Loud clacker was once used by police

Fri., Dec. 17, 2004

Glenn Erardi Special to The Spokesman-Review

Dear Collector: This noisemaker was around the house when I was growing up in the 1930s. I remember using it to celebrate New Year’s Eve; it makes an extremely loud noise, sounds almost like firecrackers or gunshots. I have no idea what the initials, “P.D. W.D.” engraved into it mean, but I’m guessing that it was a gift to a wife or husband?

Nowadays considered a toy, this clacker was an important part of many a policeman’s equipment in the 19th century, hence the police department (P.D.) abbreviation on its frame (although I like your story about the husband and wife connection). Meant to be heard at long distances; when sounded it would have summoned assistance for an officer in distress. Similar examples were used well into the first part of the 20th century and are now worth almost $200.

Dear Collector: Our mother told us that this piece of “Y.P.” porcelain was brought over from England by her grandmother. She further stated that it was made by a Mr. Yelton, who was her granny’s uncle. How can we find out if there’s any truth to this story?

Bubble bursting time: The initials stand for “Ynysmedw Pottery,” a Welsh (not English) concern located in Swansea and operated in the 1850s (when this Kyber design ironstone platter was made) by the Williams brothers. Sorry, not a Yelton in sight!

Dear Collector: Do you know the maker of this small MIJ doll marked “1146,” and when it was made?

Described as a baby or child, this Nancy Ann Storybook “Made in Japan” toy dates from about 1937.

Dear Collector: What’s this 1896 Liberian coin worth?

Liberia, a small West African country established in 1822, uses coinage based on the decimal system. Your one-cent piece appears in “Standard Catalog of World Coins: 1801-1900” (Krause, 2004, $60.00) edited by Colin R. Bruce II. Value is placed at $3.50-$7.50.

Dear Collector: I have a Crosley Playtime Model 124 grandfather clock/radio and would like to know its value?

A household name during the “Golden Age” of radio, Crosley produced low-cost sets for millions of Americans. Your 1931 dual function apparatus could be worth as much as $500 if both work.

Dear Collector: Someone who lived in our house must have been a Boy Scout in the 1920s and ‘30s because we found books left in the attic. What value does “The Boy Scouts on Swift River” have?

Creator of Peter Rabbit, Burgess (1874-1965) also wrote a number of boys’ books, including four with scout themes. Your novel, published in 1913 by Penn, is now valued at $5.

Dear Collector: We have nearly a full eight-place service of this Homer Laughlin dinnerware. What is the pattern name, and what’s it worth?

Introduced by this maker of Fiesta Ware in 1951, Suntone has a red-brown body set off by white handles. Since I don’t know exactly how many pieces you have, all I can give you is the current price guide value for a cup & saucer, which is $10-$14.

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