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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Don’t Flinch, it’s only a low-valued game


This 1963 boxed card game manufactured by Parker Brothers isn't worth much.
 (The Spokesman-Review)
Glenn Erardi Special to The Spokesman-Review

Dear Collector: Enclosed is a photo of a card game called Flinch made in 1963 by Parker Brothers. Can you give me some info on this game?

Designed and copyrighted in 1901 by A. J. Patterson, who licensed it to Parker Brothers in 1904, Flinch falls into the “stockpile” game category, where a deck of 150 cards are dealt to 2-8 players, who must then dispose of their stack to win. Current value on your edition is modest, about $5.

Dear Collector: Could you please tell me something about this elephant clock that’s been in my family for more than 65 years?

Referred to as a “swinger,” because its mechanism swings from the bronze elephant’s trunk, this timepiece which is possibly made in the late 1800s by Junghans of Germany, could be worth almost $800. If this maker’s name isn’t on the dial, then you have a reproduction worth far less.

Dear Collector: I traded a new George Foreman grill for this “Gomer Pyle” comic book. Did I make a good deal?

“Gol-lee!” If you figure that this 1966 Gold Key comic is listed in one price catalogue at almost $100, then you certainly did!

Dear Collector: This fish shaped vase has hung on a wall at my mother’s house since the year zero. When and where was it made?

Clearly marked “Tropic Treasures by Ceramicraft, San Clemente, Calif.,” an example of your 1950s wall pocket can be found in “California Pottery Scrapbook” (Collector Books, 2005, $29.95) by Jack Chipman.

Dear Collector: Is there any value to this 1924 silver dollar?

The accompanying photos are so clear, I can make out the S for San Francisco mint mark just below the eagle on the reverse of your Peace Dollar. Almost two million coins of this denomination were struck at that mint in 1924, while another eleven million came from Philadelphia. Since so many have survived, current value is about $8-$10.

Dear Collector: My grandfather recently gave me this Flash Gordon button; he doesn’t remember where or when he got it, but it’s been in his possession for years. How much is it worth?

Research shows this to be one of seven pinbacks produced in 1934 for King Features, the newspaper syndicator of Alex Raymond’s then futuristic comic strip, “Flash Gordon.” I assume Dale Arden, Dr. Zarkov, and Ming the Merciless would have been some of the other characters featured in this group. Due to its poor condition, your litho button is only worth $20.

Dear Collector: Is there any story behind this Coca-Cola bottle opener; I’m not sure what the square hole is for?

Dating from the first quarter of the 20th century, this opener/skate key combo is now valued at $125.

Dear Collector: We’ve had this old Argus camera since the 1950s, but have not used it in years. The box and instructions are long gone; does that matter?

Missing paperwork and packaging greatly reduce overall worth; and in the case of your circa 1950 Model C3 camera, price drops from a possible $40 to about $20.

Recommended reading: “Maloney’s Antiques & Collectibles Resource Directory,” David J. Maloney, Jr. (Antique Trader Books, 2003, $32.99). “Instant Expert: Collecting American Folk Art,” Helaine Fendelman & Susan Kleckner (House of Collectibles, 2004, $12.95). “Crackle Glass,” Stan & Arlene Weitman (Collector Books, 2005, $24.95).