Reader flags down toy taxi

Dear Collector: To the best of my knowledge, this Amos ‘n’ Andy car was given to me by my uncle some 70 years ago. It is in remarkable condition, considering; going forward and stopping to wiggle from side to side, then continuing on its way. Unfortunately, the passenger is missing. Will you please provide any background and value?

Debuting in 1928, the radio program was an instant hit, establishing the stock character roster that is still in use today: a conniver with an intrusive mother-in-law, the ne’er-do-well but nice neighbor, and a blustering, bragging bumbler. Transfering to TV in the early 1950s, it lasted in syndication until 1966 when social changes permanently shelved it. Your 1930 tin taxi made by Marx toys, driven by Amos Brown, is also missing his pet dog, Vanilla. Taking these losses into consideration, I’d say it’s now worth about $250.

Dear Collector: I would like to know if a 1935 one dollar silver certificate is worth any money?

In good condition, $4.50.

Dear Collector: Are these football ticket stubs and program worth anything?

Billed as the “World Championship Game: AFL vs. NFL,” this was in fact Super Bowl I, which was held on Jan. 15, 1967, at Los Angeles. Winner Green Bay held Kansas City to ten points. MVP Bart Starr passed for 250 yards, including two touchdowns. Conservative estimate on the value of your program is $350, while the tickets are about $400 each.

Dear Collector: What can you tell me about this “Flying Nun” doll? Who made it and when?

I found your 12-inch high Hasbro doll, based on a character portrayed by actress Sally Field in 1967, listed in “Collector’s Guide to Celebrity Dolls” (Collector Books, 2002, $24.95). David Longest, the author, assigns it a value of $75.

Dear Collector: Was there ever a porcelain company called “CREG?” I’ve an old platter that has that mark in a wreath with the words “Royal Austria.”

I think you’re referring to Oscar & Edgar Gutherz (C&EG), who manufactured items for export to the U.S. between the years 1889 and 1918.

Dear Collector: I have a “Pete Kelly’s Blues” record with Jack Webb, the “Dragnet” guy, on the cover. Is it valuable?

You have a 1959 reissue of the 1955 RCA Victor LP that is worth $5 to $7.

Dear Collector: Sorry about the poor quality photo. Hope you can make out the Mickey Mouse alarm clock? Do you know how old it is?

Your Ingersoll timepiece was made sometime in the 1940s.

Dear Collector: Was it worth it to keep my “Man From U.N.C.L.E.” lunchbox?

If I remember correctly, the avuncular acronym stood for “United Network Command for Law and Enforcement.” Starring Robert Vaughn and David McCallum (who are pictured on the front of your 1966 King Seeley Thermos product), this spy spoof series ran from 1964 to 1968. The lunchbox alone is priced at $300 in one reference, while the matching bottle goes for $110.

Recommended reading: “Antique Trader Cameras & Photographica” edited by Kyle Husfloen (Krause, 2004, $19.99). “Instant Expert: Collecting Political Memorabilia,” Richard Friz (House of Collectibles, 2004, $12.95).