License plates worth anything?

Sun., Dec. 26, 2004

Larry Cox King Features Syndicate

Q: We have a 1976 automobile license plate issued by Pennsylvania. The plate’s numbers and one letter are all inverted, an obvious mistake. Who can we contact to find out if it has any value? — Robert, Sarasota, Fla.

A: I suggest you contact the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, 7365 Main St., No. 214, Stratford, CT 06614. For a second opinion, Conrad Hughson is a dealer who specializes in older or unusual license plates. His address is P.O. Box 941, Brattleboro, VT 05302.

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Q: I have several dozen records, mostly mint and popular music, issued during the 1960s and ‘70s. Can you help me find out how much they might be worth? — B.P., Auburn, Calif.

A: I recommend you invest in at least one or two reference books that list values. Two of the more popular ones are the Goldmine Price Guide to 45 RPM Records by Tim Neely (Krause Publications, $24.99), and The Official Price Guide to Records by Jerry Osborne (House of Collectibles, $20). Both are comprehensive, easy to use and written by experts.

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Q: I have a walking stick with an elaborate gold head. It was inscribed for a lodge member in 1903. Where can I find out how much it is worth? — Larry, Spicer, Minn.

A: Two walking stick dealers that might be helpful are Henry Taron, Tradewinds Antiques and Auctions, 24 Magnolia Ave., P.O. Box 249, Manchester, Mass. 01944; and Leila Nelson, World of the Walking Stick, P.O. Box 1004, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632. There is also the Cane Collectors Club of America, 2 Horizon Road, Suite G18, Fort Lee, NJ 07024.

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