What Should One Do With Old Magazines?

Dear Collector: I have a lot of old magazines. Is there a library, museum, or some place that can benefit from them? It is a shame to let them rot in a box.

The first thing I would do is check my local public library. They may have a special collections section that could house your vintage periodicals. Another alternative is to donate your magazines to a local worthy charity’s auction. Many small foundations would appreciate such a contribution. In either case, don’t forget to get a receipt for about $16 (per magazine) for tax purposes.

Dear Collector: I have two silver dollars dated 1921. I was wondering if there was any value to them?

This was the last year the government minted the Liberty Head or Morgan Type coin, which was first issued in 1878. The Peace Type dollar was also introduced in 1921 and was produced until 1935. Total number of coins released tops the 85 million mark. The older type coin sells for $10-$25, while the newer mintage goes for at least twice that.

Dear Collector: Could you please tell me how much I might expect to get for an old “Griswold” No. 8 cast iron skillet?

Still in business, over the last 100-plus years Griswold has manufactured many types of skillets. Current value is determined by age, and age is determined by markings on the bottom of the pan. Since you didn’t include this information in your letter, I cannot help you.

Dear Collector: I have a book I would like to know a bit about: “The Eight Day” by Thornton Wilder, copyright 1967, first edition.

According to the latest edition of Huxford’s “Old Books” (Collector Books, 2000, $19.95), your Wilder novel published by Harper & Row is worth about $45.

Dear Collector: Enclosed is a picture of a flower bowl marked “Hull, #51.” Could you please give me a possible value?

Part of Hull’s “Continental” line manufactured in the 1950s, this boat-shaped piece is selling at $10-$20.

Dear Collector: My question is about Vincent Van Gogh. What makes this artist so well-known, and why are his paintings so respected?

No pat answer for this one. Art means different things to different people. To paraphrase Dante Gabriel Rossetti: “Perception is what makes the difference in art.”

Dear Collector: I was recently given a porcelain figurine. On the bottom it says “Nippon” and some other words I cannot make out, but the first one looks like “Hana” or “Mana.” The second is “aintea.” I cannot make out the first letter of this word.

Goods from Japan were marked “Nippon” from 1891 to 1921, so we can date your figurine from those three decades.

The other words should be: “Hand Painted,” a term that appeared on many Japanese exports at that time. However, I cannot tell you which company made your article, since so many potteries used variations of these markings.

Recommended reading: “Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide” (Krause, 2000, $17.95). A very good general reference guide in a large (8.5 x 11) paperback format with more than 600 pages and hundreds of black and white illustrations. Not strong on any one subject but covers hundreds of items from “ABC” plates to “Zsolnay” pottery, with index and references for many of the listed collectibles.

* Prices quoted reflect retail values and, as with many antiques and collectibles, these values vary. Readers are encouraged to submit questions with photos to: The Collector, P.O. Box 878, North Andover, MA 01845, or e-mail Gerardi01@aol.com. Please don’t ask us to suggest a buyer for your goods. Sorry, photos cannot be returned and will become the property of The Collector. We cannot provide personal replies; selected letters will be answered in this column.