Banjo’S Value Something To Strum About
* Dear Collector: Enclosed is a picture of my dad’s banjo. He bought it years ago for around $100. Inscription on back: “Vega Co., Whyte Ladie.”
Made in Boston sometime after 1922 and named after the two men (Whyte & Ladie) who developed the tone ring that popularized this model, your banjo is worth close to $1,000.
* Dear Collector: I have a “Historic America” blue-and-white plate depicting a street scene with horse and buggy. It is titled “The Capitol at Washington,” manufactured by Johnson Bros.
You have one of a series of commemorative plates made in 1938 by the British firm of Johnson Bros., (founded in 1883) that still produces similar items, resembling antique ware.
Offered in several colors - pink being the one with most value with scenes from various historic sites in America, including Boston and Philadelphia, it is valued at $20 to $40, depending on color, view shown and condition.
* Dear Collector: I’m curious to know when my copy of “Ben Hur” was printed; it has no copyright date.
Written in 1880 by Lew Wallace (a major general with the Union Army during the Civil War), “Ben Hur” has been reprinted so many times since that it’s almost impossible to keep track of the editions. While a first edition is easy to recognize and is worth several hundred dollars, most subsequent editions have considerably less value. Incidentally, memorabilia from the 1959 film version starring Charlton Heston has become a hot collectible.
* Dear Collector: I have an old recording featuring comedian Harry Lauder.
An extremely popular vaudeville performer, Mr. Lauder introduced the archetype of the dour, penurious Scotsman to American audiences. Our take on Scots as being thrifty (nice word for cheap) comes wholly from the kilted character created by this actor. Not much call for ethnic stereotypes today.
A record such as yours, however, possibly worth $10 to $20, would be considered by today’s sophisticated listener more as a curiosity than entertainment.
* Dear Collector: I have a large collection of Elvis Presley trading cards from 1956.
Originally issued in a set of 66 by Bubbles Inc, these cards are now worth well over $400 for a complete run in mint condition.
* Dear Collector: Recently, as I was cleaning the rafters in my basement, I came across two boxes containing small glass slides from the U.S. Navy. Meant to assist in the identification of Japanese ships during WWII, there are about 150 of these slides. I was wondering if they have any value?
Though of an esoteric nature, your recognition slides should appeal to WWII buffs - of whom there are many - or someone interested in photography or shipping. You may want to consider donating them (for an appropriate tax deduction) to a local historical society.
* Dear Collector: What I have is a Homestead Certificate issued to my grandfather in 1902. Do you think this has any dollar value?
This piece of your family history will increase in intrinsic value over the years. I urge you not to sell it! Your grandchildren will cherish this relic more than the $30 to $50 that it’s currently worth.