date. Current values do go into the low thousands, but only for an example in near mint condition.
Dear Collector,
Sorry I can’t send a picture, but I’ve got a Donald Duck jack-in-the-box that I found in our kitchen pantry when we moved into our house 20 plus years ago. There isa little wear to the paint on one side, however music still plays and he pops up.
Tracking the history of Disney toys, I find that Lakeside could have made your find in the 1960s. Considering that Donald’s still active, value is about $40.
Dear Collector,
We would be thrilled if you could identify the maker of this platter?
Backstamped with a circle containing the letters B and W bisected by a horizontal line, your circa 1920 piece of commercial porcelain (probably made for a hotel) came from the Bauscher Bros. factory located in Weiden, Bavaria.
Dear Collector,
Please tell me what a 1914 $10 bill is worth?
The last large size note in that denomination, the average fair market value in circulated condition is around $100.
Dear Collector,
My mother-in-law is a faithful reader and asked me to write you about a cigarette case she inherited from her husband’s father. Sadly, I did not include a photo, but I trust these sketches will be intelligible.
Presto Cigarette Case of North Attleboro, Mass., manufactured this keepsake during the decade between 1920 and 1930.
Dear Collector,
I’m almost sure this wall pocket was made by Weller, but have no idea when. Can you find out for me?
Indeed, a Weller product in their 1920s Roma line, your hanging vase now has a value of $75 to $150 according to one major reference.
Dear Collector,
Is a copy of “Monster World” magazine valuable?
This was the interim title, lasting only one year, for editor Forrest “Forry” Ackerman’s famous “Famous Monsters of Filmland” publication. An issue of “MW” dating from 1964 is worth about $10, while a copy of “FMF” published just the year before is listed at three times that amount.
Dear Collector,
I bought a Felix the Cat pencil box years ago for practically nothing. It has been sitting in my desk ever since. What is it worth now?
Felix, a parallel to Chaplin’s “Little Tramp” character, appeared in animated cartoons as early as 1919. His image has been featured on many toys, games and books. Your circa 1930 pencil box is currently valued at $50.
Dear Collector,
What value would you place on this old plate?
Regrettably, the Cyrillic markings on the plate’s bottom appear to be Russian; a language I’m not familiar with. Translators (for a fee) are available online.