China plate made from one of first U.S.-Japanese business partnerships
Dear Collector: Enclosed are photos of a Lefton china plate given to me by my grandmother. I have looked online but have only been able to find Lefton figurines.
George Zolton Lefton, a Hungarian émigré to America during World War II, established an importing business shortly thereafter. Postwar, he was one of the first businessmen to contract with Japanese firms to produce porcelain pieces. Wares ranged from tea and coffee sets to bric-a-brac and head vases. Though hand decorated (and apparently signed by Mr. Lefton) your circa 1955 plate has only minimum value; say, about $20.
Dear Collector: I have a No. 12 March 1963 issue of “The Fantastic Four” comic. Could you please tell me if it has any value?
To get to the real value of this comic book, you would need to have it graded by a reputable and competent appraiser, such as Certified Guarantee Corp. The potential value on your vintage volume could be in excess of $400, because it is the first crossover featuring The Hulk.
Dear Collector: I have a Life game in perfect condition and dated 1985. I was wondering if it is worth anything.
Recalling the title of a popular 1940s radio show, “Life Begins at 40,” your board game will not approach majority until it’s been tested by time. Get back to me after two or three decades, and I will be able to say “This is Your Life.”
Dear Collector: I am curious to know what my 1929 two-dollar bill is worth today.
As far as I know, the U.S. did not print any deuces during that year. Yours may be the only one; though if I were you, I wouldn’t try to spend it.
Dear Collector: What is this Coca-Cola poster worth? I bought it at a flea market in the 1970s.
Painted by noted pinup artist Gil Elvgren, your 1952 “Girl with Dog” poster proclaiming “Refresh” (the Coke motto of the day), should be insured for $1,000.
Dear Collector: Enclosed is a photocopy of my ticket to the 1932 Olympics. Can you tell me what value it may have?
What you have is a stub, not the full ticket. Yours is worth about $20, while a complete billet is worth two or three times as much.
Dear Collector: When I first got this Superman pin in the 1960s, I was told it was old. My question is how old?
The approximate date on this premium originally offered by Kellogg’s Pep cereal is 1945. Current value is $20 to $30.
Dear Collector: Family history says this platter came to America with my great-grandmother in the late 1800s. Can you confirm this?
According to the initials on the backstamp, “D L & Co.,” I can attribute your circa 1870 earthenware piece to David Lockhart of Pollokshaws, at that time a burgh south of Glasgow, Scotland.
Dear Collector: I purchased this “Human Beinz” album a few weeks ago for $5. Did I get a bargain?
Recorded in 1968 for Columbia, this was one of only three albums Beinz ever cut. Containing their hit, “Nobody But Me,” your LP is worth what you paid.