G.I. Joe was a national hit

Q: I have one of the original G.I. Joes. Who can I contact to find out its value? — Hubert, Cap Pele, NB, Canada

A: First some background, so ATTEN-SHUN!! G.I. Joe was introduced by Hasbro during the summer of 1964. The figures were first test-marketed in New York and quickly triggered a national campaign. G.I. Joe proved to be such a hit, a fan club was started just before the Christmas season of 1964, and an astonishing 150,000 kids lined up at toy counters to enlist. Brian Savage is president of the G.I. Joe Collectors Club, 225 Cattle Barron Parc Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76108.

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Q: I have an old board game of Major League Baseball that was patented in 1912. It has a spin wheel with an arrow, similar to a roulette gambling game. I would like to find out how much it might be worth. — Julius, Montevideo, Minn.

A: Board games are always in demand. Mark Cooper is the owner of Baseball Games and Memorabilia and an expert in his field. He is especially interested in baseball board games and has written the definitive text on the subject. His address is 816 Chauncey Road, Narberth, PA 19072. For a second opinion, you might also want to contact collector Bill Smith, 56 Locust St., East Douglas, MA 01516. It is always a good idea to include a self-addressed, stamped envelop when contacting sources listed in this column.

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Tip of the Week

When a price seems too good to be true, it usually is. Be careful and always do your homework.