Appraisal Should Rev The Engine

Fri., Sept. 17, 1999

Glenn Erardi Special To The

* Dear Collector: The picture enclosed is that of a child’s Chevrolet Corvette “427 Turbo” Stingray. We received it in 1967 or ‘68 from a Chevy dealership. It is 8 inches high and 24 inches long, made of plastic with steel axles and chassis. The horn is battery powered. We also have the box that it came in.

A product of Republic Tool & Die Corp., Los Angeles, this ride-on toy Stingray is now worth at least $150. Meant to be ridden on, hence the oversize steering wheel, this toy would appeal to collectors of toys or automobilia as well as Corvette fans, making it a crossover collectible. The “427” refers to the amount of horsepower — 427 of ‘em!

* Dear Collector: I have a pair of ceramic candlesticks marked “Epiag,” and signed “E. Wilkinson, 1926.” Does such handiwork make these valuable?

Made in Bohemia (Czechoslovakia), your hand-painted candlesticks are easy to place, since they are dated by the decorator. Adorned in the beautiful “Art Nouveau” style, with a current value of $300 or more for the pair, these porcelain holders were produced by Epiag (which was in operation from 1920-1939), and then probably shipped to England or the States, where they were decorated.

* Dear Collector: I recently bought a toy stationary steam engine in its original box. It was made by Wilco in West Germany. It has one cylinder, with a sight-glass, funnel for adding water, whistle and wrench. Included is a packet of “Esprit” combustible sticks, also in the original box. Can you give me any information on this?

It’s less a toy than a functioning power plant to operate a series of tools: table saw, drill press, etc. Your “Straco” steam engine was offered in many task-appropriate sizes, with accessories. Condition is an important factor in determining value, and since this mini engine is in such pristine order, an auction price of at least $250 could be realized.

* Dear Collector: I have a set of eight Tarzan books written by Edgar Rice Burroughs and published by Grosset & Dunlap. I have been unable to get any information on them. I don’t think they are first editions, but I’m not sure. I thought perhaps you could help me.

Check out my book: “Guide to Tarzan Collectibles.” It should help answer your questions regarding the value and dating of Tarzan books.

* Dear Collector: I have a white penny, it looks to be a 1942 or 1943. Is it worth anything?

Due to a shortage of copper necessitated by the war in 1943, the Treasury Department produced a zinc-coated steel penny (over 1 billion, in fact). In mint condition, these “white” pennies sell for $4-$5 tops.

* Dear Collector: We have a 36- by 46-inch print signed by William Shayer, titled: “Half-Way House.” Do you know if there is any interest in such prints?

Shayer (1788-1879) was an English artist who favored rural scenes. Prints from his original works are still being marketed today. With a minimum value of $10 or so, current editions are available on Internet auctions. Even vintage prints (unless provenance proves otherwise) very rarely exceed the hundred-dollar range.

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