Big Bucks Are On Tap For Beer Sign
Dear Collector: Enclosed is a photo of a lighted mechanical Hamm’s Beer sign, approximately 34 inches by 18 inches. The scene changes every five minutes. Where can I find out what it might be worth?
Considered a cross-collectible, appealing to fans of advertising, as well as collectors of breweriana — collectibles associated with beer and brewing — this sign could easily sell for $500 or more at auction. There’s even a book dedicated to items from this brewery; see “The Paws of Refreshment: A History of Hamm’s Beer Advertising” by Moira Harris.
* Dear Collector: Forty years ago my wife purchased a United States edition of “The International Celebrity Register, 1959.” I would like to know the value of this book.
Containing the photo, biography and mailing address of nearly 3,500 persons deemed to be a celebrity, this registry is a little out of date. It does, however, make for an interesting read, just to see who the celebrities were back then. Like fashion, celebrities change with the seasons. Copies of this 864-page book now sell for around $10.
* Dear Collector: I have a wooden box with velvet lining in which there is “The Perfecscope.” I would appreciate any information you can give me on this.
A steriopticon, or stereo viewer, the Perfecscope in your possession was patented in 1895. Made from wood and aluminum (considered an exotic metal at that time), Perfecscopes have a holder in which cards with dual image photographs, side by side, are seen through a set of lenses, creating the illusion of 3-D. Since you have the original box and nearly 100 cards, the current value on this relic of the “Gilded Age” is $200-$250.
* Dear Collector: I have an antique bank. The 4-by-4 inch block of thick, clear glass, with a coin slot in the top, is marked “Save with Standard, Buy War Bonds.” There are also two chevrons. It’s about half filled with coins: Liberty dimes, Indian head pennies and buffalo nickels, but I can find no way to open it. Could you please give me an idea of the bank’s worth — and how to open it?
Dating from WWII, this Standard Oil promotional bank isn’t an antique yet, but it’s worth $40-$50. The coins can be removed by inserting the blade of a butter knife in the slot and jiggling the coins back out the opening. From your description, it’s possible that the contents will realize a greater value than the bank itself.
* Dear Collector: I was wondering if you could tell me about my dark brown Clorox bottles? I have eight 1-gallon jugs and a 1-quart bottle.
Not much interest in these right now, the gallon-sized containers sell for just $5 apiece. But you can never tell what may be the hot collectible of the future, so don’t throw them away.
* Dear Collector: Can you date my grandmother’s teapot?
Sure, but don’t tell my wife! On second thought, with an English Registry mark of 1884, your granny’s teapot is just a bit too long in the tooth for me. It’s an antique, while I’m only vintage.