Old Jar Worth More Than Just Peanuts

* Dear Collector: I would like to know how old this jar is, and if it’s worth anything? It has been in my family for years and is now used as a cookie jar.

About 50 years old, this “Tom’s” store display is a popular collectible for which enthusiasts are willing to shell out $45-$50.

* Dear Collector: Is a series 1935A dollar bill with “Hawaii” printed on both sides of any value?

In the summer of 1942, all U.S. currency in Hawaii was exchanged for new money with brown treasury seals and overprinted in black with “Hawaii.” In case the enemy invaded the islands, they would not be able to use our currency to underwrite their war machine. These dollar bills are now worth $4 to $20, more if the bills were uncirculated.

* Dear Collector: Several months ago, for $7 I acquired a Japanese woodblock print dated 1959. It is a bust of Shiva, who has two heads and four arms, on a red background. On the border is the signature of Shiro Kasamatsu. Could you tell me a little about the artist and what the piece may be worth?

I found your print listed on page 132 of “Collector’s Guide to Japanese Woodblock Prints” (Krause, 2000, $26.95). Author Sandra Andacht tells us that signed limited editions of “Ashura,” the correct name of this piece, could be worth as much as $1,200.

* Dear Collector: How can I find out something about my Laughlin commode set?

“Collector’s Encyclopedia of Homer Laughlin China” by Joanne Jasper (Collector Books, 1999, $24.95) contains many color photos, a history, and current prices for these wares.

* Dear Collector: I’d like some info on artist Anthony Thieme.

An Englishman, Thieme (1888-1954) worked primarily in oils. During a 1997 auction in New York, one of his landscapes sold for over $8,000.

* Dear Collector: I have two blue plates; one showing The Capitol in Washington, D.C., and the other has Independence Hall on it. Both are marked “R&M” with a “C” below that.

Collectors call this type of ware “historical” because it depicts places and scenes prominent in history. The majority was made in Staffordshire, England, as was yours, which was imported into the U.S. by Rowland & Marsellus Co. early in the 20th century.

* Dear Collector: I have a Hopalong Cassidy pocketknife. Where can I find its value?

A Hammer Brand knife made in Providence, R.I., this dates from Hoppy’s television years in the 1950s. If it’s in great shape, then it could be worth as much as $50.

* Dear Collector: Is there an organization dedicated to playing cards?

Here’s one of many: Playing Card Collectors Association, 33 Avelon St., Roundlake, Ill. 60074.

* Dear Collector: I have a 1914 edition of “Tarzan of the Apes” published by Grosset & Dunlap. The book is in new condition and has never been read. Is there any value to this book?

The reason that your Edgar Rice Burroughs classic appears to be in an unread condition is because it probably is new! G&D, a reprint publisher, first printed this book in 1927, and released as many as five more editions until the 1970s. The copyright applies to the original publisher, McClurg, and for some confounding reason many other editions carry the 1914 date.