Would WWII newspapers be worth much?
Q: I have a series of old newspapers from the 1940s featuring news about Hitler, the bombing of Pearl Harbor and other war-related stories. Do they have any value? — Kathleen, Bradenton, Fla.
A: Most old newspapers have little or no value in the collectible marketplace. There are exceptions, however. If you have an actual copy of the Honolulu paper published the day following the Japanese attack, the Memphis Commercial Appeal death issue of Elvis Presley or the “Dewey Defeats Truman” edition of the Chicago Tribune, you have a rare collectible. Otherwise, most older newspapers sell for less than $10 each.
Two established vintage newspaper dealers are Phil Barber, P.O. Box 8694, Boston, MA 02114; and Rick Brown, 6031 Winterset, Lansing, MI 48911.
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Q: I have a piece of paper money that is fractional currency in the amount of three cents. It is dated 1863. Can you help me find out its value? — Bill, Southington, Conn.
A: You need the services of a good coin dealer. Allen G. Berman buys, sells and appraises coins and currency in your area. His address is P.O. Box 605, Fairfield, CT 06430. For a second opinion, contact Jim Fehr, Ellesmere Numismatics, P.O. Box 402, Brookfield, CT 06804.
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Q: I have a 1932 image of Donald Duck. The colors are still bright and vivid. Who can I contact who might be interested in it? — Margaret, Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, Canada
A: One of the better clubs is the National Fantasy Fan Club for Disneyana Collectors and Enthusiasts, P.O. Box 19212, Irvine, CA 92713. Ted Hake is an expert. His address is c/o Hake’s Americana and Collectibles Auction, P.O. Box 1444, York, PA 17405.
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TIP OF THE WEEK: Never accept the first offer when selling an antique or collectible. A case in point is a California woman who took two quilts to a dealer. She was offered $175 for both. Several days later, she contacted a second dealer who shelled out $475 for the quilts, $300 more than the first offer. It always pays to take your time and, of course, do your homework.