Old Knife A Cut Above The Rest

Dear Collector: Enclosed is a photo of some sort of knife that has the letters USMC stamped on the blade. How old is it, is it military, and does it have any value?

An adaptation of the Filipino bolo and used to clear brush in the manner of a machete, this Marine Corps knife dates from the second World War, perhaps earlier. Weighing in at 5 pounds and sturdy enough to cut down small trees, it also makes a very formidable weapon. Rust seems to have gotten the better of the blade, so you should gently clean and oil it. Current value is about $50. If you have the original canvas sheath, make it $80.

Dear Collector: I have a paperweight that my great-grandmother purchased at the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Could you tell me if it has any value?

There were more than a dozen glass paperweights from that Chicago exhibition. Most are now in the $30-$45 range, though several unique ones are worth close to $100.

Dear Collector: I found a Roy Rogers Lucky Piece in my jewelry box.

Issued in conjunction with his popular television show in the 1950s, this pocket piece pictures Roy on one side and his horse, Trigger, on the other. Since there are many of these charms still around, yours is now valued at only $5.

Dear Collector: We’ve had a Guhl & Harbeck pencil sharpener in our family for years. Is it worth anything?

Manufactured in Germany, your 1890s Jupiter Pencil Pointer could be worth as much as $200.

Dear Collector: In cleaning out my grandmother’s attic, we came across clear red glasses and dishes we are quite sure came from a local theater over 60 years ago. The only marking is a gold sticker that says Royal Ruby.

Manufactured by Anchor Hocking Glass Corp. beginning in 1938, this dinnerware was offered as an inducement to patronize movie houses; a new piece was given out on a weekly basis. “Depression glass,” as collectors call it, came in hundreds of different patterns and colors, and was made right up until the 1960s. You didn’t mention the specific types of pieces you have, but some Royal Ruby items go for $40-$50 each.

Dear Collector: Here is the mark on an old piece of china that I have. I would appreciate it if you could tell me anything about the company?

You’ve sketched the logo of Heber & Co., a Bavarian porcelain factory in business from 1900 to 1922.

Dear Collector: I have a hardcover first edition “Tom Swift and his Flying Lab” dated 1954.

This is first of the “New Tom Swift Jr. Adventures” series and was published by Grosset. With original dust jacket, it’s worth $15-$20.

Dear Collector: I found this odd thing in the attic of an old farmhouse, behind the rafters. It has no markings on it. Can you tell me what it is?

What you have is an old bug trap. That’s more than likely why it was in the rafters, catching bugs. Silverfish or roaches are attracted by sugar water in the base, enter through a hole in the top, and then are unable to climb back up the sloping entrance.